Mood Support title image

Mood Support

Mental & Cognitive Health

A steadier mood can make everyday life feel more manageable, with enough emotional flexibility to respond to both enjoyable moments and ordinary challenges. Mood support focuses on that sense of balance, along with the calm, motivation, and resilience that help you stay engaged. Different people may need support with different parts of this experience. Emotional wellbeing is connected to normal brain signaling, nutritional status, recovery, and the demands placed on you. Essential nutrients provide a foundation for nervous-system function, while more targeted ingredients are used for specific mood or calming purposes. Their distinct roles help explain why choosing around a clear priority is useful. Patterns across everyday life give the routine context. You might follow how readily you settle after stress, maintain interest in familiar activities, or manage a demanding day. Looking at those experiences together helps you recognize meaningful changes and keep your approach focused on practical emotional wellbeing.

Warnings

  • Check serotonin-related combinations: 5-HTP, tryptophan, SAMe, and St. John's wort can be unsuitable with antidepressants or other medicines affecting serotonin. Do not combine them without professional review of the full regimen.
  • Mood conditions need coordinated care: People with bipolar disorder or marked changes in mood, sleep, or behavior should seek clinical advice before adding mood products. Some supplements can be unsuitable alongside psychiatric treatment.
  • St. John's wort has major interactions: St. John's wort can reduce the effectiveness of several medicines, including some contraceptives, and can interact dangerously with others. Review it professionally rather than treating it as a harmless herbal alternative.
  • Check medicine interactions: Ask a pharmacist or clinician to review your exact products alongside your medicines. The ingredient, amount, and treatment determine which combinations are suitable.
Ingredient overview

Goal guidance

Lifestyle changes

Keep regular sleep, movement, and supportive social contact in your week. Make time for activities you enjoy and use manageable routines when motivation is low.

Diet changes

Choose regular meals with varied protein foods, plants, and sources of unsaturated fat. Notice whether caffeine or alcohol affects your mood, anxiety, or sleep.

Who this is for

Adults seeking support for everyday emotional balance, stress resilience, and a more settled mood.

Who should be careful

Review mood supplements with a clinician if you take psychiatric medicines or have bipolar disorder. Pregnancy and breastfeeding need individual advice, and supplement changes should be coordinated with prescribed treatment.

Expected timeline

Notice patterns across days and weeks, including sleep, motivation, and how you manage normal demands. A consistent routine gives a clearer picture than judging a single good or difficult day.

Common mistakes

Combining several mood-active ingredients can create unnecessary overlap. Start with a clear purpose, check compatibility, and keep supportive daily habits part of the routine.

Ingredients

Folate Vitamins
Impact
Highest effect
Typical dose400–1000 mcg / day

The active form, L-methylfolate, can cross the blood-brain barrier to participate directly in neurotransmitter synthesis. It is often used as an adjunct therapy for mood disorders.

Focuses on
Mood ChemistryBrain Nutrients
Most relevant for
Individuals with low folate status or those seeking to nutritionally complement existing depression treatment under medical supervision.

Potential benefits

  • Support for antidepressant response.High-dose L-methylfolate (15 mg) has shown efficacy in reducing symptoms when added to standard antidepressant therapy for individuals with an inadequate treatment response.
  • Mood maintenance in deficiency.Maintaining adequate folate levels is associated with a lower risk of developing depressive symptoms, particularly in the elderly and those with identified nutritional deficiencies.
  • Neurotransmitter synthesis support.Unconfirmed. As a critical cofactor in methylation, folate is theorized to support the synthesis of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, though direct mood improvement from this mechanism alone remains unproven in healthy populations.

Limitations

  • Inconsistent form efficacy.While L-methylfolate shows clinical promise, evidence for standard synthetic folic acid in mood support is inconsistent and often yields no significant benefit in trials.
  • No benefit for healthy adults.Supplementation has not demonstrated mood-enhancing effects in healthy individuals with already adequate dietary folate levels.
  • Mixed perinatal evidence.Research on whether folate supplementation during pregnancy prevents postpartum or perinatal depression is contradictory, with multiple large cohort studies finding no significant association.
Things to consider

Consult a healthcare provider before use, especially if taking antidepressants or if you have an MTHFR genetic variant. Clinical benefits for resistant depression were specifically observed with the L-methylfolate form at 15 mg daily.

Study evidence

84 studies

Low folate status is associated with depression, and methylfolate may help some people whose depression has not responded adequately to antidepressants. Evidence for ordinary folic acid is inconsistent, and the available research does not establish a general mood benefit in healthy people.

View ingredient ->
Magnesium Minerals
Impact
Highest effect
Typical dose200–400 mg / day

Magnesium helps regulate the HPA axis (the body's central stress response system) and acts as a gatekeeper for NMDA receptors, preventing over-excitation of nerve cells. Bioavailable forms like glycinate or L-threonate are preferred for mental health benefits.

Focuses on
Mood ChemistryCalmBrain Nutrients
Most relevant for
Adults seeking to support emotional resilience and mood stability through nutritional intake, especially those with low dietary magnesium.

Potential benefits

  • Symptom Management.Unconfirmed. Some clinical trials suggest magnesium may help lower depressive symptom scores, but meta-analyses of placebo-controlled trials often show no significant benefit, making this effect unproven for the general population.
  • Anxiety and Stress Support.Unconfirmed. Magnesium is suggested to help alleviate subjective anxiety and stress in vulnerable populations, though existing evidence is considered poor quality and requires further confirmation.
  • Neurotransmitter Synthesis.As a vital cofactor in the production of brain chemicals like serotonin, magnesium is essential for maintaining the biological pathways that regulate mood and the nervous system.

