Depression is distinct from the usual fleeting feelings of sadness or grief, which are normal parts of the human experience. Depression is a serious illness that interferes with daily life and normal functioning, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Its symptoms include persistent sadness, irritability, fatigue and loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyed. Certain supplements may help, but if depression is severe or long-lasting, consult a qualified medical practitioner.
Folate
Folate is one of the B complex vitamins. It supports the formation of red blood cells and plays an important role in tissue repair and DNA synthesis. Folate deficiencies appear to be correlated with symptoms of depression. An article published in the journal "Nutrition Reviews" by Jerome Sarris and colleagues explains that one-third of people who are deficient in folate suffer from depression. Additionally, low folate levels in the bloodstream are frequently seen in people who meet the criteria for clinical depression. Sarris describes several studies in which folate supplements enhanced the rate of response to pharmaceutical antidepressants. Additional research is necessary to find out whether folate alone can alleviate depression symptoms. Sarris recommends that physicians check folate levels in patients with depression to see if supplements are called for. Folic acid, the synthetic form of folate, is an ingredient in most multivitamin supplements. Consult your physician for more information about folate and depression.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort, sometimes called hypericum or goatweed, is a yellow flowering herb whose therapeutic use was first described by the ancient Greeks. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, St. John's wort has a history of use as a sedative, a malaria remedy, a topical treatment for burns and bites, and for alleviating anxiety and depression. The Center notes that while the effectiveness of St. John's wort for severe depression is still unclear, scientific evidence suggests that it is beneficial in the short-term treatment of mild-to-moderate depression. St. John's wort supplements may interact with a number of prescription medicines. Take St. John's wort under the supervision of a qualified health care provider.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids occur naturally in fish with a high fat content, including mackerel, salmon, sardines and lake trout. Researchers from the University of Montreal Hospital Centre's Department of Psychiatry conducted a study in which 432 outpatients with depression received either omega-3 rich fish oil or a sunflower oil placebo daily for a period of eight weeks. Those who received the omega-3 fish oil showed a significant reduction in symptoms. Sarris's article in "Nutrition Reviews" noted that low concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids in the bloodstream are common among people with depression, and that regions and countries in which fish is a major part of the diet tend to have lower rates of depression overall. Gastrointestinal upset is sometimes seen with fish oil supplements. Consult your physician before using omega-3 supplements to treat depression or any other disorder.
References
- "Nutrition Reviews"; Major Depressive Disorder and Nutritional Medicine; J. Sarris, et al.; March 2009
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: St. John's Wort
- "Journal of Clinical Psychiatry"; The Efficacy of Omega-3 Supplementation for Major Depression: a Randomized Controlled Trial; F. Lespérance, et al.; June 2010
- National Institute of Mental Health: Depression
