Can Nutritional Supplements Cure Depression?
April 4th, 2008 . by NancyA recent study has indicated a link between depression with high levels of somatisation (i.e. physical symptoms such as fatigue, appetite changes etc.) and the ability of our cells to produce energy efficiently. Mitochondria in our cells take in nutrients and produce energy in the form of ATP for the cells to use. In some people the mitochondria works inefficiently and so not enough energy is produced. The suggestion is that some people may have a genetic pre-disposition towards depression (particularly the type of depression that has a lot of physical symptoms) due to low energy production in their cells.
This could be good news in terms of screening and treatment. If patients with somatic depression can be tested easily and cheaply for the relevant mitochondrial problems then a treatment which addresses the energy production can be tried. In fact there are already a number of nutritional supplements available without prescription that are thought to help with cell energy levels.
Coenzyme Q10
Thought to be vital for the process of ATP recycling in the mitochondria of the cells. It has been widely used in conditions where fatigue and insufficient energy production is a factor including Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It is also an antioxidant helping to protect the body from free radicals which may cause cell damage.
D-ribose
ATP is usually created in the body from a related chemical called ADP. When this process does not work efficiently the body can make ATP from a form of sugar called D-ribose. D-ribose has also been used successfully treat chronic fatigue syndrome. Supplements of D-ribose allow the body to increase its levels of ATP and hence increase the energy available to cells.
L-Carnitine
This is an amino acid that is required to carry fats into the mitochondria where they can be used to produce ATP.
NADH
Another intermediate energy carrier in the mitochondria which has a similar job to coenzyme Q10. Available as a supplement and has been used to treat CFS.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) and Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Niacin is used to make NADH in the body. This is an intermediate energy carrier in the mitochondria, it performs a similar function to coenzyme Q10. Riboflavin is used in the same way to produce FADH, which has the same role as NADH in energy production.
There is already anecdotal evidence that these supplements have helped some people to overcome depression, however more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.
The latest study shows interesting results, but do we know whether these individuals were born with low functioning mitochondria, or whether it developed later. Can we be sure that this is a purely genetic condition, or something that may have developed later? If it develops later what causes it? If it’s genetic what are the factors that cause some people with this genetic condition to develop depression whilst others don’t. As usual there are as many questions as answers, but if you are suffering from somatic depression then it might well be worth trying the supplement approach.
The full text of the report is available for a fee from Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics
This is great post, it is give very important information. Really it will workout for me,thank you very much for sharing this info. In today’s world, our bodies still require the complete balance of pure nutrients and energy provided by live whole foods. The modern demands of our fast-paced world have led to the processing of food to the point of non-nutrition.
Balloney
Ridiculous!
Fancy stuff! Oh it would be so wonderful! Take something and I will be fine…
Excercise, inner cleansing: get all garbage out! Stop worrying: those are the first steps! Build up courage, Willpower, selfdiscipline: That will get you out of the negative cycles! That helped me! it helps YOU! Cost YOU NOTHING!!!!
Raginald,
No one is suggesting that all depression can be cured by taking supplements. However, it does seem that they may be able to help some people. I would suggest that people try them alongside other treatment such as counselling and if you need temporary help with your mood then antidepressants or St John’s Wort. They are meant to be good for your general health anyway.
Different things work for different people. Although your suggestions are of course valid and may work for some people, many more find that they do need help to get over depression and it is not as simple as using will power and selfdiscipline. In fact many of my clients feel very guilty because they can’t just get better with will power and this is very unhelpful for them. It’s important for people to understand that depression is complex and, particularly for those with severe depression, many different approaches to treatment may be valid.
It is my personal experience that supplements, vitamins, nutrition, exercise, good 8 hour sleep every night, a good therapist or group therapy work far better than pharmaceuticals for curing depression, overcoming addictions and healing from post-traumatic syndrome disorder (PTSD).