9 EVIDENCE-BASED FACTS ON SUPPLEMENTS IN MENTAL HEALTH
Omega 3
- Omega 3 containing more than 50% EPA produces small but significant improvements in depression either as an adjunct to SSRIs or monotherapy. Dose 2200mg EPA per day.
- High EPA omega 3 may help reduce ADHD symptoms at a dose of 2500mg EPA per day, but better quality evidence is needed.
- Omega 3 does not help with schizophrenia.
Folate-based supplements
- High-dose methylfolate of 15mg/day may help in treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. However, only a few small randomised control trials have been done, so more research is needed.
- High-dose methylfolate of 15mg/day as an adjunctive treatment in schizophrenia may reduce negative symptoms of the disorder such as lack of affect, apathy and poor social functioning. But more research needed.
NAC
- N-acetyl cysteine at 2000mg/day may help with depression and bipolar disorder but evidence is heterogeneous and based on only a few RCTs.
Vitamin D
- Vitamin D (50,000 IU per week) adjunctive treatment may help patients with major depression, but effects of sunlight may not have been properly allowed for.
Overall
- None of these supplements showed evidence of adverse effects.
- All were safe to take as adjuncts of the appropriate psychiatric medications.