Limitations

  • Inconsistent Clinical Support.Major clinical guidelines and meta-analyses have found insufficient evidence to recommend magnesium for major depressive disorders, with several trials showing it performs no better than a placebo.
  • Dependence on Deficiency Status.The relationship between magnesium and mood is often tied to deficiency; it is unclear if individuals with already adequate magnesium levels experience any additional mood benefits from supplementation.
  • Causality Uncertainty.Much of the evidence is based on cross-sectional studies showing an association between low magnesium and mood difficulties, which does not prove that supplementation can prevent or treat these issues.
Things to consider

Long-term use of diuretics or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may deplete magnesium levels, which has been associated with an increased prevalence of depressive symptoms.

Study evidence

60 studies

Magnesium shows some promise for mood-related symptoms, but findings are mixed and a dependable benefit has not been established. Research in people with depression or other clinical difficulties does not necessarily extend to everyday mood in otherwise healthy adults.

View ingredient ->
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Impact
Highest effect
Typical dose1000–2000 EPA+DHA mg / day

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, are integral components of brain cell membranes. EPA has demonstrated direct mood-stabilizing effects, likely by reducing inflammatory cytokines that can negatively impact brain function.

Focuses on
Mood ChemistryBrain Nutrients
Most relevant for
Adults with diagnosed depression, especially those currently receiving antidepressant treatment.

Potential benefits

  • Symptom Reduction in MDD.Meta-analyses indicate that Omega-3 supplementation can significantly reduce the severity of symptoms in adults with a clinical diagnosis of major depressive disorder.
  • Adjuvant Support.Omega-3 appears most effective when used alongside standard antidepressants, with some studies showing a higher rate of symptom remission compared to medication alone.
  • High-EPA Formulation Efficacy.Research consistently suggests that preparations containing more than 50 percent EPA are more effective for mood support than DHA-predominant oils.

Limitations

  • Ineffective for Prevention.Long-term clinical trials do not support the use of Omega-3 to prevent the onset of depression in the general population or healthy older adults.
  • Limited General Mood Impact.Supplementation typically shows no benefit for mood scores or stress-induced emotional changes in individuals without a clinical diagnosis of depression.
  • Mixed Specialized Evidence.Evidence remains inconclusive or null for preventing perinatal depression, treating bipolar mania, or improving mood in adolescents and children.
Things to consider

Common side effects include gastrointestinal upset and easy bruising. Some long-term studies in healthy older adults and men with cardiovascular disease observed a slight increase in depression risk.

Study evidence

141 studies

Omega-3 may reduce symptoms in adults with existing depression, with more favorable evidence for EPA-rich preparations used alongside antidepressants. It has not reliably improved mood in people without depression or prevented depression, and benefits vary across populations and studies.

View ingredient ->
Vitamin B12 Vitamins
Impact
Highest effect
Typical dose250–1000 mcg / day

Vitamin B12 is a necessary cofactor for the synthesis of SAMe, a molecule critical for producing serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. The methylcobalamin form is biologically active and often recommended.

Focuses on
Mood ChemistryBrain Nutrients
Most relevant for
Individuals with low vitamin B12 levels or those at high risk of deficiency who are experiencing mood-related concerns.

Potential benefits

  • Correction of deficiency-related symptoms.Addressing low vitamin B12 levels is critical for mood, as deficiency is consistently linked to increased depressive symptoms and melancholic mood subtypes.
  • Support for long-term mood stability.Prolonged B12 intake over months or years may help reduce the risk of depressive relapse and the onset of clinical symptoms in at-risk populations.
  • Improved affect in older adults.Maintaining healthy B12 status is associated with higher positive affect and better psychological well-being in community-dwelling older adults.

Limitations

  • Ineffective for adequate levels.Supplementation typically provides no mood benefit for individuals who already have sufficient vitamin B12 levels.
  • Minimal short-term impact.Short-term use (days to weeks) has not been shown to reduce the severity of symptoms in major depressive disorder.
  • Mixed population evidence.Large-scale studies in general healthy populations often find no significant association between B12 levels and anxiety or depression symptoms.
Things to consider

Common medications such as metformin and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can impair B12 absorption. Persistently elevated B12 levels above 1,000 pg/mL have been associated with increased health risks in some observational studies.

Study evidence

29 studies

Low vitamin B12 is associated with depressive symptoms in some populations, but this does not show that extra B12 improves mood when levels are adequate. Supplementation findings are inconsistent, with possible benefits in selected clinical groups rather than a reliable general mood effect.

View ingredient ->
Vitamin B6 Vitamins
Impact
Highest effect
Typical dose10–50 mg / day

Vitamin B6, in its active P-5-P form, is an essential cofactor for enzymes converting 5-HTP to serotonin and L-DOPA to dopamine. Its role in the methylation cycle alongside B12 and folate makes it foundational for emotional well-being.

Focuses on
Mood ChemistryBrain Nutrients
Most relevant for
Individuals with low vitamin B6 status or those experiencing existing depressive symptoms seeking to support emotional well-being through nutritional replenishment.

Potential benefits

  • Correction of Deficiency-Related Distress.Normalizing vitamin B6 levels may help reduce psychological distress and irritability, as low status is consistently associated with increased mood-related symptoms in observational studies.
  • Depressive Symptom Reduction.High-dose supplementation has shown potential in reducing depressive symptoms in individuals already experiencing mild mood challenges, though it does not appear to provide the same benefit to those without existing symptoms.
  • Targeted Situational Mood Support.Preliminary evidence suggests B6 may help lower the risk of postpartum depression in high-risk women and may mitigate mood-related side effects of specific medications.

Limitations

  • Minimal General Anxiety Impact.Clinical trials focused on B6 specifically for mood have frequently found no significant reduction in anxiety or stress levels compared to a placebo.
  • Inconsistent in Healthy Populations.Supplementation may not offer a mood-boosting advantage for healthy adults who already maintain adequate vitamin B6 levels through diet.
  • Causal Uncertainty.While low B6 is linked to poorer mood, most evidence is cross-sectional; it remains unclear if low intake causes mood issues or if other factors are involved.
Things to consider

Long-term high-dose B6 intake should be supervised by a professional to avoid potential sensory nerve issues. This ingredient is most effective for mood when addressing an underlying deficiency rather than as a general performance enhancer.

Study evidence

19 studies

Vitamin B6 shows preliminary promise for reducing depressive symptoms in selected groups, while low B6 status is associated with poorer mood. Supplement trials are inconsistent, and the evidence does not establish a general mood benefit for people whose B6 levels are already adequate.

View ingredient ->
Vitamin D Vitamins
Impact
Highest effect
Typical dose1000–4000 IU / day

Vitamin D receptors are abundant in areas of the brain associated with mood regulation. It helps control the synthesis of key neurotransmitters and protects neurons from oxidative damage.

Focuses on
Mood ChemistryBrain Nutrients
Most relevant for
Adults with clinical depressive symptoms, pregnant women, or older adults with low vitamin D status.

Potential benefits

  • Symptom Severity Reduction.Meta-analyses of randomized trials indicate that supplementation may moderately reduce scores on standardized depression scales, particularly in individuals with mild to moderate clinical symptoms.
  • Perinatal Mood Support.Daily intake of vitamin D3 during late pregnancy has been shown in clinical trials to effectively lower the risk and severity of depressive symptoms during the weeks following childbirth.
  • Mental Health in Older Adults.Targeted supplementation may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression in elderly populations, including those with concurrent health challenges such as prediabetes.

Limitations

  • Inconsistent Clinical Evidence.Numerous placebo-controlled trials show no significant mood improvement in healthy adults or individuals who are not clinically depressed, regardless of their vitamin D blood levels.
  • Questionable Causal Link.While low levels are strongly associated with poor mood, correcting a deficiency does not consistently result in emotional improvement, suggesting low vitamin D may be a marker rather than a cause.
  • Not a Standalone Treatment.Research primarily evaluates vitamin D as an adjunct to standard care; it is not established as a primary replacement for standard antidepressant therapies or psychological counseling.
Things to consider

Supplementation appears most effective when targeted at populations with confirmed deficiency or significant depressive symptoms; benefits for general mood in healthy, replete individuals are not supported.

Study evidence

163 studies

Vitamin D may modestly reduce depressive symptoms in some people, but supplementation results are inconsistent. Low vitamin D levels often accompany poorer mood, yet this association does not prove causation, and even correcting low levels does not reliably improve mood.

View ingredient ->

Studies

Explore published research for this goal.

Sources

Up to five highest-ranked published examples per ingredient. Study counts and charts include all published studies for the connection.

