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Nutraceutical Augmentation Strategies for Depression: A Narrative Review
The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association
|January 28, 2020
Summary
Nutraceuticals like S-adenosylmethionine and omega-3 fatty acids show promise for augmenting depression treatment when standard therapies fall short. These supplements may help patients achieve clinical remission.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Nutritional Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Depression is a prevalent psychiatric disorder with suboptimal treatment outcomes.
- Antidepressant pharmacotherapy frequently fails to achieve complete remission.
- Augmentation strategies are crucial for improving depression management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of nutraceuticals as augmentation therapy for depression.
- To identify evidence-based nutraceuticals for managing depressive symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Systematic reviews and clinical practice guidelines focused on nutraceuticals for depression were analyzed.
- Commonly studied nutraceutical augmentation strategies were identified.
Main Results:
- S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), l-methylfolate, omega-3 fatty acids, and hydroxyvitamin D demonstrated sufficient evidence for clinical consideration.
- These nutraceuticals are supported for use in a stepped care approach for depression.
Conclusions:
- Clinical remission is the primary goal in treating depression.
- Nutraceuticals can be a valuable component of a comprehensive treatment strategy to achieve remission.
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