Vitamin D and Omega-3 have a larger effect on depression than antidepressants
9 days ago
- #depression
- #supplements
- #mental-health
- Antidepressants have a standardized effect size of 0.4 on depression, equivalent to moving from a C to a C+.
- Omega-3 supplements (1500mg/day of ≥60% EPA) show a higher effect size of 0.6, similar to moving from a C to a B–.
- Vitamin D (5000 IU/day) has a significant effect size of 1.8, comparable to moving from a C to an A–.
- Official recommendations for Vitamin D and Omega-3 intake are 3 to 10 times lower than optimal doses for mental health benefits.
- Vitamin D and Omega-3 are safe, affordable, and available over-the-counter, with additional benefits like improved cognition and immune response.
- Other interventions like exercise, good sleep, and bright light therapy also positively impact depression, with varying effect sizes.
- Combining multiple interventions (e.g., Vitamin D, Omega-3, exercise, sleep) can potentially amplify mental health improvements.