| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|
EPA | 1 to 2 grams daily EPA or 9.6 grams daily of total omega-3 fatty acids |  [3 stars] Found in fish oil, EPA has been shown to relieve depression symptoms in some studies. |
|
Iron
(Iron-Deficiency Anemia) | See a doctor for evaluation | [3 stars] A lack of iron can make depression worse; check with a doctor to find out if you are iron deficient.
|
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Turmeric (Curcumin) | Refer to label instructions
| [3 stars] In a few studies of patients with depression, supplementation with curcumin significantly improved depression. |
|
Vitamin B6 | 20 mg twice daily | [3 stars] Oral contraceptives can deplete the body of vitamin B6, a nutrient needed for normal mental functioning. In such cases, vitamin B6 supplementation may improve mood. |
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5-HTP | Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner |  [2 stars] Depression has been linked to serotonin imbalances in the brain. Supplementing with 5-HTP may increase serotonin synthesis and reduce symptoms. |
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Acetyl-L-Carnitine | Refer to label instructions
| [2 stars] Acetyl-L-carnitine has been shown in several studies to significantly reduce depression symptoms in seniors. |
|
Black Cohosh and St. John's Wort
(Menopause) | Two tablets twice a day for 8 weeks, then one tablet twice a day for 8 weeks, each tablet supplying 1 mg of triterpene glycosides from black cohosh and 0.25 mg of hypericin from St. John's wort
| [2 stars] Menopausal and depression symptoms improved in post-menopausal women after they took a combination of black cohosh and St. John's wort.
|
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DHEA | Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner | [2 stars] Some studies have reported lower DHEA levels in depressed people. However, DHEA appears to be effective for only a minority of depressed people. |
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Fish Oil | 9.6 grams omega-3 fatty acids per day | [2 stars] Depressed people have been reported to have low amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Taking fish oil can replenish stores and stave off depression. |
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Folic Acid, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 | Folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 (if homocysteine levels are elevated). | [2 stars] In a double-blind trial, patients with depression were treated with antidepressant medication and were randomly assigned to receive a daily supplement containing folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, or a placebo. The beneficial effect of the B vitamins was seen only in patients whose homocysteine levels were on the higher end (above the median) at the start of the study. |
|
Ginkgo | 240 mg daily | [2 stars] Ginkgo may alleviate depression in elderly people not responding to antidepressant drugs. |
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Inositol | 12 grams of inositol daily | [2 stars] People with depression may have lower levels of inositol. Supplementing with this nutrient may correct a deficiency and improve depression symptoms. |
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L-Tryptophan | 3 to 6 grams per day
| [2 stars] Several controlled trials have found L-tryptophan as effective as antidepressant medications. Depressed people should consult a doctor before use.
|
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L-Tyrosine |
Consult your doctor
| [2 stars] Some people with depression have been found to improve with tyrosine.
|
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Melatonin | .25 to 10 mg daily under medical supervision
| [2 stars] Melatonin might help relieve depression. However, there is a possibility that it could exacerbate depression, so it should only be used for this purpose under a doctor’s supervision. |
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Phenylalanine | 3 to 4 grams L-phenylalanine or 150 to 200 mg of DL-phenylalanine daily | [2 stars] In one study, depressed people given L-phenylalanine experienced results comparable to those produced by an antidepressant. |
|
SAMe | 1,600 mg daily | [2 stars] SAMe appears to raise levels of dopamine, an important neurotransmitter in mood regulation. |
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Selenium | 100 mcg per day
| [2 stars] Selenium deficiency may contribute to depression. Taking selenium can counteract this deficiency and improve depression symptoms. |
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St. John’s Wort | 600 to 1,200 mg daily of a standardized herbal extract containing of 0.3% hypericin, after consulting with a qualified healthcare professional | [2 stars] St. John’s wort can help with mild to moderate depression—but talk to your doctor first as St. John's wort can interact with certain medications. |
|
Vitamin B6
(Premenstrual Syndrome) | Take under medical supervision: 100 to 300 mg daily | [2 stars] Several studies indicate that supplementing with vitamin B6 helps alleviate depression, including depression associated with PMS. |
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Vitamin C | 500 mg twice a day | [2 stars] In a double-blind study, the combination of vitamin C and an antidepressant drug (fluoxetine) was significantly more effective than the antidepressant alone. |
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Vitamin D | 400 to 800 IU daily | [2 stars] Some studies have shown that supplementing with vitamin D leads to improved mood. |
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Calcium | Refer to label instructions
|  [1 star] Taken with vitamin D, calcium significantly improved mood in people without depression in one study. |
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Chromium | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] In a few case reports, chromium has improved mood in people with a type of depression called dysthymic disorder. |
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Damiana | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Damiana has traditionally been used to treat people with depression. |
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Folic Acid | See a doctor for evaluation | [1 star] Taking folic acid can help correct deficiencies associated with depression. |
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NADH | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] One study suggested that supplementing with NADH may help people with depression. |
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Phosphatidylserine | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Phosphatidylserine affects the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain related to mood and has been shown in research to reduce the severity of depression. |
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Pumpkin | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Pumpkin seeds contain L-tryptophan, and for this reason have been suggested to help remedy depression. |
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Vervain | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Vervain is a traditional herb used for depression. |
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Yohimbe | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] Yohimbine (the active component of yohimbe) inhibits monoamine oxidase and therefore may be beneficial in treating depression. |
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Zinc | Refer to label instructions
| [1 star] In one study, the addition of a zinc supplement enhanced the beneficial effects of antidepressants. |
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