Many studies can be cited when it comes to the importance of omega-3 essential fatty acids, but more research is being done now showing the dangers of elevated omega-6 essential fatty acids. Scientists at Queens University Belfast and elsewhere discovered that young adults with persistently high omega-6 levels compared to omega-3 and low levels of the specific omega-3 DHA had more psychotic episodes than their peers whose levels remained average.

These episodes included thoughts of paranoia or hearing sounds others cannot, as well as negative symptoms of psychosis like a loss of interest in activities, flattening of emotions and social withdrawal.

"We've found an interesting link between higher ratios of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids during childhood and adolescence and an increase in experiences of psychosis in adulthood," said Dr. Ben Perry from the University of Cambridge. "We don't yet know why this should be the case, but nor do we believe people should be concerned by these findings. Omega-6 fatty acids as part of a balanced diet are important nutrients and we would not recommend people cut them out of their diets. We hope future research will explore this possible link between diet and mental health in more detail."

The data came from blood tests of more than 3,500 participants over a span of 17 years. The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) is also known as the "Children of the 90s." study. It was conducted originally by the University of Bristol and involved testing the fatty acid levels of participants at the ages of 7, 15, 17, and 24 years of age.

Foods high in omega-3 include fish and seafood as well as some nuts and seeds. Omega-6 is more prevalent in the diets of most people and comes from sunflower, soy, sesame and corn oils. It is commonly found in fast foods and highly processed foods.

"This inaugural study is important because the results suggest that optimizing fatty acid status during crucial stages of development, whether through diet or supplementation, warrants further investigation in relation to reducing psychotic symptoms in early adulthood," said Queens researcher Dr. David Mongan.

Click here to read more in the journal Biological Psychiatry.