Vitamins (B, Ds & Cs) for mental health issues (anxiety/depression

[Mackers123]

Hi all, in the past I have tried a variety of supplements such as Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, 5htp, and anything else I have read about, all to help with anxiety and or depression. None have really worked. I am currently on ADs that also are not working. I believe I have mild to moderate form of depression and anxiety and after last nights Panorama I think I am better weaning myself off of the ADs (don't worry I will do this slowly, I haven't been on them for too long)

What I am reading with interest is vitamins such as vitamin D, iron, B9 (folate), calcium, vitamin C, and vitamins B12 and B3 could help. But where to start?

Have any of you gone down this route? Did you do any testing to see if you were deficient in anything?

Any advice would be appreciated

Hi OP,
I recently weaned off mirtazapine.

I take daily vitamins, 5HTP and fish oils.

I don't know if it's contributed or if it's because I'm off the meds but my god so I feel better! Also magnesium too.

Perhaps it's placebo im not sure but I feel a million times better.
Make sure you taper slowly though and you are 100% ready to come off.

That's great, I'm glad it's working for you.

Watching with interest. I've got mild anxiety and depression and am also peri menopausal. I'd love to know if supplements can help.

Hi, if you're in peri I recommend you check out Maryon Stewart, she's on Facebook and most probably other social media. She has lots of advice on supplements that help and diet too, all naturally done

Bookmarking!

How old are you OP? Have you had recent bloods done?

I'm 42 and about to get bloods done to check my FSH levels for peri menopause. I've been struggling with low level/intermittent anxiety and low mood for a couple of years, and have been anaemic on/off for over a decade. I've found taking these daily help with my energy:

High dose Vit D tablet + high dose B12 drops every morning
High dose (20-25mg) iron tablet with dinner

I bought a big bottle of Solgar 5-htp from Amazon last month (£30!) to help with sleep and mood, but was finding they gave me a headache. I'm now wondering if, like anti depressants, I need to just keep taking them and that side effect may wear off? If I was to get them again I'd make sure I got some without the valerian root extract, as pretty sure it's that which contributes to very lucid dreams too.

I've recently seen a menopause nurse and she suggested looking at Menopace multi vitamins as supplements as an all-in-one solution, but I'm going to use up the supplies I have first.

The other thing I've been reading about are Hence Stacks type powders which you mix with water to get all your vitamins and minerals. But again, they're very expensive

Tackling the root issues that led to the anxiety/depression is the best treatment.

The single most positive impact any medication or supplement has had on me is magnesium. I feel ill without it.

Now I feel I need to add magnesium to my list...!

Magnesium...absolutely essential to me for a proper, full, deep sleep.

So do you take it just before bedtime then?

I recommend floradix. After 3 years of heavy duty meds and therapy - I've noticed a correlation between low iron and anxiety.

I have a high dose of iron supps but Floradix is also good 😊

Following, I'd also be very interested in trying supplements

Magnesium really supports the nervous system and also helps my neuropathy

@Canyoucheckonme yes, magnesium immediately before bed. I take about 1800mg as 2 tabs of nutrition geeks Mg glycinate 3in1, but have tried other brands and all good. I've also tried magnesium oil which has high bioavailability (via skin) but feels like slime so don't bother with that.

Results within 48 hours for me...I'd never be without it.

Magnesium L threonate is supposed to be good for depression.

Low ish ferritin can cause anxiety and depression.
Low vitamin D and low B12 can also contribute. It would definitely be worth seeing if you can get blood tests for these. I know magnesium and vitamin D aren’t routine so some GP’s don’t order them without an argument.
I had a HCP say some patients respond well to a low dose of thyroxine, even if thyroid levels are ‘normal’, I can’t imagine a GP actually prescribing though.

I have had low vit B6 which apparently affects energy levels, concentration and hormones including regulating serotonin which affects mood. I started on a well woman all round supplements and I certainly feel the benefits.

Apologies also low folate and B12

slightly off topic and you probably know and do this already, but IME the best therapy for depression and anxiety is exercise. you can't beat it! hard to find the motivation but if you start small e.g. 8k steps a day plus 1-2 minutes of running up and down the stairs you will soon find you feel a lot better. Once you have those habits down you can add in more intensive workouts.

I’ve suffered anxiety plus on/off depression for over 40 yrs
on antidepressant but can’t honestly say they have done the job. Thinking off getting off them just need to sum up some courage as there notorious for being very hard to get off

any way over the last year I’ve taken religiously
b50 all the b vits
zinc
probiotic
magnesium glycinate
d3 &k2
vit c
spend a fortune as there good quality

I’ve dropped off now and only take
zinc
d3&k2
see if I notice any big differences

@mandymion I agree exercise and time outside are very important for me personally I notice a bit difference in my mood if I don't do this.

Can anyone recommend any decent brands of supplements? Without lots of fillers etc and ideally ones I can buy online?

I've googled and looked on Amazon but I get totally overwhelmed by how many different brands and formulations there are

I like these iron tablets (don't upset my stomach - I have mild IBS) and they get my levels up high enough to be able to donate blood every four months 🩸

Solgar Gentle Iron (Iron... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0001OP028?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

And these B12 drops

MAX Absorption, Vitamin B12 Sublingual Liquid Drops, 6000mcg Methylcobalamin Per Serving, 60 Servings, Non-GMO, Vegan Friendly https://amzn.eu/d/gZoMmgO

Oh and these Vitamin D which I take every morning

Vitamin D 4000iu - 400 Premium Vitamin D3 Easy-Swallow Micro Tablets - One a Day High Strength Cholecalciferol VIT D3 - Vegetarian Supplement - Made in The UK by Incite Nutrition https://amzn.eu/d/6PVa4Zj

Try British Supplements for good quality supplements with no fillers. Quite pricey but you get what you pay for.