Deficiency becomes more common over the age of 50. Supplementation of folic acid and B 12 often produces dramatic results in people who are depressed because of deficiencies. Vitamin C deficiency is not particularly common but can occur people with very poor diets or nonexistent intake of fruits and vegetables. If not remedied, scurvy symptoms can develop. Magnesium is a critical mineral used in sending messages along your nerves.
Magnesium deficiencies can result in muscle weakness and irritability.
Another deficiency can occur with amino acids, the building blocks that make up protein. SAMe levels tend to be low in the elderly and in depressed people. SAMe supplements have been effective in alleviating depression. Then one gradually reduces the dosage to 800 mg or even 400-mg a day, based on one's depressive symptoms. Tryptophan is another amino acid that affects depression.