  1. The efficacy and safety of nutrient supplements in the treatment of mental disorders: a meta-review of meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials.
    Firth J; Teasdale SB; Allott K; Siskind D; Marx W; Cotter J; Veronese N; Schuch F; Smith L; Solmi M; Carvalho AF; Vancampfort D; Berk M; Stubbs B; Sarris J · World psychiatry : official journal of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA) · 2025
    Systematic review10,951 participants33 studies pooledFolate
  2. Continuous supplementation of folic acid in pregnancy and the risk of perinatal depression-A meta-analysis.
    Jin X; Cheng Z; Yu X; Tao Q; Huang R; Wang S · Journal of affective disorders · 2022
    Meta-analysis26,275 participants15 studies pooledFolate
  3. Efficacy of B-vitamins and vitamin D therapy in improving depressive and anxiety disorders: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
    Borges-Vieira JG; Cardoso CKS · Nutritional neuroscience · 2023
    Systematic review2,256 participants20 studies pooledFolateVitamin B12
  4. Folate supplementation as a beneficial add-on treatment in relieving depressive symptoms: A meta-analysis of meta-analyses.
    Gao S; Khalid A; Amini-Salehi E; Radkhah N; Jamilian P; Badpeyma M; Zarezadeh M · Food science & nutrition · 2024
    Meta-analysis11 studies pooledFolate
  5. Oral 5'-methyltetrahydrofolic acid in senile organic mental disorders with depression: results of a double-blind multicenter study.
    Passeri M; Cucinotta D; Abate G; Senin U; Ventura A; Stramba Badiale M; Diana R; La Greca P; Le Grazie C · Aging (Milan, Italy) · 1993
    Randomized trial96 participantsFolate
  6. Protective role of antioxidant supplementation for depression and anxiety: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
    Wang H; Jin M; Xie M; Yang Y; Xue F; Li W; Zhang M; Li Z; Li X; Jia N; Liu Y; Cui X; Hu G; Dong L; Wang G; Yu Q · Journal of affective disorders · 2023
    Meta-analysis4,049 participants52 studies pooledMagnesium
  7. Role of magnesium supplementation in the treatment of depression: A randomized clinical trial.
    Tarleton EK; Littenberg B; MacLean CD; Kennedy AG; Daley C · PloS one · 2017
    Randomized trial126 participantsMagnesium
  8. Magnesium supplementation as an adjunct to fluoxetine therapy for depression.
    Walyddaini AS; Lisal ST; Ilhamuddin; Zainuddin AA; Tanra AJ; Widianingsih Y; Syamsuddin S · East Asian archives of psychiatry : official journal of the Hong Kong College of Psychiatrists = Dong Ya jing shen ke xue zhi : Xianggang jing shen ke yi xue yuan qi kan · 2026
    Randomized trial40 participantsMagnesium
  9. The effects of magnesium supplementation on serum level of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and depression status in patients with depression.
    Afsharfar M; Shahraki M; Shakiba M; Asbaghi O; Dashipour A · Clinical nutrition ESPEN · 2021
    Randomized trial46 participantsMagnesium
  10. Dietary magnesium intake and risk of depression.
    Sun C; Wang R; Li Z; Zhang D · Journal of affective disorders · 2019
    Cross-sectional study17,730 participantsMagnesium
  11. Omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention of interferon-alpha-induced depression: results from a randomized, controlled trial.
    Su KP; Lai HC; Yang HT; Su WP; Peng CY; Chang JP; Chang HC; Pariante CM · Biological psychiatry · 2015
    Randomized trial162 participantsOmega-3
  12. Role of omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of depressive disorders: a comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
    Grosso G; Pajak A; Marventano S; Castellano S; Galvano F; Bucolo C; Drago F; Caraci F · PloS one · 2015
    Meta-analysis19 studies pooledOmega-3
  13. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation in the Treatment of Depression: An Observational Study.
    Mehdi S; Manohar K; Shariff A; Kinattingal N; Wani SUD; Alshehri S; Imam MT; Shakeel F; Krishna KL · Journal of personalized medicine · 2023
    Randomized trial165 participantsOmega-3
  14. Omega-3 fatty acids: evidence basis for treatment and future research in psychiatry.
    Freeman MP; Hibbeln JR; Wisner KL; Davis JM; Mischoulon D; Peet M; Keck PE; Marangell LB; Richardson AJ; Lake J; Stoll AL · The Journal of clinical psychiatry · 2007
    Meta-analysisOmega-3
  15. Omega-3 fatty-acids modulate symptoms of depressive disorder, serum levels of omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6/omega-3 ratio in children. A randomized, double-blind and controlled trial.
    Trebatická J; Hradečná Z; Surovcová A; Katrenčíková B; Gushina I; Waczulíková I; Sušienková K; Garaiova I; Šuba J; Ďuračková Z · Psychiatry research · 2020
    Randomized trial60 participantsOmega-3
  16. Subjective well-being in older adults: folate and vitamin B12 independently predict positive affect.
    Edney LC; Burns NR; Danthiir V · The British journal of nutrition · 2016
    Cohort study391 participantsVitamin B12
  17. Association between of vitamin B12 status during pregnancy and probable postpartum depression: the ECLIPSES study.
    Cruz-Rodríguez J; Canals-Sans J; Hernández-Martínez C; Arija V · Journal of reproductive and infant psychology · 2025
    Cohort study336 participantsVitamin B12
  18. The biological relationship among depression, vitamins B9, B12, and D, and genetic variants: a systematic review.
    Soriano-Gonzalez R; Ramirez-Olea H; Gonzalez-Soltero R; Chavez-Santoscoy RA · Frontiers in nutrition · 2025
    Systematic review24 studies pooledVitamin B12
  19. Associations of dietary B vitamins intakes with depression in adults.
    Wu Y; Li S; Wang W; Zhang D · International journal for vitamin and nutrition research. Internationale Zeitschrift fur Vitamin- und Ernahrungsforschung. Journal international de vitaminologie et de nutrition · 2023
    Observational study17,732 participantsVitamin B12Vitamin B6
  20. High Dose Vitamin B6 Reduces Depression Symptoms.
    Field DT; Cracknell R; Biagi N · Depression and anxiety · 2026
    Randomized trial267 participantsVitamin B6
  21. Can Vitamin B6 Help to Prevent Postpartum Depression? A Randomized Controlled Trial.
    Khodadad M; Bahadoran P; Kheirabadi GR; Sabzghabaee AM · International journal of preventive medicine · 2022
