THE ORAL-SYSTEMIC INTERFACE IN SEVERE MENTAL ILLNESS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF DIETARY PRO-OXIDANT PATTERNS AND BIO-CLINICAL INTERSECTIONS IN PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA

Authors

  • Ecaterina BURLUI Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Romania
  • G. DASCALESCU Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Romania
  • A. CIOBICA Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Romania
  • V. BURLUI “Ioan Haulica” Institute, Apollonia University, Iasi, Romania
  • B. V. STEFANESCU Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, Romania
  • Daniela TOMITA “Ioan Haulica” Institute, Apollonia University, Iasi, Romania

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22551/

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the nutritional pathways and lifestyle behaviors that bridge psychiatric symptomatology and oral pathological outcomes, specifically focusing on the role of dietary-induced oxidative stress in patients with schizophrenia compared to a healthy control group. Materials and methods: A comparative cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 40 participants (20 patients with schizophrenia and 20 demographically matched controls). Nutritional habits, antioxidant intake and pro-inflammatory food frequencies were assessed using validated questionnaires. Data were statistically analyzed to identify significant divergences in consumption patterns. Results: Patients with schizophrenia showed a significantly lower intake of dietary fiber compared to controls (1.65 ± 1.51 vs. 2.80 ± 1.92, p = 0.041). Significant increases were observed in the consumption of fried foods (p = 0.029) and processed items (p = 0.048). Although antioxidant and fruit intake followed a downward trend, they did not reach the significance threshold, contributing to a documented pro-oxidant dietary environment. Conclusions: The results confirm a compromised “gut-brain-mouth” axis in schizophrenia. The dietary-induced pro-oxidant environment serves as a systemic driver for oral degradation, necessitating integrated psychiatric and dental management.

Author Biographies

  • Ecaterina BURLUI, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Romania

    “Ioan Haulica” Institute, Apollonia University, Iasi, Romania

  • G. DASCALESCU, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Romania

    “Ioan Haulica” Institute, Apollonia University, Iasi, Romania

  • A. CIOBICA, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Romania

    Ioan Haulica” Institute, Apollonia University, Iasi, Romania
    Academy of Romanian Scientists, Bucharest, Romania
    “Olga Necrasov” Center, Romanian Academy, Iasi, Romania

  • V. BURLUI, “Ioan Haulica” Institute, Apollonia University, Iasi, Romania

    Academy of Romanian Scientists, Bucharest, Romania

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Additional Files

Published

2026-04-01

Issue

Vol. 130 No. 1 (2026): The Medical-Surgical Journal

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INTERNAL MEDICINE - PEDIATRICS

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