Vitamins Supplements & Herbs For Depression
There is quite an array of vitamins, supplements, and herbs one can try to help with depression symptoms. As with all alternative medicine and home remedies, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not require testing for safety or efficacy of any of these possible depression treatments. While they are manufactured according to food-grade safety standards, some research has found that the active ingredient levels in supplements may vary. Always purchase your supplements and vitamins from legitimate sources, and try to stick to recognizable or well-reviewed brands.
Who Should Avoid Supplements For Anxiety
Experts stress the importance of always reviewing and discussing any new supplement aimed at easing anxiety with a licensed and knowledgeable medical practitioner before starting them.
Anything powerful enough to have a beneficial effect must also have the power to have a negative effect as well, explains Dr. Bauer.
There are potential side effects and even dangers to taking supplements for anxiety for the following people:
- People taking certain medications that might interfere or interact with certain supplements.
- People with other mental health conditions or medical conditions, where supplementation may make existing stress and anxiety-induced symptoms worse or cause new symptoms.
- People with severe anxiety who need access to immediate treatment.
- People who are pregnant or breastfeeding .
In my personal practice, I encourage my patients to work with a variety of mind-body practices for at least three months before we consider supplements, notes Dr. Bauer.
The Bottom Line On Taking Vitamins For Anxiety And Depression
When it comes to taking vitamins for anxiety and depression, the bottom line is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. While some people may find that vitamins and supplements can help to alleviate their symptoms, others may not find them to be as effective. Ultimately, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional to see if taking vitamins for anxiety and depression is right for you.
Recommended Reading: What Vitamin Is Good For Pimples
Vitamin B6 Supplements Reduces Anxiety Depression In New Study
Participants took about 50 times higher than the recommended daily allowance every day for a month, investigators say
Taking high-dose vitamin B6 tablets has been shown to reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, according to the results of a study conducted by University of Reading investigators.
In the study, investigators aimed to measure the impact of high-dose vitamin B6 on young adults. They found that they reported feeling less anxious and depressed after taking the supplements every day for a month.
The study results, published in Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, showed evidence to support the use of supplements to modify levels of activity in the brain to prevent or treat mood disorders.
The functioning of the brain relies on a delicate balance between the excitatory neurons that carry information around and inhibitory ones, which prevent runaway activity. Recent theories have connected mood disorders and some other neuropsychiatric conditions with a disturbance of this balance, often in the direction of raised levels of brain activity, David Field, PhD, from the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences at the University of Reading, said in a statement.
Vitamin B6 helps the body produce a specific chemical messenger that inhibits impulses in the brain, and our study links this calming effect with reduced anxiety among the participants, he said.
Reference
Related Content:
Can Supplements Help Anxiety
While traditional therapies can be extremely effective, some individuals living with anxiety may find that these therapies dont work as well as theyd like. In fact, its estimated that close to 50% of people who receive common treatments for generalized anxiety disorder will not respond to first-line treatment, such as antidepressantsAnxiety Disorders – Facts & Statistics. Anxiety & Depression Association of America. Accessed 8/28/22. . Additionally, antidepressants can come with side effects including fatigue, weight gain and loss of libido that may cause some individuals to want to avoid or stop taking them .
Approximately 40% of people with moderate mental distress, which often includes anxiety, say they turn to complementary and alternative medicine approaches, like supplements, for therapeutic reliefAnsara ED. Management of treatment-resistant generalized anxiety disorder. Ment Health Clin. 2020 10:326-334. Rhee TG, Evans RL, McAlpine DD, Johnson PJ. Racial/ethnic differences in the use of complementary and alternative medicine in US adults with moderate mental distress. J Prim Care Community Health. 2017 8:43-54. .
So, can supplements help ease anxiety? The short answer is maybeand its dependent on both the cause and severity of the anxiety. However, its always advisable to consult with your doctor before adding any type of supplement to your diet, or exploring alternative treatments.