    Randomized trial81 participantsVitamin B6
  22. Associations of Dietary Intake of Vitamin B6 and Plasma Pyridoxal 5'-Phosphate Level With Depression in US Adults: Findings From NHANES 2005-2010.
    Lu J; Mao H; Tan Y; Luo G · Brain and behavior · 2024
    Cross-sectional study24,683 participantsVitamin B6
  23. Impact of vitamin B6 status on psychological distress in a longitudinal study of HIV-1 infection.
    Shor-Posner G; Feaster D; Blaney NT; Rocca H; Mantero-Atienza E; Szapocznik J; Eisdorfer C; Goodkin K; Baum MK · International journal of psychiatry in medicine · 1995
    Cohort study88 participantsVitamin B6
  24. Meta-analysis of the effect of vitamin D on depression.
    Wang L; Su S; Liu Y · Frontiers in psychiatry · 2025
    Meta-analysis20 studies pooledVitamin D
  25. A randomized controlled trial of vitamin D supplementation on perinatal depression: in Iranian pregnant mothers.
    Vaziri F; Nasiri S; Tavana Z; Dabbaghmanesh MH; Sharif F; Jafari P · BMC pregnancy and childbirth · 2017
    Randomized trial169 participantsVitamin D
  26. Prospective associations between vitamin D and depression in middle-aged adults: findings from the UK Biobank cohort.
    Ronaldson A; Arias de la Torre J; Gaughran F; Bakolis I; Hatch SL; Hotopf M; Dregan A · Psychological medicine · 2022
    Cohort study139,128 participantsVitamin D
  27. Association Between Low Vitamin D Levels and Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
    Karim S; Natche J; Babli SA; Avinash; Matakhov D; Ferdous S; Jeyakkodi H; Alamu OS; Rizwanullah U; Hameed SA · Cureus · 2026
    Meta-analysis49,931 participants15 studies pooledVitamin D
  28. Vitamin D Alleviates Anxiety and Depression in Elderly People with Prediabetes: A Randomized Controlled Study.
    Zaromytidou E; Koufakis T; Dimakopoulos G; Drivakou D; Konstantinidou S; Rakitzi P; Grammatiki M; Manthou E; Notopoulos A; Iakovou I; Gotzamani-Psarrakou A; Kotsa K · Metabolites · 2023
    Randomized trial90 participantsVitamin D
  29. Comparative study of efficacy of l-5-hydroxytryptophan and fluoxetine in patients presenting with first depressive episode.
    Jangid P; Malik P; Singh P; Sharma M; Gulia AK · Asian journal of psychiatry · 2013
    Randomized trial70 participants5-HTP
  30. The Impact of 5-Hydroxytryptophan Supplementation on Cognitive Function and Mood in Singapore Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
    Li S; Sutanto CN; Xia X; Kim JE · Nutrients · 2025
    Randomized trial30 participants5-HTP
  31. Effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan on distinct types of depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Javelle F; Lampit A; Bloch W; Häussermann P; Johnson SL; Zimmer P · Nutrition reviews · 2020
    Meta-analysis13 studies pooled5-HTP
  32. Tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan for depression.
    Shaw K; Turner J; Del Mar C · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2002
    Systematic review64 participants2 studies pooled5-HTP
  33. 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and a MAOI (nialamide) in the treatment of depressions. A double-blind controlled study.
    Aliño JJ; Gutierrez JL; Iglesias ML · International pharmacopsychiatry · 1976
    Non-randomized trial30 participants5-HTP
  34. A proprietary herbal extract of ashwagandha root for stress and anxiety in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, three-arm, placebo-controlled efficacy and safety study.
    West RE; Biswas A; Rao R; Tayade H; Ademola J · Journal of medicine and life · 2026
    Randomized trial141 participantsAshwagandha
  35. Safety and efficacy of Withania somnifera for anxiety and insomnia: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Fatima K; Malik J; Muskan F; Raza G; Waseem A; Shahid H; Jaffery SF; Khan U; Zaheer MK; Shaikh Y; Rashid AM · Human psychopharmacology · 2024
    Meta-analysis254 participants5 studies pooledAshwagandha
  36. A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults.
    Chandrasekhar K; Kapoor J; Anishetty S · Indian journal of psychological medicine · 2013
    Randomized trial64 participantsAshwagandha
  37. Effects of multi-herb and ashwagandha root formulas on stress modulation: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study.
    McKinney E; Stewart J; Kewalramani R; Singh S · Trials · 2026
    Randomized trial186 participantsAshwagandha
  38. Medicinal herbs for the treatment of anxiety: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.
    Zhang W; Yan Y; Wu Y; Yang H; Zhu P; Yan F; Zhao R; Tian P; Wang T; Fan Q; Su Z · Pharmacological research · 2022
    Meta-analysis29 participants29 studies pooledAshwagandha
  39. A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial of oral creatine monohydrate augmentation for enhanced response to a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor in women with major depressive disorder.
    Lyoo IK; Yoon S; Kim TS; Hwang J; Kim JE; Won W; Bae S; Renshaw PF · The American journal of psychiatry · 2012
    Randomized trial52 participantsCreatine
  40. Effects of Creatine Monohydrate Augmentation on Brain Metabolic and Network Outcome Measures in Women With Major Depressive Disorder.
    Yoon S; Kim JE; Hwang J; Kim TS; Kang HJ; Namgung E; Ban S; Oh S; Yang J; Renshaw PF; Lyoo IK · Biological psychiatry · 2017
    Randomized trial52 participantsCreatine
  41. Efficacy and safety profile of oral creatine monohydrate in add-on to cognitive-behavioural therapy in depression: An 8-week pilot, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled feasibility and exploratory trial in an under-resourced area.
    Sherpa NN; De Giorgi R; Ostinelli EG; Choudhury A; Dolma T; Dorjee S · European neuropsychopharmacology : the journal of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology · 2024
    Randomized trial100 participantsCreatine
  42. Creatine supplementation in Parkinson disease: a placebo-controlled randomized pilot trial.
    Bender A; Koch W; Elstner M; Schombacher Y; Bender J; Moeschl M; Gekeler F; Müller-Myhsok B; Gasser T; Tatsch K; Klopstock T · Neurology · 2006
    Randomized trial60 participantsCreatine
  43. Dietary creatine intake and depression risk among U.S. adults.
    Bakian AV; Huber RS; Scholl L; Renshaw PF; Kondo D · Translational psychiatry · 2021
    Cross-sectional study22,692 participantsCreatine
  44. Efficacy of Pharmacological Interventions in Milder Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
    Urata M; Sakurai H; Ueno F; Maruki T; Tada T; Uchida T; Matsumoto Y; Murao M; Tomita M; Baba H; Kato M; Tsuboi T; Watanabe K · Neuropsychopharmacology reports · 2025
    Meta-analysis1,049 participants2 studies pooledRhodiola
  45. The Effect of Acute Rhodiola rosea Ingestion on Exercise Heart Rate, Substrate Utilisation, Mood State, and Perceptions of Exertion, Arousal, and Pleasure/Displeasure in Active Men.
    Duncan MJ; Clarke ND · Journal of sports medicine (Hindawi Publishing Corporation) · 2015
    Clinical trial10 participantsRhodiola
  46. Herbal medicine for depression, anxiety and insomnia: a review of psychopharmacology and clinical evidence.
    Sarris J; Panossian A; Schweitzer I; Stough C; Scholey A · European neuropsychopharmacology : the journal of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology · 2012
    Systematic review66 studies pooledRhodiola
  47. Medicinal Plants in the Treatment of Depression. II: Evidence from Clinical Trials.
    Moragrega I; Ríos JL · Planta medica · 2022
    Systematic reviewRhodiola
  48. Multicenter, open-label, exploratory clinical trial with Rhodiola rosea extract in patients suffering from burnout symptoms.
    Kasper S; Dienel A · Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment · 2020
    Single-arm trial118 participantsRhodiola
  49. Efficacy and tolerability of oral and intramuscular S-adenosyl-L-methionine 1,4-butanedisulfonate (SAMe) in the treatment of major depression: comparison with imipramine in 2 multicenter studies.
    Delle Chiaie R; Pancheri P; Scapicchio P · The American journal of clinical nutrition · 2002
    Randomized trial576 participantsSAMe
  50. A double-blind, randomized parallel-group, efficacy and safety study of intramuscular S-adenosyl-L-methionine 1,4-butanedisulphonate (SAMe) versus imipramine in patients with major depressive disorder.
    Pancheri P; Scapicchio P; Chiaie RD · The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology · 2004
    Randomized trial293 participantsSAMe
  51. Preliminary results of a randomized controlled trial carried out with a fixed combination of S-adenosyl-L-methionine and betaine versus amitriptyline in patients with mild depression.
    Di Pierro F; Settembre R · International journal of general medicine · 2015
    Randomized trial64 participantsSAMe
  52. S-adenosylmethionine blood levels in major depression: changes with drug treatment.
    Bell KM; Potkin SG; Carreon D; Plon L · Acta neurologica Scandinavica. Supplementum · 1994
    Randomized trial26 participantsSAMe
  53. Adjunctive Nutraceuticals for Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses.
    Sarris J; Murphy J; Mischoulon D; Papakostas GI; Fava M; Berk M; Ng CH · The American journal of psychiatry · 2017
    Meta-analysisSAMe
  54. The Effects of a Bacopa monnieri Extract (Bacumen®) on Cognition, Stress, and Fatigue in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
    Lopresti AL; Smith SJ · Clinical drug investigation · 2025
    Randomized trial101 participantsBacopa
  55. Effects of Bacopa monnieri (CDRI 08®) in a population of males exhibiting inattention and hyperactivity aged 6 to 14 years: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
    Kean JD; Downey LA; Sarris J; Kaufman J; Zangara A; Stough C · Phytotherapy research : PTR · 2022
    Randomized trial112 participantsBacopa
  56. The chronic effects of an extract of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on cognitive function in healthy human subjects.
    Stough C; Lloyd J; Clarke J; Downey LA; Hutchison CW; Rodgers T; Nathan PJ · Psychopharmacology · 2001
    Randomized trial85 participantsBacopa
  57. Effects of a standardized Bacopa monnieri extract on cognitive performance, anxiety, and depression in the elderly: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
    Calabrese C; Gregory WL; Leo M; Kraemer D; Bone K; Oken B · Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) · 2009
    Randomized trial54 participantsBacopa
  58. Brahmi for the better? New findings challenging cognition and anti-anxiety effects of Brahmi (Bacopa monniera) in healthy adults.
    Sathyanarayanan V; Thomas T; Einöther SJ; Dobriyal R; Joshi MK; Krishnamachari S · Psychopharmacology · 2013
    Randomized trial72 participantsBacopa
  59. Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) and International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) 2018 guidelines for the management of patients with bipolar disorder.
    Yatham LN; Kennedy SH; Parikh SV; Schaffer A; Bond DJ; Frey BN; Sharma V; Goldstein BI; Rej S; Beaulieu S; Alda M; MacQueen G; Milev RV; Ravindran A; O'Donovan C; McIntosh D; Lam RW; Vazquez G; Kapczinski F; McIntyre RS; Kozicky J; Kanba S; Lafer B; Suppes T; Calabrese JR; Vieta E; Malhi G; Post RM; Berk M · Bipolar disorders · 2019
    Guideline / consensusLithium
  60. GERI-BD: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial of Lithium and Divalproex in the Treatment of Mania in Older Patients With Bipolar Disorder.
    Young RC; Mulsant BH; Sajatovic M; Gildengers AG; Gyulai L; Al Jurdi RK; Beyer J; Evans J; Banerjee S; Greenberg R; Marino P; Kunik ME; Chen P; Barrett M; Schulberg HC; Bruce ML; Reynolds CF; Alexopoulos GS; GERI-BD Study Group · The American journal of psychiatry · 2017
    Randomized trial224 participantsLithium
  61. A placebo-controlled 18-month trial of lamotrigine and lithium maintenance treatment in recently manic or hypomanic patients with bipolar I disorder.
    Bowden CL; Calabrese JR; Sachs G; Yatham LN; Asghar SA; Hompland M; Montgomery P; Earl N; Smoot TM; DeVeaugh-Geiss J; Lamictal 606 Study Group · Archives of general psychiatry · 2003
    Randomized trial175 participantsLithium
  62. Mood stabilizers and/or antipsychotics for bipolar disorder in the maintenance phase: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
    Kishi T; Ikuta T; Matsuda Y; Sakuma K; Okuya M; Mishima K; Iwata N · Molecular psychiatry · 2022
    Meta-analysis9,821 participants41 studies pooledLithium
  63. A pooled analysis of 2 placebo-controlled 18-month trials of lamotrigine and lithium maintenance in bipolar I disorder.
    Goodwin GM; Bowden CL; Calabrese JR; Grunze H; Kasper S; White R; Greene P; Leadbetter R · The Journal of clinical psychiatry · 2004
    Meta-analysis638 participants2 studies pooledLithium
  64. St John's wort for major depression.
    Linde K; Berner MM; Kriston L · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · 2009
    Systematic review5,489 participants29 studies pooledSt. John's Wort
  65. Efficacy of St. John's wort extract WS 5570 in major depression: a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
    Lecrubier Y; Clerc G; Didi R; Kieser M · The American journal of psychiatry · 2002
    Randomized trial375 participantsSt. John's Wort
  66. A systematic review and meta-analysis of Hypericum perforatum in depression: a comprehensive clinical review.
    Whiskey E; Werneke U; Taylor D · International clinical psychopharmacology · 2002
    Meta-analysis22 studies pooledSt. John's Wort
  67. Efficacy and tolerability of hypericum extract WS 5572 versus placebo in mildly to moderately depressed patients. A randomized double-blind multicenter clinical trial.
    Kalb R; Trautmann-Sponsel RD; Kieser M · Pharmacopsychiatry · 2001
    Randomized trial72 participantsSt. John's Wort
  68. Complementary therapies for clinical depression: an overview of systematic reviews.
    Haller H; Anheyer D; Cramer H; Dobos G · BMJ open · 2020
    Systematic review26 studies pooledSt. John's Wort
  69. A systematic review of the effect of L-tryptophan supplementation on mood and emotional functioning
    Kikuchi AM, Tanabe A, Iwahori Y · Journal of Dietary Supplements · 2021
    Systematic review11 studies pooledTryptophan
  70. Association Between the Cholinesterase Inhibitor Donepezil and the Cholinergic Precursor Choline Alphoscerate in the Treatment of Depression in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease
    Anna Carotenuto, Angiola Maria Fasanaro, Valentino Manzo, Francesco Amenta, Enea Traini · Journal of Alzheimer's disease reports · 2022
    Randomized trial90 participantsAlpha-GPC
  71. Clinical Use of Curcumin in Depression: A Meta-Analysis.
    Ng QX; Koh SSH; Chan HW; Ho CYX · Journal of the American Medical Directors Association · 2018
    Meta-analysis377 participants6 studies pooledCurcumin
  72. Effect of curcumin supplementation on symptoms of anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
    Fathi S; Agharloo S; Falahatzadeh M; Bahraminavid S; Homayooni A; Faghfouri AH; Shafiei D; Shafagh SG · Clinical nutrition ESPEN · 2024
    Meta-analysis567 participants8 studies pooledCurcumin
  73. Efficacy of curcumin in depression: A grade-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
    Musazadeh V; Faghfouri AH; Falahatzadeh M; Mahmoudinezhad M; Alizadeh M; Shidfar F · Annals of general psychiatry · 2026
    Meta-analysis19 studies pooledCurcumin
  74. Curcumin for the treatment of major depression: a randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled study.
    Lopresti AL; Maes M; Maker GL; Hood SD; Drummond PD · Journal of affective disorders · 2015
    Randomized trial56 participantsCurcumin
  75. Add-on Treatment with Curcumin Has Antidepressive Effects in Thai Patients with Major Depression: Results of a Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study.
    Kanchanatawan B; Tangwongchai S; Sughondhabhirom A; Suppapitiporn S; Hemrunrojn S; Carvalho AF; Maes M · Neurotoxicity research · 2018
    Randomized trial65 participantsCurcumin
  76. [Augmentation of antipsychotics with glycine may ameliorate depressive and extrapyramidal symptoms in schizophrenic patients--a preliminary 10-week open-label study].
    Strzelecki D; Kropiwnicki P; Rabe-Jabłońska J · Psychiatria polska · 2014
    Single-arm trial29 participantsGlycine
  77. Markers of glutamate signaling in cerebrospinal fluid and serum from patients with bipolar disorder and healthy controls.
    Pålsson E; Jakobsson J; Södersten K; Fujita Y; Sellgren C; Ekman CJ; Ågren H; Hashimoto K; Landén M · European neuropsychopharmacology : the journal of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology · 2015
    Cross-sectional study327 participantsGlycine
  78. Erythrocyte glycine in depressed, hypomanic, and euthymic bipolar patients treated with lithium carbonate.
    Peselow ED; Deutsch SI; Stanley M; Banay-Schwartz M; Virgilio J; Fieve RR · Psychopharmacology · 1983
    Cross-sectional study27 participantsGlycine
  79. The significant role of educational status in PKU patients: the beneficial effect of psychological support in depression.
    Iakovou K; Schulpis K · International journal of adolescent medicine and health · 2021
    Non-randomized trial110 participantsPhenylalanine
  80. Evaluation of serum amino acids and non-enzymatic antioxidants in drug-naïve first-episode major depressive disorder.
    Islam MR; Ali S; Karmoker JR; Kadir MF; Ahmed MU; Nahar Z; Islam SMA; Islam MS; Hasnat A; Islam MS · BMC psychiatry · 2020
    Case-control study495 participantsPhenylalanine
  81. Therapy of depression by phenylalanine. Preliminary note.
    Fischer E; Heller B; Nachon M; Spatz H · Arzneimittel-Forschung · 1975
    Single-arm trial23 participantsPhenylalanine
  82. [DL-phenylalanine as an antidepressant. Open study (author's transl)].
    Beckmann H; Ludolph E · Arzneimittel-Forschung · 1979
    Single-arm trial20 participantsPhenylalanine
  83. Do early-treated adults with phenylketonuria sense high phenylalanine levels?
    Hauri L; Muri R; Everts R; Trepp R · JIMD reports · 2024
    Randomized trial28 participantsPhenylalanine
  84. l-theanine adjunct to sertraline for major depressive disorder: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
    Shamabadi A; Kafi F; Arab Bafrani M; Asadigandomani H; A Basti F; Akhondzadeh S · Journal of affective disorders · 2023
    Randomized trial60 participantsTheanine
  85. L-theanine relieves positive, activation, and anxiety symptoms in patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder: an 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2-center study.
