Depression is one of the most frequently occurring psychiatric disorders; around 45.7 million people in India suffer from depression and related disorders. Females have twice the risk of contracting depression compared to males. The high incidence of depression in the population has a lasting impact on the community and affects the patient’s well-being and productivity in daily life.
PHYSICAL AND CLINICAL IMPACT OF DEPRESSION
The physical symptoms of depression include insomnia, headaches, fatigue, chronic pain, weight loss, increased risk of heart disease, loss of libido, diarrhoea, constipation, and inflammation.
The clinical signs and symptoms of depression are low mood, slow thinking process, reduced energy, decreased speech and movement, lack of interest and pleasure, and sometimes, in severe cases, suicidal tendencies.
The clinical management of this condition is frequently based on the use of some pharmacological antidepressant agents, psychotherapy, and other alternatives in most severe cases. Still, it has been reported that these drugs are ineffective in 30% of depression patients. Therefore it is imperative to find novel approaches in the treatment of depression.
USE OF NUTRACEUTICALS IN DEPRESSION
Nutraceuticals are natural compounds containing food with proven health promotion or disease prevention benefits.The idea of food with therapeutical effects is not new; as Hippocrates said, “let food be the medicine”. In contrast to the adverse effects of many chemically synthesized drugs, nutraceuticals provided worldwide acceptance in the treatment.
Several clinical trials have been conducted over the last decade, remarking on the adjunctive use of omega-3, vitamin D, S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), and methylfolate in depression.
•Omega-3-fatty acids: Consuming omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of mood disorders and brain diseases by enhancing brain function and preserving the myelin sheath that protects nerve cells and might help with depressive disorders. It is found in cold-water fish, such as salmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel, flaxseed oil, chia seeds, andwalnuts.
•Antioxidants: Vitamins A (beta carotene), C, and E contain antioxidants that help remove free radicals. Also, plant-based foods, such as berries, are good sources of antioxidants. A diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, soy, and other plant products may help reduce the stress-related symptoms of depression as they are rich sources of antioxidants.
•Probiotics: Foods such as yogurt and kefir may boost the levels of beneficial bacteria in the gut.As per the meta-analysis published in 2016, healthy gut microbiota may reduce the symptoms and risk of depression. The researchers also suggested that Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium may help treat the depressive disorder.
•Methylfolate: Folate levels are found to be reduced in depression patients. Supplementation with methylfolate shows significant improvement in depression symptoms.
•S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe): SAMe probably exerts some benefits in the clinical management of depression, particularly when combined with traditional and novel therapeutical approaches.
Depression is a complex and common disorder affecting many of the population. Clinical trials show that nutraceuticals can be used as adjuvant therapy in managing depression.
The author is MD, Clinical Pharmacologist and Nutra-ceutical Physician, Founder and CEO IntelliMed Healthcare Suctions.