SSRI's, SSNRI's or NUTRITION? - Causes of Depression

Omega-3 Fatty Acids
An insufficiency of omega-3 oils in the diet has been linked to depression. This may be related to the impact of dietary fatty acids on the composition of nerve cell membranes. While it is thought that the cell is programmed to selectively incorporate the different fatty acids it needs to maintain optimal function, a lack of essential fatty acids (particularly the omega-3 oils) and an excess of saturated fats and animal fatty acids leads to the formation of cell membranes that are much less fluid than normal.

A relative deficiency of essential fatty acids in cellular membranes substantially impairs cell membrane function. Since the basic function of the cell membrane is to serve as a selective barrier that regulates the passage of molecules into and out of the cell, a disturbance of structure or function disrupts the cell's ability to control its internal environment. Because the brain is the richest source of fatty acids in the human body, and because proper nerve cell function is critically dependent on proper membrane fluidity, alterations in membrane fluidity impact behavior, mood, and mental function. Flaxseed oil and Fish Oil (DHA) are very rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids.

Low Cholesterol
A study conducted by a Duke University researcher suggests that healthy women with very low cholesterol levels have higher depression and anxiety levels than women with higher cholesterol levels. Only about 10% to 15% of the US population has such low levels, defined as 160 micrograms per deciliter or below. The research suggests that women in their early 20s or late teens seem to be prone to depression and anxiety if they have very low cholesterol levels. These cholesterol levels are extremely low and occur naturally, not as a result of diet or lifestyle.  Psychosomatic Medicine June 1999;61.

Results of another study conducted by Dutch researchers provide additional evidence for a link between low cholesterol levels and an increased risk of depression in men. Investigators measured serum cholesterol levels in some 30,000 men, as part of a large screening program. They compared the presence of depressive symptoms, anger, hostility, and impulsivity in these men, to men with cholesterol levels in the normal range. They found that men with chronically low cholesterol levels showed a consistently higher risk of having depressive symptoms.

Cholesterol may affect the metabolism of serotonin, a substance known to be involved in the regulation of mood as the researchers have previously shown that serotonin levels are also reduced in men with low levels of cholesterol.  Psychosomatic Medicine 2000;62.

Vitamin B6   (Pyridoxine)
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) is essential for both physical and mental health and is intrinsic to more body functions than any other vitamin, mineral, or nutrient. Brain function, red blood cell formation, the central nervous system, absorption of fats and proteins, immune system function and the synthesis of DNA and RNA all require this vitamin. Vitamin B6 levels are typically quite low in depressed patients and people taking anti-depressants may likely be depressed simply as a result of B6 deficiency. Vitamin B6 is essential to the manufacture of serotonin (a chemical nerve transmitter in the brain) and low levels of serotonin are thought to be linked to depression. Patients with low B6 status usually respond well to supplementation.

Vitamin B6 deficiency results in depressed immune function-both antibody-related and cell-mediated immunity are suppressed. This suppression is apparent as the number of white blood cells plummets, there is a tremendous reduction in quantity and quality of antibodies produced, and there is decreased thymic hormone activity. Vitamin B6 deficiency may result from low dietary intake of vitamin B6, excess protein intake, consumption of yellow food dyes (hydralazine), alcohol consumption, or use of oral contraceptives.

Vitamin B9   (Folic Acid)
Depression is the most common symptom of a folic acid deficiency. Folic acid deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency in the world. In studies of depressed patients, thirty-one to thirty-five percent have been shown to be deficient in folic acid. In elderly patients, this percentage may be even higher. Studies have found that, among elderly patients admitted to a psychiatric ward, the number of patients with folic acid deficiency ranges from 35 percent to 92.6 percent.

In a preliminary study of depressed patients conducted by the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston researchers found that high levels of homocysteine can potentially damage the brain by two paths. First, by increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease, which can impair blood function to the brain. Second, homocysteine is converted to an amino acid that stimulates brain cell receptors at normal levels, but can cause the cells to self-destruct at excess levels. Blood analyses of twenty-seven elderly patients showed a link between high levels of homocysteine and vascular disease. It was also found that those patients with no vascular disease but who scored lowest on cognitive tests had high homocysteine levels.

Excellent sources of folic acid include brusseles sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, oranges, orange juice, bananas, liver, eggs, whole meal bread and fortified cereal. Behavioral effects of Folic acid deficiency: forgetfulness, insomnia, apathy, irritability, depression, psychosis, delirium, and dementia.

Vitamin B12   (Cyanocobalamin)
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) prevents nerve damage and anemia, and aids in cell and blood formation, proper digestion, fertility and growth. Long term vegans, persons with AIDS on AZT, older people, and those with digestive disorders are susceptible to B12 deficiency. B12 is useful for nervousness, insomnia, memory loss, depression, fatigue, and menstrual discomfort.

Many of the symptoms of depression that are found in the elderly, such as confusion, memory loss, and apathy, are actually due to a deficiency in vitamin B12. A deficiency of B vitamins, most notably B12, can cause Alzheimer-type symptoms. For many people over age sixty, a lack of B12 may contribute to certain neurologic symptoms such as mood changes, weakness, imbalance, disorientation, and loss of memory. Physicians at the University Hospital of Maastricht in the Netherlands discovered that otherwise healthy people with lower blood levels of B12 did not perform as well on mental tests as people with higher levels. Behavioral effects of B12 deficiency: psychotic states, depression, irritability, confusion, memory loss, hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia.