You are what you eat: of fish, fat and folate in late-life psychiatric disorders.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There has been increasing research into the role of nutritional factors in mood and cognitive disorders in later life. This review evaluates findings from recent research for the role and effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and B vitamins in mood and cognitive disorders in later life.

RECENT FINDINGS: Epidemiological studies, including genetic epidemiological ones, continue to provide support for the role of folate and/or vitamin B12 in mood disorders in later life. However, evidence from recent randomized controlled trials for the effect of these B vitamins and n-3 PUFAs is modest. There is little robust evidence for the effect of these nutrients on cognitive disorders in later life.

SUMMARY: Larger randomized controlled trials allowing more appropriate meta-analyses are required to further evaluate current findings. Additionally, methods derived from research in geriatric medicine may assist in conceptualizing a role for these nutrients.