Depression is a serious mental illness that is typically treated with psychotherapy and psychotropic medications. However, researchers have begun to examine the effects of certain dietary deficiencies and supplements on the course of depression. Inositol is nutrient that may play an important role in both the development and alleviation of depressive symptoms.
About Depression
Everyone occasionally feels "blue" or "down in the dumps." However, clinical depression isn't something that you can control or just "snap out of." It is a serious mental illness resulting in impairment of your ability to function in day-to-day activities. Symptoms of depression include feeling hopeless, lethargic, a loss of self-esteem, a lack of interest in activities you previously enjoyed, difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, irritability and, in some cases, suicidal thoughts or gestures. The causes of depression aren't totally known, but biological, chemical and social factors are believed to play a role. People suffering from depression may be treated with antidepressant medications, but these may cause unpleasant side effects. Certain supplements may also provide antidepressant effects. Specifically, research on the nutrient inositol suggests that it may be beneficial for alleviating depressive symptoms.
Inositol Facts
Inositol was previously thought of as a vitamin, but it is actually a type of simple sugar that is metabolized into phosphatidylinositol, which performs several functions, including a role in signaling and transmission in your brain. According to George Washington University School of Medicine assistant clinical professor Adriane Fugh-Berman in her book, "The 5-Minute Herb and Dietary Supplement Consult," inositol and inositides, which are phospolipids containing inositol, are present in large quantities in your brain and may play a role in the formation of certain neurotransmitters. Dietary inositol is mostly found in plant foods, especially in fruits such as cantaloupe and oranges.
Benefits for Depression
Inositol levels are thought to be lower in patients suffering from depression. Research has shown potential benefits regarding inositol supplementation on depressive symptoms. According to a study published in the May 1995 issue of the "American Journal of Psychiatry," inositol supplementation showed substantial antidepressant effects for clinically depressed study participants. Participants were either given a placebo or 12 g of inositol on a daily basis. After a four-week period, depressive symptoms as measured on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale were shown to be greatly reduced in comparison with participants given a placebo. Another study published in the May 1999 issue of "Psychopharmacology" showed that inositol supplementation reduced depression in animal models of depression, indicating potential benefits for humans suffering from depression. An additional study published in the January/February 1993 issue of "Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental" showed that 6 g of inositol supplementation daily provided benefits to participants suffering from depression. Further clinical studies should be conducted to validate these results.
Considerations
Do not attempt to self-diagnose if you think you are suffering from depression. Consult your doctor or a qualified mental-health professional to obtain a proper diagnosis and to get professional help. Do not use dietary supplements as a replacement for your doctor's advice. Nutritional supplements may cause interactions with prescription medications. Always inform your doctor if you plan to take dietary supplements.
References
- "The 5-Minute Herb and Dietary Supplement Consult"; Adriane Fugh-Berman; 2003
- "American Journal of Psychiatry"; Double-Blind Controlled Trial of Inositol Treatment of Depression; J. Levine et al.; May 1995
- "Psychopharmacology"; Inositol Reduces Depressive-Like Behaviors in Two Different Animal Models of Depression; H. Einat et al.; May 1999
- "Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental"; Inositol 6g Daily May Be Effective in Depression But Not in Schizophrenia; J. Levine et al.; January/February 1993
