And what’s com ing next
Supplement puzzle
Do natural remedies really help us beat the blues?
Still more questions than answers over supplements
Do over-the-counter remedies actually work for symptoms of depression? A fascinating review of over 200 studies on these products concluded that some rival anti-depressant medication, though others fall short of the mark. The remedies with notable evidence for success were St John’s Wort and saffron — which both showed similar results to prescription antidepressants, plus vitamin Dand probiotics (not to be confused with prebiotics, which were not found to work any better than a placebo). Melatonin, magnesium, and curcumin showed mixed effects across multiple clinical trials. And although reported in a smaller number of studies, folic acid, lavender, zinc, tryptophan, rhodiola, and lemon balm looked promising for their positive effects on depression symptoms. However, while some remedies show promise, they are not a substitute for professional care. If you’re experiencing persistent low mood, loss of interest, or any symptoms of depression that are affecting your day-to-day life, speak with a GP who will work with you to find the approach that’s safest and most effective for you. Find out more about herbal remedies on page 98.