We’ve all heard that ‘food is good for your mood’.
As well as an established relationship between poor diet and mental illness, there is now a vast body of research examining the benefit of nutrient supplementation in people with mental disorders.
In a recent study led by Western Sydney University, researchers conducted the world’s largest review (a meta-synthesis) of top-tier evidence about dietary supplements and mental health.
They established the gold standard for which nutrients are proven to assist in the management of a range of mental health disorders.
The study is published in World Psychiatry. The lead author is Dr. Joseph Firth, a Senior Research Fellow at NICM Health Research Institute.
In the study, the team examined the ‘best of the best’ available evidence.
They examined 33 meta-analyses of studies and data from 10,951 people with mental health disorders including depression, stress and anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, schizophrenia and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Although the majority of nutritional supplements assessed did not strongly improve mental health, the researchers found strong evidence that certain supplements are an effective additional treatment for some mental disorders.
The strongest evidence was found for omega-3 supplements as an add-on treatment for major depression. They could reduce symptoms of depression beyond the effects of antidepressants alone.
There was some evidence to suggest that omega-3 supplements may have small benefits for people with ADHD.
There was some evidence for the amino acid N-acetylcysteine as a useful adjunctive treatment in mood disorders and schizophrenia.
The team also found that special types of folate supplements may be effective as add-on treatments for major depression and schizophrenia, however, folic acid was ineffective.
There was no strong evidence for omega-3 for schizophrenia or other mental health conditions.
In addition, the team found no compelling evidence supporting the use of vitamins (such as E, C, or D) and minerals (zinc and magnesium) for any mental disorder.
These findings should be used to produce more evidence-based guidance on the usage of nutrient-based treatments for various mental health conditions.
The team says future work needs to determine which patients might benefit most from evidence-based supplements and to better understand the underlying mechanisms.
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