The Secret Power of Supplements

If you’re taking an antidepressant, you may want to make sure to take a vitamin, too — it could boost the efficacy of the medication.

Researchers from Harvard University and the University of Melbourne looked at 40 global clinical trials that used medications to treat clinical depression as well as nutrient supplements. The studies examined people on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin, noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, and tricyclics.

The power supplements that boosted the medications’ effects? Omega-3 fish oils, S-adenosylmethionine, methylfolate (the bioactive form of folate), and Vitamin D. The researchers reported mixed results for zinc, vitamin C, and tryptophan. Folic acid didn’t work particularly well, nor did inositol.

Dr. Jerome Sarris, a mental health researcher at the University of Melbourne, led the meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Psychiatry. He said larger studies need to be done to confirm that the supplements help all antidepressants work better, though that appears to be the case. The studies he reviewed included antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and citalopram (Celexa).

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Sarris explained that more studies are needed to show if taking one or two of the supplements — instead of all four — would still show as positive results.

Omega 3s Stand Out
The strongest finding from the review was that Omega-3 fish oil — in combination with antidepressants — had a statistically significant effect over a placebo, said Sarris in a statement. The study is the first to examine using Omega 3s in combination with antidepressants.

“Medical practitioners are aware of the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, but are probably unaware that one can combine them with antidepressant medication for a potentially better outcome,” Sarris noted in a statement.

So should you hit the vitamin aisle and stock up if you’re on antidepressants?

Sarris said to consult a physician first.

“This [taking the supplements] is only currently indicated as a potential adjunctive treatment option if [patients] have an insufficient response to their antidepressant medication — not so much as a preventative approach, although this is a possibility that can’t be ruled out,” he told LifeZette.

“Certain nutraceuticals [dietary supplements] may provide an enhancing effect when used with antidepressants to further decrease depressive symptoms,” he added.