    Ritsner MS; Miodownik C; Ratner Y; Shleifer T; Mar M; Pintov L; Lerner V · The Journal of clinical psychiatry · 2011
    Randomized trial60 participantsTheanine
  86. The Effects of Green Tea Amino Acid L-Theanine Consumption on the Ability to Manage Stress and Anxiety Levels: a Systematic Review.
    Williams JL; Everett JM; D'Cunha NM; Sergi D; Georgousopoulou EN; Keegan RJ; McKune AJ; Mellor DD; Anstice N; Naumovski N · Plant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands) · 2020
    Systematic review9 studies pooledTheanine
  87. Comparison of the effects of two amino acids, Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and L-theanine, on sedation, anxiety, and cognition in preoperative surgical patients - A randomized controlled study.
    Deshpande SS; Kurdi M; Baiju A; Athira AS; Sarasamma AG; Gangadharan AK · Journal of anaesthesiology, clinical pharmacology · 2025
    Randomized trial168 participantsTheanine
  88. Anti-stress effect of theanine on students during pharmacy practice: positive correlation among salivary α-amylase activity, trait anxiety and subjective stress.
    Unno K; Tanida N; Ishii N; Yamamoto H; Iguchi K; Hoshino M; Takeda A; Ozawa H; Ohkubo T; Juneja LR; Yamada H · Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior · 2014
    Randomized trial20 participantsTheanine
  89. Standardized Extract of Valeriana officinalis Improves Overall Sleep Quality in Human Subjects with Sleep Complaints: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Study.
    Chandra Shekhar H; Joshua L; Thomas JV · Advances in therapy · 2024
    Randomized trial80 participantsValerian
  90. Chemotypic diversity and neuroactive potential of Valeriana jatamansi Jones: a systematic review on phytochemistry, pharmacology and standardisation challenges.
    Nisar S; Jan N; Hassan I; Andleeb L; Shabir PA · Natural product research · 2026
    Meta-analysis12 studies pooledValerian
  91. Valerian Root in Treating Sleep Problems and Associated Disorders-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
    Shinjyo N; Waddell G; Green J · Journal of evidence-based integrative medicine · 2021
    Meta-analysis6,894 participants60 studies pooledValerian
  92. Assessment of Valeriana officinalis l. (Valerian) for Conscious Sedation of Patients During the Extraction of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars: A Randomized, Split-Mouth, Double-Blind, Crossover Study.
    Farah GJ; Ferreira GZ; Danieletto-Zanna CF; Luppi CR; Jacomacci WP · Journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery : official journal of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons · 2020
    Randomized trial20 participantsValerian
  93. Effectiveness and safety of oral sedation in adult patients undergoing dental procedures: a systematic review.
    Araújo JO; Bergamaschi CC; Lopes LC; Guimarães CC; de Andrade NK; Ramacciato JC; Motta RHL · BMJ open · 2021
    Systematic review327 participants12 studies pooledValerian
  94. Zinc in depression: From development to treatment: A comparative/ dose response meta-analysis of observational studies and randomized controlled trials.
    Yosaee S; Clark CCT; Keshtkaran Z; Ashourpour M; Keshani P; Soltani S · General hospital psychiatry · 2022
    Meta-analysisZinc
  95. Dietary zinc and iron intake and risk of depression: A meta-analysis.
    Li Z; Li B; Song X; Zhang D · Psychiatry research · 2017
    Meta-analysis9 studies pooledZinc
  96. Zinc sulphate: A reasonable choice for depression management in patients with multiple sclerosis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
    Salari S; Khomand P; Arasteh M; Yousefzamani B; Hassanzadeh K · Pharmacological reports : PR · 2016
    Randomized trial43 participantsZinc
  97. Comparative efficacy and tolerability of nutraceuticals for depressive disorder: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.
    Cheng YC; Huang WL; Chen WY; Huang YC; Kuo PH; Tu YK · Psychological medicine · 2025
    Meta-analysis17,437 participants192 studies pooledZinc
  98. Clinician guidelines for the treatment of psychiatric disorders with nutraceuticals and phytoceuticals: The World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) and Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) Taskforce.
    Sarris J; Ravindran A; Yatham LN; Marx W; Rucklidge JJ; McIntyre RS; Akhondzadeh S; Benedetti F; Caneo C; Cramer H; Cribb L; de Manincor M; Dean O; Deslandes AC; Freeman MP; Gangadhar B; Harvey BH; Kasper S; Lake J; Lopresti A; Lu L; Metri NJ; Mischoulon D; Ng CH; Nishi D; Rahimi R; Seedat S; Sinclair J; Su KP; Zhang ZJ; Berk M · The world journal of biological psychiatry : the official journal of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry · 2022
    Guideline / consensusZinc
  99. Oral intake of γ-aminobutyric acid affects mood and activities of central nervous system during stressed condition induced by mental tasks.
    Yoto A; Murao S; Motoki M; Yokoyama Y; Horie N; Takeshima K; Masuda K; Kim M; Yokogoshi H · Amino acids · 2012
    Randomized trial63 participantsGABA
  100. Peripartum neuroactive steroid and γ-aminobutyric acid profiles in women at-risk for postpartum depression.
    Deligiannidis KM; Kroll-Desrosiers AR; Mo S; Nguyen HP; Svenson A; Jaitly N; Hall JE; Barton BA; Rothschild AJ; Shaffer SA · Psychoneuroendocrinology · 2017
    Cohort study56 participantsGABA
  101. The role of neurotransmitters in mediating the relationship between brain alterations and depressive symptoms in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
    Wang J; Liu G; Xu K; Ai K; Huang W; Zhang J · Human brain mapping · 2023
    Case-control study69 participantsGABA
  102. Occipital gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate-glutamine alterations in major depressive disorder: An mrs study and meta-analysis.
    Truong V; Cheng PZ; Lee HC; Lane TJ; Hsu TY; Duncan NW · Psychiatry research. Neuroimaging · 2021
    Observational studyGABA
  103. Systematic review of gamma-aminobutyric-acid inhibitory deficits across the reproductive life cycle.
    Vigod SN; Strasburg K; Daskalakis ZJ; Blumberger DM · Archives of women's mental health · 2014
    Systematic review11 studies pooledGABA