MayoClinic.com notes that depression is an illness that relates to the body and mind. Depression is defined as being a chronic illness and as a result, long-term medication is needed to help overcome the condition. Although there are many options to combat depression, you should consider taking a healthier natural approach done by supplementing specific vitamins into your diet that are effective in treating depression. However, never replace conventional therapies used for depression with supplements without first consulting with your physician.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B-6, or pyridoxine, can be taken to treat depression. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, vitamin B-6 plays an important role in enhancing the production of serotonin -- a brain chemical linked to depression. Vitamin B-6might prove a beneficial vitamin for depression as it helps to increase serotonin production.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D, or the "sunshine" vitamin may help treat depression. Individuals who suffer from mental health disorders tend to suffer from a vitamin D deficiency. The US National Library of Medicine says that vitamin D may have significant health benefits to numerous chronic illnesses such as depression and may play an important role in the prevention and treatment of these disorders. According to MedlinePlus, good food sources of vitamin D include fish, margarine, cheese and oysters.
Vitamin B12
The University of Maryland Medical Center states that vitamin B-12 is essential for the production of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), a compound that is involved in mood functions. A lack of vitamin B-12 in your body can result in a decrease in S-adenosylmethionine production that may contribute to depression. An observational study at the Linus Pauling Institute found that approximately 30 percent of patients who are hospitalized for depression have low intake of vitamin B-12. Vitamin B-12 can be found in foods such as fish, liver, pork, eggs and dairy.
Vitamin B9
Vitamin B-9, or folic acid, is an essential nutrient for your brain, helping to function properly and also plays a necessary role in mental and emotional health, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Around 15 to 38 percent of individuals who suffer from depression have low levels of vitamin B-9 in their daily diet intake. Vitamin B-9 is rich in foods lsuch as root vegetables, turnip, spinach, soybeans, milk and orange juice.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC): Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
- Linus Pauling Institute: Vitamin B6
- University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC): Vitamin B9 (Folic acid)
- University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC): Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
- MayoClinic.com: Depression
- Linus Pauling Institute: Vitamin B12
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