New research shows certain nutraceuticals may improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression—especially when used alongside traditional treatments.
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the world. While antidepressant medications help many people, they don’t work for everyone. Some individuals experience side effects or find that medication alone isn’t enough. That’s one reason why supplements, including 4BetterMood were developed.
Now, a major new study published in Psychological Medicine has backed up the notion that certain nutraceuticals may offer real benefits for people struggling with depression.
Nutraceuticals are natural substances—like vitamins, minerals, herbs, and plant compounds—that are believed to support health and wellbeing. They’re often found in foods or available as dietary supplements.
In the new study, researchers reviewed 192 clinical trials involving over 17,000 people with depression. They compared how well different nutraceuticals worked—either on their own or combined with antidepressant medications.
The big takeaway? Several supplements were more effective than antidepressants alone—and most were just as safe as a placebo (a sugar pill). And in mild to moderate depression, some supplements outperformed prescription antidepressants.
Think about that: In mild to moderate depression, some naturally-occurring substances, without any serious side effects, were more effective than prescription medications.
The following supplements showed the strongest evidence of helping with depression symptoms:
Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA + DHA): Found in fish oil, helpful alone or with antidepressants
SAMe (S-Adenosyl Methionine): Supports brain chemicals; works well solo or with medication
Curcumin: A powerful antioxidant found in turmeric
Saffron: A spice that showed strong mood-boosting effects
Vitamin D: Especially helpful in people with low levels
Zinc & Folate (Vitamin B9): Important for brain function
Tryptophan & Carnitine: Amino acids that support mental and physical energy
In some cases these supplements could be even more effective when combined with antidepressants, suggesting a “best of both worlds” approach.
Nutraceuticals appear to help depression by:
Reducing inflammation in the brain
Balancing brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine
Improving gut health, which affects mood through the gut-brain axis
This multi-pathway support may explain why some people feel better when using supplements alongside other treatments.
Are nutraceuticals for depression safe? In most cases, yes.
Most supplements caused no more side effects than a placebo
Antidepressants alone actually caused more side effects than most nutraceuticals
When combined with antidepressants, supplements did not increase risk of harm
That said, supplements aren’t risk-free. It’s always best to talk to your doctor before starting any new regimen—especially if you’re taking other medication.
The benefits of nutraceuticals varied depending on the severity of depression:
Mild to moderate depression: Some supplements like saffron or vitamin D worked as well or better than antidepressants.
Moderate to severe depression: Supplements combined with antidepressants, such as omega-3s, SAMe, or curcumin, showed the greatest improvement.
A few supplements also helped reduce anxiety symptoms. The best performer was vitamin D, although more research is needed to confirm these results across different conditions.
So, if you’re exploring natural ways to support your mental health, here are the main things to remember:
Omega-3s, SAMe, curcumin, and saffron are backed by the most evidence
Supplements may work best when combined with antidepressants, but some supplements seem to outperform prescription antidepressants in mild to moderate depression
Most are safe and well tolerated
The gut-brain connection may explain how these supplements help
Always consult a healthcare provider before starting anything new
This research offers hope for people looking to enhance their treatment for depression. While supplements aren’t a replacement for therapy or medication, they may be a powerful partner in your mental wellness journey.
Do not discontinue your prescription antidepressant medication suddenly and never stop it without advice from your doctor.
But if you are struggling with depression and taking a medicine for it, it makes sense to speak with your doctor about adding one of the following:
Fish oil (EPA + DHA)
SAMe supplements
Turmeric/Curcumin
Vitamin D
Saffron extract
Choosing high-quality products and the right dosage is key—so professional guidance matters.
About the authors
Read more at Keith & Kathy's Corner