Recommended Reading: Does Grapefruit Juice Have Vitamin C
Natural Antidepressants: Best Vitamins For Energy And Depression
Ample evidence suggests that B vitamins can help with depression. B vitamins control and produce important chemicals in your brain that impact depression and mood regulation. As Healthline explains: folate , B12, and B6, are needed for the production and regulation of neurotransmitters like serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid , and dopamine. Further, research suggests that deficiencies in these vitamins may increase the risk of depression, and that treatment with folate and/or vitamin B12 reduces depression scale scores, increases remission, and prevents the onset of clinically significant symptoms of depression in people at risk.
So when youre looking for vitamins that help with depression, B vitamins are well worth discussing with your provider.
Zinc is a naturally occurring mineral that, in the words of Healthline, is critical to brain health and the regulation of neurotransmitter pathways. It also boasts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. More importantly, it is a mineral that has been closely linked to depression.
Dr. Emily Deans, in Psychology Today, has tracked research on the relationship between Zinc and depression. Some key findings include:
The more depressed someone is, the lower the zinc level.
Zinc supplementation has been shown to have antidepressant effects in humans.
Successful treatment with antidepressants will increase serum zinc levels.
The 10 Best Anxiety Supplements In 2022
Many of us have felt anxious on occasion. But for the millions of people globally living with an anxiety disorder, anxiety occurs more regularly.
From therapy to medication and yoga to meditation, there are many approaches to help reduce anxiety.
Another popular option is dietary supplements.
While theres still more to be learned about supplements and their role in mental health, 2021 research suggests they may be an effective remedy for easing anxiety symptoms.
If youre wondering how supplements may help you curb anxiety, weve got you covered. Weve rounded up 10 of our top choices, including specific products we recommend.
Supplements for anxiety may work, but results can depend on various factors, including:
- how much you take
- other treatments you may be using
- other conditions you have or medications you use
Even though theyre not medications, supplements can be powerful. Science still has more to learn about what dosages are effective , so its best to begin with the smallest dose possible.
If youre already participating in therapy, taking anti-anxiety medications, or receiving other treatment, supplements shouldnt be used as a replacement remedy.
In these cases, adding supplements as part of your treatment plan may help reduce symptoms further.
Its important to talk with a healthcare professional for guidance if you have any questions or want to learn more.
We considered several key points when choosing the products listed below, including:
Also Check: What Is The Best Vitamin C To Use
Viva Naturals Premium Non
This is the best vitamin C brand for preventing oxidative stress in the body, which triggers anxiety. Viva Naturals is one of the very few brands that offer consumers a high-quality serving of Scottish Quali-C, which is made by one of the worlds leading manufacturers of this essential nutrient. This supplement is formulated with an ample amount of antioxidant support derived from citrus bioflavonoids and rose hips, which helps consumers be confident that this product is effective.
Each batch of this product is third-party tested to ensure quality and provides a strong dose of 1,000 mg of immunity-supporting vitamin C. The vitamin C blend that is used includes citrus bioflavonoids and rose hips, which offers users even more antioxidant support with each serving. These capsules are also non-GMO and vegetarian, which makes them an easy addition to anyone’s diet.
Pros
- Best vitamin C to prevent oxidative stress.
- It contains a high-quality European vitamin C.
- Supports collagen production, helping improve the health of your hair, skin, and nails.
Cons
- It contains rice powder, which many are opposed to.
- Large pills are hard to swallow.
- May turn urine bright yellow.
Is Folic Acid Good For Depression
Some research has suggested that supplementation with SAMe can play a positive role in the treatment of depression. One possible theory is that low folic acid levels leads to low SAMe, which increases symptoms of depression. By improving folic acid status, SAMe increases, and depressive symptoms drop.
Don’t Miss: Food Sources Of Vitamin E
Bonus: Anxiety Relief Aligned Living Meditation
If you find this mediation helpful, then you will love the Aligned Living Foundation Course.
