Nutritional supplements in depressive disorders

Actas Esp Psiquiatr. 2017 Sep;45(Supplement):8-15. Epub 2017 Sep 1.

Abstract

There is increasing evidence about the role of nutrients in mental health. An adequate intake of nutrients contributes to better overall health and mental health in particular. Major depression is a severe mental illness with a high prevalence for which effective treatments exist but not in all cases the patient’s remission is achieved. Therefore, it is increasingly aimed at optimizing the supply of nutrients necessary for adequate brain functioning as adjunctive therapy to antidepressant treatment in depressive disorders. In this article we review those nutrients that have been related to depression: Omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, s-adenosylmethionine, tryptophan, magnesium, zinc and probiotics.

MeSH terms

  • Depressive Disorder / diet therapy*
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / therapeutic use
  • Folic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Tryptophan / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Tryptophan
  • Folic Acid