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The efficacy and safety of nutrient supplements in the treatment of mental disorders: A meta-review of meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials
This 2019 meta-review appraised all the meta-analyses conducted on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the efficacy and safety of nutrient supplements in common and severe mental disorders. The 33 meta-analyses identified by a systematic search produced outcome data of 10,951 participants. While early evidence suggests polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may have positive impacts on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, there is greater support for the use of PUFAs, and particularly eicosapentaenoic acid, in the treatment of depression. While folate-based supplementation in patients with depression and schizophrenia has been explored, high-dose methylfolate and its positive influence on major depressive disorder was highlighted. In addition, back-up for N-acetylcysteine as an adjunctive treatment in mood disorders and schizophrenia is increasing. All the nutrient supplements had good safety profiles, with no adverse effects or contraindications with psychiatric medication reported. It is therefore important that clinicians note the nutrients that are well established in their efficacy, and also be mindful of those lacking in evidence. Next research should look into the population that would benefit the most from these supplements, developing our understanding of the underlying mechanisms in the process. [NPID: micronutrients, nutritional supplements, PUFAs, ADHD, eicosapentaenoic acid, folate, depression, schizophrenia, methylfolate, major depressive disorder, MDD, depression]
Year: 2019
