Depression Primer Pt. 2

While depression is usually due to inadequate serotonin, the disease has many triggers. Treating it nutritionally provides stable brain function and may lead to stabilization of symptoms. Research shows the following can be helpful--

Folic Acid There are many studies that show a low level of folic acid in the body equates to multiple roles in depression including poor antidepressant response. Many studies have shown that folate can supplement treatments for depression.

Pyridoxine (B-6)
Pyridoxine (vitamin B-6) is converted by the body into two enzymes. These enzymes are used in numerous metabolic processes—as in the synthesis of brain neurotransmitters GABA, serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Studies have shown that blood vitamin levels don't reflect brain vitamin function.

Vitamin C
There are many wide ranging health conditions that benefit from Vitamin C. It's been known for a long time that depression is a precursor to scurvy. Psychiatric patients with bipolar disorder have been found to have scurvy without manifesting the actual symptoms of scurvy. It’s difficult to detect what the level of sufficiency is as the RDA recommends the minimum to prevent disease; however, that does not achieve optimal health.

Cobalamin (B-12)
Vitamin B-12 plays a similar role as that of B-6. Interestingly, a B-12 deficiency leads a folate deficiency, as folate depends on B12 for its metabolism. B-12 is also required for synthesizing neurotransmitters as well as proteins and DNA. In a study of 700 women, those with B-12 deficiency were twice as likely to be depressed as nondeficient subjects.

5-HTP
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is the precursor to serotonin. It is able to augment supplies of serotonin in the brain. Since most cases of depression are due to an inadequate supply of serotonin, as a food supplement, 5-HTP shows great benefit for treatment of depression, insomnia, and binge eating.

Nutrients

Folate
1-2 milligrams per day

B-6
5-10 milligrams

Vitamin C
1,000-2000 milligrams

B-12
500 micrograms per day

5-HTP
150-300 milligrams per day

Sources:

Nutrition Review
Journal of the American Geriatric Society
Alternative Medicine Review
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