Depression is a common mental health disorder that affects many people worldwide. Effective treatments are available, but they do not work for everyone, so some people look to dietary supplements to try and alleviate symptoms. But do they have any effect? Medical News Today looked at the latest research and asked experts whether supplements might be of benefit to people with depression.
Depression is a lasting feeling of sadness, emptiness, or an inability to feel pleasure that usually happens for no obvious reason. According to the
According to the WHO, global estimates suggest that 3,8% of people experience depression. Women are more likely than men to experience depressive episodes, and the risk of depression is slightly higher in those over 60 years old.
The number of people with depression has been steadily increasing: In the United States, in 2020, almost
These symptoms often include:
- depressed mood
- loss of interest in almost all activities
- significant unintentional weight loss/gain, or decrease/increase appetite changes
- sleep disturbance
- tiredness
- a sense of worthlessness
- impaired ability to think or concentrate
- suicidal thoughts.
Suicide prevention
If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:
- Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
- Listen to the person without judgment.
- Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
- Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
- Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects if it’s safe to do so.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
Depression may be treated with medications and/ or psychological therapies. The type of treatment depends on the severity of the depressive symptoms.
Antidepressant medications are generally
The first line of treatment is usually
Although these drugs are better tolerated than the older
If SSRIs are ineffective, doctors may prescribe other antidepressants, but some of them carry an even greater
However, people often find it difficult to access these therapies, with a study from the University of Oxford reporting that fewer than 5% of people with depression and anxiety were receiving them in the United Kingdom.
Some
“There is some evidence suggesting that certain dietary supplements may have a beneficial effect in alleviating depressive symptoms. However, it’s important to note that supplements should not be considered a standalone treatment for depression, and their effectiveness may vary among individuals.”
– Sebnem Unluisler, genetic engineer at the London Regenerative Institute
The evidence for benefits from supplements varies widely, with some showing no benefit and studies suggesting that others may have a beneficial effect in the treatment of depression.
The MooDFOOD study looked at supplements and depression in 1,000 people with overweight and obesity at elevated risk of depression.
In 2019, it concluded that daily intake of nutritional supplements containing folic acid, vitamin D, zinc, and selenium was no better at preventing major depressive episodes than a placebo.
They suggested instead that for people with overweight and obesity, weight loss and following a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, could help with symptoms of depression.
Some supplements, however, have been shown to help alleviate symptoms, particularly when used as an adjunct to other treatments, such as psychological therapies or antidepressants.
A 2022 meta-analysis of 41 studies suggested that vitamin D might benefit people with depression. Although there was variation between studies, in general, 50 micrograms or more of vitamin D per day were more effective than a placebo in alleviating depression symptoms.
Unluisler explained to Medical News Today why vitamin D might have a positive effect.
“One possible mechanism is that vitamin D may influence the production and regulation of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which play a role in mood regulation,“ she told us. “Furthermore, vitamin D receptors are present in brain regions associated with depression.”
Another
Studies have also suggested that low iron may accentuate depressive symptoms, with links observed between anemia and depression.
One
Iron deficiency does not always cause anemia, but may still cause other symptoms including depression, so for those with low iron levels and depression, iron supplementation may be beneficial.
Other studies have looked at the effect of pro- and prebiotics — foods and food supplements that enhance a person’s
“Prebiotics and probiotics can modulate the gut microbiota, which in turn can influence the production of neurotransmitters and other signaling molecules that affect brain function and mood. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory effects of prebiotics and probiotics may contribute to their potential impact on mental health.”
– Sebnem Unluisler
A 2019 review of studies concluded that pre- and probiotics might have some benefit in the management of depression. The researchers suggest that, pending further investigation, such dietary supplements could be used as an adjunctive treatment for people with depression.
Now, a
In the 8-week study, half the sample (24 people) received capsules 4 times a day containing 14 different probiotics. The rest received identical placebo capsules.
There was some reduction in depression symptoms in both groups, but after 4 weeks on the treatment, the probiotic group showed a greater response.
As the probiotic was well tolerated, with no serious adverse effects, the researchers suggest it could be a useful additional therapy for those with major depressive disorder.
There is some evidence that supplements may be helpful to people with depression, but Dr. Thomas MacLaren, consultant psychiatrist at Re:Cognition Health, cautioned:
“It’s important that you don’t take supplements as a substitute for the medical treatment of your depression. However, they may be taken as a complementary approach in conjunction with medical treatment, such as medication or therapy.”
“Research on the use of supplements for depression is ongoing. Recent studies have provided mixed results, highlighting the need for further investigation to determine the effectiveness and safety of specific supplements,” he added.
Even natural supplements can have safety concerns, particularly for those taking other medications.
Other supplements that have shown some benefit in studies can also have adverse effects.
Dr. MacLaren advised: “People should be aware of potential side effects, interactions with medications, and the lack of sufficient scientific evidence supporting the benefits of supplements for depression. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements.”
Unluisler agreed that consulting a doctor is vital: “Healthcare professionals need to be aware of all the supplements a person is taking to assess their safety and potential interactions with prescribed medications. Some supplements may interact with certain antidepressants or other medications, affecting their effectiveness or causing adverse effects.”
It looks like the strongest evidence for benefit without risk of side effects is for probiotics, but following a healthy, varied diet that is high in fruit, vegetables, and fermented foods may also possibly have beneficial effects by encouraging a healthy microbiome.
Some people may find taking a supplement reassuring — and whether it has any actual benefit, the placebo effect can be enough to help alleviate symptoms. Provided people follow the advice of their healthcare professional, supplements are unlikely to do harm.
However, as Dr. MacLaren told us: “The overall evidence is still inconclusive. It is therefore important to think twice before investing money in a special supplement. Focus on a balanced and healthy diet.”