Abstract
Along with dietary intake, nutrition can also be obtained from nutrient supplements. They are widely used in the general population and their market is growing. It has been assumed adequate intake of them contributes to better overall mental health. This review explores studies regarding the role of different nutrients in treatment of depression. After searching among them we found Testosterone, Omega 3 fatty acid, Thyroid hormones, Modafinil, Folate, Vitamin B12, S-Adenosyl Methionine (SAMe), Magnesium, and Zinc as supplements which has some effect in combination with anti-depressant medications. They have advantages and also some disadvantages. In this review paper, we have taken a look at each of these agents individually and mentioned their current status in the treatment of depression.
Highlights
Patients with major depression respond to antidepressant treatment, but 10% to 30% of them do not improve or show a partial response which leads to functional impairment, poor quality of life, suicide ideation and attempts, self-injurious behaviour, and a high relapse rate [3]
Three of the studies that reported some benefits associated with the use of vitamins included vitamin B6, which plays a role in facilitating the excretion of homocysteine
This would suggest that lowering plasma homocysteine, either by facilitating its conversion to methionine or by increasing its excretion, may be critical to decreasing depressive symptoms [55]
Summary
They affect patients by major consequences including a decrease in patient's social functioning and workplace productivity [1]. In the U.S alone, over 40 million people – roughly 1 in 5 adults – have depressive symptoms while the majority of them are not receiving treatment [2]. Patients with major depression respond to antidepressant treatment, but 10% to 30% of them do not improve or show a partial response which leads to functional impairment, poor quality of life, suicide ideation and attempts, self-injurious behaviour, and a high relapse rate [3]. Adding an anti-depressant from a different class or second-generation antipsychotics may lead to some positive responses it increases undesired side effects
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