Nutrients for prevention and treatment of mental health disorders

Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2013 Mar;36(1):25-36. doi: 10.1016/j.psc.2012.12.003.

Abstract

The choice of nutrients for review is based on clinical evidence of efficacy in neuropsychiatric disorders and biochemical effects that are neuroprotective or reparative. Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and metabolites have been shown to augment antidepressants, improve symptoms in anxiety disorders, depression, neurodegenerative diseases, brain injury, ADHD, and schizophrenia, and to reduce medication side effects. Detection and correction of vitamin and mineral deficiencies can be essential for recovery. Generally low in adverse effects when taken in therapeutic doses, nutrients can be combined for greater benefits. Further studies are warranted to validate these promising treatments.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids / adverse effects
  • Amino Acids / therapeutic use*
  • Cytidine Diphosphate Choline / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders / diet therapy
  • Mental Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Mental Disorders / prevention & control*
  • Minerals / adverse effects
  • Minerals / therapeutic use*
  • Vitamins / adverse effects
  • Vitamins / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Minerals
  • Vitamins
  • Cytidine Diphosphate Choline