Supplements for Depression - Four Nutrients with Proven Effectiveness

Is taking supplements for depression as effective as taking prescription anti-depressants? Studies have shown that nutritional supplementation is sometimes more effective than prescription drugs. Why don’t more doctors tell their patients?

That’s a question that is sometimes hotly debated. Without getting into the debate, suffice to say that nutritional supplementation is not the accepted method of treatment, at least in the US. In the European Union and some other countries, nutrients like SAM-e are regularly prescribed for depressive disorders.

If you or someone that you love is depressed, if you have tried prescription anti-depressants and been unhappy with the side effects, below you will see a list of nutrients that are known to be as effective as prescription drugs.

Just remember that any nutrient deficiency will cause mental as well as physical symptoms. So, striving for optimum nutritional intake on a daily basis is highly recommended.

The nutritional supplements for depression include:

• SAM-e-a nutrient present in every cell of the body, production is sometimes inefficient. In addition to providing relief from depression, it supports methylation, throughout the body. Inefficient methylation is a cause of cellular aging.
• 5 HTP-an amino acid complex found in a variety of foods. The body uses it to create serotonin, a feel good brain chemical. Effective for sleep disorders, anxiety and depression.
• Omega-3 fatty acids-a type of fat that is lacking in many people’s diets, because dietary sources are limited. Oily fish are the primary sources. Some researchers feel that a lack of omega-3s is the underlying cause of the increased incidence of depressive disorders seen in industrialized societies. Low blood levels of an omega-3 called DHA are associated with major depressive disorders, including suicide.
• B-complex-especially beneficial for recovering alcoholics. Assimilation of the B-vitamins from food decreases with age and is interfered with by excessive alcohol consumption.

If you try some of these supplements for depression and find that they are ineffective, it could be the fault of the manufacturer. SAM-e capsules, for example, must be protected by an enteric coating or individually wrapped in foil. Otherwise, sunlight quickly degrades the nutrient.

Most manufacturers feel that the enteric coating is the best choice, because it protects the nutrient from stomach acid. It is released in the upper intestine where it can pass directly into the bloodstream.

If the supplement is properly manufactured, but does not provide relief, you can also try herbal supplements for depression. But, in most cases improving your nutritional intake is enough.

Supplements for Depression
Max Wardlow is an independent natural health researcher and helps manage a website about natural remedies. Visit today to find out more about supplements for depression.