Vitamins and Minerals for Depression

A common cause of depression is a deficiency, or low levels, of certain vitamins or minerals. Even patients that suffer from depression that do not have low levels of certain vitamins may be able to improve, or treat, their condition by increasing their intake of certain vitamins and minerals.

Vitamin C and Magnesium for Depression

Vitamin C is often found in low levels in patients that suffer from clinical depression. Vitamin C plays an important role in the production of neurotransmitters, so low levels of this vitamin can actually lead to depression. Even those that do not have low levels of this vitamin can benefit from a higher dosage. Vitamin C also can help to increase the efficacy of many prescription drugs that are used for this condition.

The mineral known as magnesium has been used for many years to help patients that suffer from depression. It is often used to help more severe cases, such as those that have suicidal thoughts or suffer from mania or bipolar disorder. Many patients with less severe cases, can even treat their condition with magnesium supplements. Magnesium supplements work especially well when they are taken in addition to calcium supplements.

B Vitamins for Depression

B vitamins play an important role in energy metabolism, as well as healthy nerve functioning. Both of these factors play roles in mood, and a deficiency or low levels of these vitamins can often play a factor in depression. This is especially common for those that suffer from long term depression and have struggled to treat the condition with prescription and over the counter drugs. It’s best to discuss with a doctor what dosages should be taken of the B vitamins, since dosages higher than the daily allowance are usually needed for depression.

Although these vitamins and minerals can be very effective in helping with some cases of depression, it is never a good idea to try to replace any prescription drugs that are considered necessary by a doctor. They also should not be used to replace any diet or lifestyle changes that have been suggested by a medical professional.