Last Updated on Sunday, 18 October 2009 21:55

Herbs, Vitamins and Natural Support for Depression

• Vitamin B12 - A number of studies have shown a link between Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Depression, what’s less clear is whether vitamin B-12 deficiency may be the cause or the result of depression. If you're older than 50 or you're a vegetarian, taking a daily supplement that includes vitamin B-12 and other B vitamins may be helpful in making sure your body is getting the nutrients it needs.

• Vitamin B6 - Oral Contraceptive Pills may deplete the body of vitamin B6. Research has shown that women who are depressed and who have become depleted of vitamin B6 while taking oral contraceptives typically respond to vitamin B6 supplements.

• Folic Acid - This B vitamin is needed for DNA synthesis. It is also necessary for the production of SAMe (S-adenosyl methionine). A deficiency of folic acid can disturb mood. A large percentage of depressed people have low folic acid levels. People with Chronic depression should be evaluated for folic acid deficiency by a doctor.

• Fish Oil - Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, particularly DHA, are needed for normal nervous system function. Depressed people have been reported to have lower omega-3 fatty acid levels (for example, DHA) than people who are not depressed. Results from clinical studies are a mixed bag with some showing improvement following fish oil supplementation and others showing no benefit.

• 5-HTP  (5-hydroxytryptophan) - 5-HTP is an amino acid and is a precursor to Serotonin, the brains ‘feel good’ neurotransmitter. Supplementing with 5-HTP may increase serotonin synthesis, thereby improving mood. Some clinical trials have shown 5-HTP to be effective in people with depression but it’s worth talking about 5-HTP with your doctor.

• Ginko Biloba - Ginko Biloba has shown to benefit people suffering from depression, particularly older people who have not responded to drug treatment. Results are unclear for other age groups. Ginko Biloba is a herb and increases blood flow to the brain. It is also a very good antioxidant.

• ST Johns Wort - St Johns Wort has been used for centuries to manage brain and mood disorders. It is widely used in Germany and France to treat depression and has shown to improve mood and many symptoms associated with depression. There is some scientific evidence that St. John's wort is useful for treating mild to moderate depression. However, two large studies, one sponsored by NCCAM, showed that the herb was no more effective than placebo in treating major depression of moderate severity. Research shows that St. John's wort interacts with some drugs, hen combined with certain antidepressants, St. John's wort may increase side effects such as nausea, anxiety, headache, and confusion. Talk to your doctor about taking St Johns Wort.

• S-Adenosyl Methionine (SAMe) - This is a naturally occurring compound found in the human body. SAMe helps to produce neurotransmitter like dopamine that are involved in mood regulation. Oral SAMe supplementation has shown to be effective in a number of clinical trials. Compared to placebo, treatment with SAMe was associated with an improvement of approximately 6 points in the score of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression measured at 3 weeks (1)

1. S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine for Treatment of Depression, Osteoarthritis, and Liver Disease. Summary, Evidence Report/Technology Assessment: Number 64. AHRQ Publication No. 02-E033,