According to the World Health Organization, depression is now the main cause of disability in the world. It is a mood disorder with an unknown specific cause, that causes persistent feelings of emptiness, and just general loss of interest in almost everything that sparked interest before. Some studies claim that the lack of serotonin levels may cause depression. Still, we don’t what actually triggers it. Nevertheless, depression is also an opportunity for many pharmaceutical companies to develop anti-depressants that can help with depression. For some, natural options are a better fit, and thankfully, there are numerous natural supplements for depression. So, are you ready to learn about some of the best approved supplements for depression?

5 – HTP

This is an amino acid that helps increase your serotonin levels, hence, it may lower the symptoms of depression. Still, the 5-HTP has differing research results, some claiming its long term benefits, while some totally negate its effectivity. Nevertheless, if you keep your dose to the recommended amount of 100mg – 300mg each day, you may see some benefits.

Also, be careful not to use 5-HTP with other serotonin boosters (antidepressants), as you don’t want too much serotonin in your system. That may lead to serotonin syndrome that has some nasty side effects, like heart problems and anxiety.

You can get one of the best 5-HTP supplements on the market in the PipingRock online store!

GABA

Actually, GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) is naturally produced in our brain! Also, lots of mainstream anti-anxiety medications like Valium and Xanax use GABA as the base. It is known as the anti-anxiety neurotransmitter because it promotes more effective brain cell communication. That leads to a more profound relaxing experience, reduced anxiety levels, and a boosted mood.

We don’t recommend using the mentioned anti-anxiety medications for your GABA dosage, as they can have negative withdrawal effects. There are some nice GABA supplements on the market, like the one from Prothera.

You can find high-quality, approved GABA supplements from Now Foods.

Omega-3 Acids

Omega-3 acids are essential to our heart and brain function. The acid is found in fish or fish oil, nut oil, and different kinds of plants. Our body cannot produce these acids on its own, so it is important to supplement it properly.

There are two types of Omega-3 acids from fish:

• EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)
• DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)

Also, there is one type of Omega-3 acid from plant sources called ALA (Alpha-linolenic Acid).

We want to talk a bit more about the two acids that come from fish. There is proof that EPA and DHA are good mood boosters. People have noticed the benefits of these two acids for depression. EPA has even more benefits for your general mood than DHA because it gives a natural balance to Omega-6 arachidonic acid. But, it is important to balance both in your general diet.

Omega-3 supplements aren’t going to be very impactful for depression relief in small doses. One study concludes that if you take a 1,000mg capsule with only EPA will greatly help. So, keep this in mind.

One of the best Omega-3 supplements you can find, with the right balance of all three acids, is from the Sports Balance.

L-Theanine

Well, why does almost every health media format recommend green and black tea for anxiety and depression relief? Well, it’s because they contain this amino acid! L-Theanine promotes relaxation, as it is a natural precursor to GABA, that promotes better brain cell communication, which results in many positive benefits.

The best L-Theanine supplements you can find on the market are from Double Wood Supplements.

Vitamin B

We want to specify two types of vitamin B here – the B6 and B12, as they are particularly important for our brain health. Actually, low levels of these two specific types of Vitamin B are linked to depression. The main benefit of these vitamins is the better production and control of brain chemicals that control the mood and other brain functions, like memory.

Some studies show great benefits for relieving depression when taking a combination of B-12 and folic acid. The recommended dose is 1mg – 25mg on a daily basis. Also, you can find vitamin B in eggs, dairy, fish, and other meat.

Divine Bounty has probably the best vitamin B supplements out there!

Vitamin D

Wonder why people in those tropical, sunny parts of the world are less prone to depression? Well, the sun is the natural source of vitamin D, which helps relieve depression symptoms. Many studies find correlations with depression and vitamin D deficiency. While this vitamin is good for relieving depression, it is also beneficial with improving the function of neurotransmitters

NatureWise is renowned for the production of one of the best vitamin D supplements on the market!

Magnesium

This is one of the best approved supplements for depression, as it is a natural antidote for stress and probably the best relaxation mineral around. Many people experience heightened feelings of calmness after dosing with magnesium, which is particularly effective for depression relief. You should dose magnesium on a daily basis, as all of the daily vices we so often indulge in deplete it. The ones we would like to mention are sugar, alcohol, caffeine, and stress.

Check out Doctor’s Best for magnesium supplements!

Melatonin

Of course, we all must get into a regular and decent sleep pattern to feel better and more effective. People with depression often have problems with insomnia, and that’s where melatonin comes in. It essentially helps us go to sleep and have a more profound sleep-wake cycle. Once you sleep better, you will feel less depressed after you wake up!

Check out melatonin supplements from Natrol!

St. John’s wort

While not approved by the FDA in the United States, St. John’s wort is one of the best natural supplements for depression! This herb with yellow flowers grows wild all over the world, more specifically Europe, parts of Africa, parts of Asia, and in the west of the USA. Most studies claim that the supplements made from this plant are effective in treating mild depression.

The recommended dosage of St. John’s wort supplement is 20mg – 1,800mg on a daily basis if you have mild to moderate depression. Be cautious though, as using St. John’s wort with antidepressives can cause some negative side effects!

NusaPure has one of the best St. John’s wort supplements on the market!

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We hope that you got some much-needed information on the best approved supplements for depression. Of course, if you have a hindering depression condition, you should definitely consult with your doctor before embarking on a journey of supplementation!