Supplements for depression? Studies reveal vitamin D and omega 3 could alleviate symptoms

16 Aug 2022 --- A University of Eastern Finland study, in collaboration with Australian and US researchers, found that vitamin D supplementation benefits people with major depressive disorder (MDD) and those who experience milder, clinically relevant depressive symptoms.

Similarly, a separate Brazil-based universities and laboratory study found omega 3, DHA, EPA, DPA and alpha-linolenic fatty acid intake through the diet may be protective against the occurrence and persistence of depressive episodes.

“These findings will encourage new, high-level clinical trials in patients with depression in order to shed more light on the possible role of vitamin D supplementation in the treatment of depression,” says Tuomas Mikola, a doctoral researcher and lead author at the Institute of Clinical Medicine at the University of Eastern Finland.

Meanwhile, the Finland-based researchers believe vitamin D regulates central nervous system functions, whose disturbances have been linked to depression.

Globally, depressive symptoms contribute significantly to the “illness burden”. Current antidepressants frequently have insufficient therapeutic efficacy, which is why additional approaches to reducing the symptoms of depression have been pursued, such as through nutritional studies, the researchers note.

Finding the right dosage
The study involved a large meta-analysis by Finnish, Australian, and US researchers that incorporated numerous global studies.

Researchers note that 264 million people worldwide suffer from depression.The meta-analysis on the link between vitamin D supplementation and depression is one of the largest and incorporates data from 41 international studies. These studies used randomized placebo-controlled trials in various groups to examine the effectiveness of vitamin D in reducing depression symptoms in adults.

The research included studies conducted on depressed patients, the general public and individuals with different physical conditions.

The meta-findings analyses demonstrate that supplementing with vitamin D reduces depressive symptoms in individuals more effectively than a placebo approach. The quantities of vitamin D utilized significantly varied, but the average vitamin D dosage was 50 to 100 mg daily.

Omega 3 fatty acids and depression
The Brazil-based study evaluated the relationship between omega 3 fatty acid intake and the occurrence and maintenance of depressive episodes in adults aged 39 to 64 and elderly adults over 65.

The study involved data analysis through the Clinical Interview Schedule Revised (CIS-R), which collected data on depressive episodes, as well as the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) that assessed food consumption.

Logistic regression – a classification algorithm – was performed to investigate links between omega 3 dietary intake and depressive episodes. Omega 3 fatty acids demonstrated a protective effect against the recurrence of depressive episodes. 

The consumption of omega 3 fatty acids has been associated with fewer depressive episodes. According to estimations, incidence estimates show a substantial relationship between omega 3 and alpha-linolenic acid consumption, with higher omega 3 consumption associated with a lower chance of depressive episodes.

Addressing limitations
Researchers note the study limitations regarding the correlation between vitamin D supplementation and depression.

To make informed judgments on the likelihood of vitamin D supplementation as a potential adjunct to currently available treatments for depression, further well-researched and high-quality trials are required.

“Despite the broad scope of this meta-analysis, the certainty of evidence remains low due to the heterogeneity of the populations studied and the risk of bias associated with a large number of studies,” says Mikola.

Chronic inflammation, pain and mood
Previously US-based KaraMD unveiled a vitamin D combined with magnesium supplement that may impact mood, heart health and immunity.

Going beyond brain health, a separate study from the University of South Australia revealed a direct correlation between low vitamin D levels and high inflammation levels. Therefore raising vitamin D levels in people who are deficient could reduce chronic inflammation.

Regarding omega 3 fatty acid, a Japan-based Okayama University found that eicosapentaenoic acid may have therapeutic effects for chronic pain. 

By Nicole Kerr