Nutraceuticals in mood disorders: current knowledge and future directions.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There is a large evidence base of clinical trials that have investigated the efficacy of a range of nutraceuticals on mood disorders. The aim of the current review is to provide an update regarding the efficacy and safety of nutraceutical agents in mood disorders and to highlight considerations for future research.

RECENT FINDINGS: Nutraceuticals such as omega-3, probiotics, zinc, saffron and curcumin have been recommended as adjunctive interventions to standard treatments for people with depression, while St John's wort has been recommended as a monotherapy. In contrast, less research has been devoted to investigating the effect of nutraceuticals in bipolar disorder, with omega-3 being weakly recommended as an adjunctive to standard treatments. Although the safety profile of most nutraceuticals appears acceptable, more insight into the long-term effects within a range of cohorts is recommended.

SUMMARY: There are a number of nutraceuticals that have clinical trial support for their use as either adjunctive interventions for depression; however, there is mostly limited support for their use in bipolar disorder. Further randomized controlled trials that take into consideration a number of emerging mechanisms, potential nutraceutical combinations and factors that may predict treatment response are required to inform clinical use.