Broad spectrum micronutrient formulas for the treatment of symptoms of depression, stress, and/or anxiety: a systematic review

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Vitamin and mineral nutritional supplements are becoming increasingly popular as alternative treatments for anxiety and depression, as issues such as side effects from medication, failure to respond to psychotherapy and workforce limitations pose barriers for successful treatment.

Areas covered: This review covered double-blind, randomized controlled trials (DBRCTs) testing formulas including at least four vitamins and/or minerals used for the treatment of symptoms of anxiety, stress, or depression in adults not currently taking medication for psychiatric difficulties.

Expert opinion: The majority of the 23 trials reviewed were conducted on people without psychological difficulties, limiting the generalizability of the results in people with diagnosed mood and anxiety difficulties. Sixteen studies demonstrated positive effects for symptoms of anxiety, depression, or stress. Micronutrient supplementation in healthy nonclinical adults has limited benefits for mood and anxiety symptoms, although may convey some subtle general improvements. The evidence for adults with physical or mental ill health is more positive although limited by small samples and variability in nutrients studied. Broad-spectrum nutrient products may be more effective than a selected few. While an effect of micronutrients cannot be dismissed, the variability of the studies makes it extremely challenging to identify specific treatment benefits.

KEYWORDS:

• Micronutrients
• vitamins
• minerals
• mood
• depression
• anxiety
• stress
• treatment

Declaration of Interest

The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Supplementary Material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed here

Reviewer Disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

M Blampied is supported by the University of Canterbury College of Science PhD Scholarships and the New Zealand Psychological Society Research Grant.