Mixed results were found for zinc , folic acid , vitamin C , and tryptophan , with nonsignificant results for inositol .
No major adverse effects were noted in the studies ( aside from minor digestive disturbance ) .
A meta- analysis of adjunctive omega-3 versus placebo revealed a significant and moderate to strong effect in favor of omega-3 .
Conversely , a meta- analysis of folic acid revealed a nonsignificant difference from placebo .
Current evidence supports adjunctive use of SAMe , methylfolate , omega-3 , and vitamin D with antidepressants to reduce depressive symptoms
OBJECTIVE There is burgeoning interest in augmentation strategies for improving inadequate response to antidepressants .
The adjunctive use of st and ardized pharmaceutical- grade nutrients , known as nutraceuticals , has the potential to modulate several neurochemical pathways implicated in depression .
While many studies have been conducted in this area , to date no specialized systematic review ( or meta- analysis ) has been conducted .
Double-blind, controlled trial of inositol treatment of depression.
OBJECTIVE CSF levels of inositol have been reported to be lower than normal in depressed subjects . The authors administered inositol to depressed patients in a double-blind , controlled trial . METHOD Under double-blind conditions , 12 g/day of  inositol ( N = 13 ) or placebo ( N = 15 ) was administered to depressed patients for 4 weeks . RESULTS The overall improvement in scores on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale was significantly greater for inositol than for placebo at week 4 . No changes were noted in hematology or in kidney or liver function . CONCLUSIONS This may be the first use of the precursor strategy for a second messenger rather than a neurotransmitter in treating depression . Although inositol had a significant antidepressant effect in this study , replication is crucial
Mixed results were found for zinc , folic acid , vitamin C , and tryptophan , with nonsignificant results for inositol .
No major adverse effects were noted in the studies ( aside from minor digestive disturbance ) .
A meta- analysis of adjunctive omega-3 versus placebo revealed a significant and moderate to strong effect in favor of omega-3 .
Conversely , a meta- analysis of folic acid revealed a nonsignificant difference from placebo .
Current evidence supports adjunctive use of SAMe , methylfolate , omega-3 , and vitamin D with antidepressants to reduce depressive symptoms
OBJECTIVE There is burgeoning interest in augmentation strategies for improving inadequate response to antidepressants .
The adjunctive use of st and ardized pharmaceutical- grade nutrients , known as nutraceuticals , has the potential to modulate several neurochemical pathways implicated in depression .
While many studies have been conducted in this area , to date no specialized systematic review ( or meta- analysis ) has been conducted .