Depression Supplements

If you are suffering from depression, you may be wondering if there is a supplement to help treat your depression. While you can find dozens (if not more) online and in health food stores, you need to look closely at what the supplement contains.

The herbal antidepressant supported by the strongest evidence is St. Johns Wort (Hypericum perforatum) extract. Over twenty clinical studies have demonstrated that pharmaceutical-grade St. Johns Wort extract effectively relieves depression.

Another effective herbal compound for depression is 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan), a natural amino acid extracted from the Griffonia simplicifolia plant. When taken alone, doses of 150-300 mg per day are effective. In herbal supplements for depression that combine 5-HTP with St. Johns Wort, a daily dose of 25-100 mg 5-HTP is sufficient.

Fish oil supplements may be an effective add-on (adjuvant) therapy for depression. Fish oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Some research suggests that people with depression have low blood levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a fatty acid found in fish oil.

Many depressed people get a boost from taking extra nutrients, such as tyrosine, tryptophan, methionine, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e), DHEA, acetylcarnitine, vitamin C, gamma- and alpha-linolenic acid, calcium, magnesium, lithium and zinc.

Other beneficial supplements include:

· B vitamins, especially B12 and folate. These help to regulate our moods, and deficiencies are common among depressed people. Folic acid is especially important, and may be low in as many as 30-40 per cent of depressives. · The amino acids D,L-phenylalanine (DLPA) and L-phenylalanine (LPA) are converted in the brain to norepinephrine (noradrenaline), a neurotransmitter that is released (and easily depleted) in times of stress. LPA and especially DLPA are also converted into phenylethylamine, a natural mood-lifting substance that is lacking in some people who are depressed. Studies have found success with 75-200 mg/day of LPA, or with 150-200 mg/day of DLPA.