6 supplements to treat depression: What you need to know

January 6, 2020

Depression affects approximately 1.9 million children and adolescents and the problems that depression can cause are myriad. Many patients and families choose to use complementary and alternative medicine to treat a vast number of conditions, including depression. Here’s what you need to know about the 6 supplements often used to combat depression.

Depression affects approximately 1.9 million children and adolescents and the problems that depression can cause are myriad, with the most serious problems, suicide and suicide attempts, on the rise. Also on the rise is patients choosing to use complementary and alternative medicine to treat a vast number of conditions. Here’s what you need to know about the 6 supplements often used to combat depression.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Proposed mechanism(s)

Anti-inflammatory, synaptic plasticity, neuroprotection, enhances neurotransmission, membrane integrity, cortisol regulation, serotonin and dopamine production

Major adverse effects and considerations

• Large capsules

• Fishy taste

• May cause headaches, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, increased bleeding risk

S-adenosyl methionine

Proposed mechanism(s)

Methylated hormones, including dopamine and serotonin

Major adverse effects and considerations

• High pill burden

• Avoid use with serotonergic medications

St. John's Wort

Proposed mechanism(s)

Modulates serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine

Major adverse effects and considerations

• Many serious drug interactions

• May cause GI symptoms

Vitamin C

Proposed mechanism(s)

Antioxidant with neuroprotective effects, modulates dopamine and glutamate neurotransmission, influences serotonin receptor activity

Major adverse effects and considerations

• Dose-dependent adverse effects

• May cause GI symptoms, changes in sleep patterns

Vitamin D

Proposed mechanism(s)

Regulates serotonin and dopamine synthesis, influences immune system, and inflammatory cascade

Major adverse effects and considerations

• Dose-dependent adverse effects

• May cause hypercalcemia, azotemia, anemia

Zinc

Proposed mechanism(s)

Protects against oxidative stress, enhances neuroplasticity and neurogenesis, modulates N-methyl-D-aspartate and serotonin receptors, moderates immune activity

Major adverse effects and considerations

• Interactions with many antimicrobials

• Dose-dependent adverse effects

• May case GI symptoms, copper deficiency, renal issues

6 supplements to treat depression: What you need to know

Ashley B Prusakov, PharmD, BCPPS