Additionally, a analysis of 5 studies suggested that zinc supplementation may be useful for reducing depressive symptoms in people with clinical depression who are taking antidepressant medications.

The studies used zinc doses of about 10—25 mg S -Adenosylmethionine SAMe is a sulfur-containing compound that has shown promise in the treatment of depression. A review of 8 studies found that SAMe, when used alone or with antidepressant medications, improved depressive symptoms in people with MDD.

The studies used doses of —3, mg and treatment times of 2—12 weeks While this is promising, keep in mind that more research is needed before strong conclusions can be made.

Jarrow Formulas products are third-party tested by U. Department of Agriculture USDA accredited laboratories. Magnesium deficiency is common among people with depression, and research shows that supplementing with it may reduce depressive symptoms A randomized study in people with mild to moderate depression found that taking mg of magnesium per day for 6 weeks significantly improved depressive symptoms compared with a placebo Bluebonnet Magnesium Glycinate provides mg of magnesium per capsule.

You can adjust your dose depending on how much magnesium you need. Creatine is an organic acid that plays an important role in maintaining brain energy, among other functions.

Altered brain energy levels are thought to be involved in the development of depression Some studies suggest that supplementing with 2—10 grams of creatine per day may reduce symptoms in people with MDD This protective effect seemed to be strongest in females, people ages 20—39, and those not taking antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication Thorne Creatine is a great creatine supplement because it contains just one ingredient and is NSF Certified for Sport — a third-party certification ensuring that the product is free of more than substances banned by major athletics organizations.

Everyone feels low from time to time. However, depression is completely different from a low mood. Depression causes a persistent feeling of sadness and causes you to lose interest in things you once enjoyed. While you wait for help to arrive, stay with someone and remove any weapons or substances that can cause harm.

You are not alone. Studies show that certain dietary supplements, including omega-3s, vitamin D, rhodiola, B12, and saffron, may be helpful for reducing depressive symptoms in some people. Be sure to clear any new dietary supplement with a healthcare professional before taking it.

A healthcare professional can help you decide which supplements may be the most appropriate based on factors like your medical history, medications, and laboratory values. There is no one best supplement for people with depression. Although some supplements have been shown to benefit certain populations with depression, not everyone will benefit from the same supplements.

Every person with depression has different needs and should work with a healthcare professional to create an individualized care plan, which may or may not involve dietary supplements. While some herbs, such as rhodiola and chamomile, may be helpful for reducing or managing symptoms in some individuals, there is no best herb for treating anxiety or depression Depression is a mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

Although depression is typically treated with medication and therapy, some people may want to try other safe methods, such as dietary modifications or supplements, to reduce their symptoms. The supplements in this article have been studied for their potential to reduce depressive symptoms and may be appropriate for some people with depression.

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Medically reviewed by Alexandra Perez, PharmD, MBA, BCGP — By Jillian Kubala, MS, RD — Updated on July 15, On this page How we chose Our picks How to choose When to seek help Suicide prevention FAQs Bottom line.

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Read more about our vetting process. Was this helpful? A quick look at the best supplements for depression. How we chose. Pros third-party tested manufactured in a facility that exceeds USP standards non-GMO certified gluten-free vegan.

Cons expensive. Shop now at Pure Formulas. Pros UL certified non-GMO vegan. Cons not third-party tested for purity and potency.

Shop now at Amazon. Pros third-party tested COA available online certified sustainable non-GMO verified research-backed high omega-3 dose lemon-flavored.

Considerations not suitable for vegans or vegetarians some reports that the capsules melted in high temperatures during shipping when ordered online expensive. Pros third-party tested manufactured in a facility that exceeds USP standards non-GMO certified gluten-free one-a-day formulation vegan.

Considerations none. Pros NSF certified free of artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors free of major allergens comes in a liquid form that is easier to take affordable. Cons none. Pros contains activated forms of folate and B12 for better absorption free of major allergens CGMP-certified facility free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

Pros third-party tested manufactured in a facility that exceeds USP standards non-GMO certified gluten-free vegan available in mg and mg doses affordable.

Pros third-party tested vegan gluten-free available in individual blister packs, which may be easier for travel. Pros provides a highly absorbable form of magnesium non-GMO verified NSF certified certified gluten-free free of major allergens vegan.

Cons not third-party tested for purity and potency 4-capsule serving size. Pros NSF Certified for Sport contains just one ingredient unflavored easy to mix free of gluten, dairy, and soy. Cons not suitable for vegans or vegetarians. Shop now at Optum. How to choose.

When to see a healthcare professional. S-adenosyl-L-methionine SAMe : In depth. Omega-3 supplements: In depth. Depression and complementary health approaches: What the science says. Natural medicines in the clinical management of depression. Ravindran AV, et al.

Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments CANMAT clinical guidelines for the management of adults with major depression disorder: Section 5. Complementary and alternative medicine treatments. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Solomon D, et al. The use of complementary and alternative medicine in adults with depressive disorders.

A critical integrative review. Journal of Affective Disorders. Using dietary supplements wisely. Accessed May 1, Products and Services Begin Exploring Women's Health Solutions at Mayo Clinic Store A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition.

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