A MoodFOOD study found that depression cannot be prevented by regular supplementation. However, there are other ways that are scientifically proven to reduce the risk of depression.
More and more people suffer from mental illness.
According to medical experts, the number of people with depression worldwide has increased significantly. Both in Russia and in the EU, the number of sick patients is increasing every year. Therefore, it is not surprising that many are looking for ways to reduce the risk of depression. Recent studies have shown that nutritional supplements do not help.
Older research has indeed provided evidence that omega-3 fatty acids are useful in preventing Alzheimer's. Scientists then found that fatty acids reduce the risk of depression.
A recent study showed that daily intake of dietary supplements with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins does not prevent depression. The result was obtained in the MooDFOOD study, which examined the preventive effects of nutritional supplements.
According to a university hospital in Leipzig, the study included data from 14 other research institutes from Europe. The results of the MooDFOOD study were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
Study participants at increased risk of disease
The study involved more than 1,000 people who are overweight or obese. People had an increased risk of developing depression and reported at least moderate depressive symptoms at the start of the study.
Volunteers were randomly assigned to 2 groups. The first took a dietary supplement daily consisting of omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, folic acid, selenium, vitamin D and zinc. The second group of patients was given “fake” medicine.
Half of all study participants received professional psychological counseling at individual and group sessions on healthy eating. The main purpose of the consultation is to establish a healthier diet.
No more effective than placebo supplements
"Daily intake of dietary supplements cannot prevent the onset of a depressive episode," the researchers concluded. Dietary supplements do not have a preventive effect on depression.
Vitamins and minerals were not more effective in research than empty drugs. Professional advice on healthy eating is also ineffective, and therefore not recommended for patients.
Better to use methods with proven effect.
The results of the study are important for millions of people suffering from depression, and for the entire population of Russia. Depression is a life-threatening disease that shortens life expectancy by an average of 10 years.
As with any serious illness, prevention and therapy should be based on proven methods. To influence the course of the disease, drug therapy and psychotherapy are recommended, but not dietary supplements.
A method to reduce the risk of depression
Earlier studies have shown that there are ways and means to reduce the personal risk of depression. Regular exercise is the most proven and effective way to reduce depression.
Just a few months ago, American scientists reported that physical activity helps reduce the risk of depression by 49%.
Another study: neither selenium nor vitamin E prevent dementia and depression.
Patients who take selenium and vitamin E will not reduce the risk of developing dementia and depression. Neither individually nor in combination of selenium and vitamin E prevented illness in men.
The authors note that a small number of patients is the main reason for the results of the study. Participants had a higher level of education than the average population. At the beginning of the study, patients had a younger age.
Other studies of depression and dementia usually begin at least 70 years old. Therefore, it is unlikely that researchers could find the protective effect of selenium or vitamin E.