The world is incredibly intense in so many ways right now. This stress can push us into our negative coping mechanisms and for many trauma responses. We are seeing people in mental health crises where the cumulative fatigue of emotional, physical, and financial stressors has caught up with them.
Anxiety and Depression is unbelievably common right now.
So many of us are needing new tools and support to help us to get on top of anxiety and depression.
We look at:
Other Natural Vitamins For Depression
Along with the vitamins and supplements listed above, other natural vitamins for depression may include:
- Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for the function and health of the brain. Natural sources of Omega-3s include certain fatty fish such as salmon, as well as seeds and nuts.
- Magnesium. According to the Nutrition Reviews journal, nearly half of all adults in the U.S. experience some level of magnesium deficiency. This deficiency can cause sleep problems like insomnia, constipation and muscle tension. It can also cause symptoms of depression and other mood disorders because magnesium is important for the production of feel-good hormones in the brain.
- Vitamin C. Supplementing with vitamin C can help improve both mood and cognitive function. Studies have also indicated vitamin C may help reduce symptoms of anxiety as well as depression.
While depression is a serious medical condition, it is fortunately treatable. Vitamins for depression shouldnt be used as a replacement for medical treatment, but they can be used in conjunction with professional treatment to improve its effectiveness. Nutrition often plays a critical role not only in physical but also mental health.
You May Like: Can You Get Sick From Anxiety
Recommended Reading: Best Brain Vitamins For Adults
Depression & Anxiety Are They The Same
Depression and anxiety are two different but go hand in hand. Depression is a state where a person is mentally unstable, with sadness, loneliness, and bad mental health. Anxiety, on the other side, is a condition where a person gets worried and annoyed about every small situation.
Research shows that more than 75% of case studies have anxiety traces with depression.
Although they have similar symptoms in ones mental health. For example-
- Bad concentration
- Uncontrollable emotions
Such situations can be treated by medications, therapy, and connecting with people. If you possess such symptoms, then make sure to consult a medical professional with adequate treatment facilities. Moreover, those medicines should be medically reviewed.
Which Supplements Are Best For Depression
Numerous studies have evaluated the role of supplements in treating depression. Nonetheless, not all studies are of equal quality and its important to consider findings from rigorous studies published in high quality journals. A Harvard affiliated analysis published in the American Journal of Psychiatry completed a comprehensive evaluation of existing studies , offering a condensed and reliable way to review what works. They analyzed existing study results across 16 different depression-related supplements to determine which ones had sufficient evidence to suggest they help reduce symptoms of depression when taken with antidepressant medication.
Here are the depression supplements they found to be successful:
Fish oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are key to certain brain functions and may help reduce inflammation associated with depression. There are two types of omega-3s in fish oil: EPA and DHA. Researchers found that EPA is the one that helps the most when it comes to depression.
Certain people have a genetic makeup that actually impairs their use of folic acid in cellular processes, which may be associated with depression. Supplementing with L-methylfolate can help bridge this gap and keep the cellular processes moving. In fact, there is already an FDA-approved form of L-methylfolate that doctors prescribe to individuals who dont initially respond to antidepressant treatment.
Read Also: How To Check Vitamin Levels In Body
Kirkland Signature Vitamin E 400 Iu 500 Softgels
This product offers the best value for the money. It is an anti-oxidant vitamin supplement that helps reduce anxiety and depression. Vitamin E can help improve heart health by offering protection to LDL cholesterol from oxidation, which could otherwise lead to cellular damage. Vitamin E helps improve your overall health in many ways by maintaining and supporting a healthy immune system, cognitive function, eye health, and skin health.
These soft gels are easy to swallow and provide great value for the money. One bottle will last a long time, as you only need to take one soft gel each day. Some people even puncture the soft gel and add the supplement to their pets’ food.
Pros
Best Vitamins For Depression: Causes And Situations
Did you know? According to recent studies, around 251-310 million people suffer from depression. Yes, indeed, depression is now becoming a part of our lives gradually.
But the thing is do people effectively treat depression?
Are they taking appropriate measures? This could be just a question, but indeed being a significant cause of death for millions of people every year.
So, what exactly is depression? Mental Health? And, how is it affecting our lives? Can vitamins for depression help us?
Well, depression is a condition where a person suffers from low mood disorders and poor mental health. A depressed person can be identified with anxiety, low mood, sadness, bad temper, isolated in their environment. Moderate depression and severe can both be dangerous if not treated on time.
Talking forward, lets begin with the ins and outs of vitamins for depression and ways to mitigate it.
Read Also: Is Nature Made Vitamins Good
What Are The Best Vitamins For Anxiety And Depression
Anxiety disorders affect nearly one in five people in the United States. And with approximately one third of people with anxiety also reporting symptoms of depression, it is imperative that people who suffer from these conditions seek treatment for these disorders. While anti-depressant medications and psychotherapy continue to be popular treatment options, an increasing number of people are seeking alternative or complimentary modes of treatment. Vitamins such as vitamin D, vitamin B1, vitamin C and vitamin B9 are often used alone or in conjunction with prescription medications to treat anxiety and depression.
Vitamin D
People who take vitamin D supplements are less likely to experience depression and anxiety. Vitamin D plays a key role in mediating depression by releasing neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. Adults taking vitamin D also tend to have lower blood pressure and exhibited reduced levels of cortisol, a stress hormone associated with anxiety. Perhaps most significant, studies indicate that people with severe depression experience a reduction in their depressive symptoms when they begin taking vitamin D supplements.
Vitamin B1
Vitamin C
Vitamin B9
Vitamins For Depression And Anxiety
Are you struggling with depression or anxiety? Have you tried different medications, therapies, and supplements without success? If so, it may be time to try vitamins for depression and anxiety. These nutrients can help improve your mood and alleviate the symptoms of mental health conditions. In this blog post, we will discuss the best vitamins for depression and anxiety and how to take them. We will also provide a list of recommended supplements.
Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental health conditions in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , about 1 in 5 American adults experience depression each year, and anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the country, affecting 40 million adults.
The best vitamins for depression and anxiety are omega-fatty acids, B-complex vitamins, and magnesium. Omega-fatty acids help increase the production of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood. B-complex vitamins are essential for the health of the nervous system and help reduce stress. Magnesium is a mineral that is necessary for the proper function of the brain and nervous system.
If you are interested in trying vitamins for depression and anxiety, speak with your doctor first. Some vitamins and supplements can interact with medications or have side effects. Once you have the green light from your doctor, you can start taking vitamins for depression and anxiety.
Don’t Miss: How To Take Vitamin B Complex
Top 12 Supplements For Anxiety & Depression
May 20th, 2017 2:00am
Among the most heavily prescribed medications are mental health issues ranging from general anxiety and depression to full-blown psychosis. Indeed, it is very easy for prescribing doctors like me to reach into our white coat, pull our prescription pad, and write a prescriptionmuch easier than actually exploring what might be going on in a persons life now or in the past. It is also much easier to obtain information from drug reps who come right to our door and regurgitate studies from medical journals than to learn about possible alternatives. Indeed, sometimes prescription medication is needed. However, in many cases, one can get much help with a supportive doctors ear and over-the-counter supplements, which, contrary to what your doctor will likely tell you or know, are backed by many clinical studies.
Here are 12 of my go-to supplements for various mental health issues. I am not your doctor, so you should clear anything you take with your personal physician.
1. L-methylfolate up to 15mg/day for depression.
2. S-adenosyl-L-methionine for depression.
3. Omega-3 fatty acids – DHA and/or EPA for depression, memory, and ADHD. DHA 500mg 1000mg/day
4. St. Johns wort 900mg 1800mg/day in divided doses for depression.
5. 5-HTP for depression. 100mg 300mg three times a day
6. Valerian root for insomnia, anxiety, or depression. 400mg 650mg/day
7. L-theanine for stress, anxiety & sleep problems. 200mg/day
****
