Nutrient supplements for a healthy mind

Did you know that two of the most common mental health conditions- depression and anxiety- cost the global economy USD 1 trillion each year?

Along with the change of the weather and the clock, comes a change of mood as well. This article will, therefore, talk about nutrients that can help you maintain a more balanced mental health.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is “a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.” (1). It is estimated however, that one in three individuals suffer from a disrupted state of mental health (2).

A 2019 report indicated that depressive disorders appear in the top 15 causes of global burden of disease (GBD) (3). Five types of mental illness ranked among the 20 leading causes of years lived with disability in a 2013 report. These included major depression (2nd), anxiety disorders (7th), schizophrenia (11th), dysthymia (16th), and bipolar disorder (17th) (2).

No wonder then that the WHO has included mental health as one of the Sustainable Development Goals (1). This is because mental health conditions can have a considerable effect on all areas of life. This includes work performance, relationships with family and friends and the ability to participate in the community.

In an article on LinkedIn, we talked about the initiatives PlantaCorp has taken to ensure positive mental health at work. In this blog post, we have compiled a list of supplements that can support your mental health.

Why should I consume supplements for my mental well-being?

You probably intuitively know or feel the effect of your diet and lifestyle on your emotional well-being. Now, an increasing number of scientific studies, as well, are revealing that diet and nutrition have significant effects on mood and mental well-being. In fact, the emergence of a whole new field of nutritional psychiatry exemplifies this concept (4).

As we will outline throughout the rest of this article, deficiencies in essential nutrients are now scientifically correlated to have an adverse effect on mental health (4). Nutrients that are key to supporting neurodevelopment include proteins, iron, choline, folate, iodine, vitamins A, D, B6, and B12 and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (4).

The rest of this article will explain the role of some of these key nutrients in supporting mental health. We will also introduce some other food supplements that one can additionally consider.

Vitamin B-complex: A balanced blend for a balanced mind

In our blog post on general health supplements, we outlined the use of every B-vitamin in vitamin B-complex. Of these, B1 (thiamine), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine) and B12 (cobalamin) play a direct role in neurological and psychological function (5). A well-balanced blend of these vitamins is, therefore, essential for a healthy psyche.

Curcumin: The golden ingredient for depression and fatigue

In addition to acute physical stresses, many of us may also suffer from periods of subclinical depression or anxiety. In our blog post on supplements that can help fight the winter blues, we referred to scientific studies that prove that curcumin may help alleviate the symptoms of seasonal anxiety or depression in otherwise healthy individuals (6).

Can liposomal supplements help you stay healthy in winter?

Its anti-inflammatory effects can also prevent the development of depression and fatigue (6).

Vitamin D: Proven to treat psychiatric disorders

Did you know that the deficiency of vitamin D is potentially associated with an enhanced risk of major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety disorders (7)? Although the jury is out on the effectivity of vitamin D supplementation in supporting sub-clinical mental health in otherwise healthy individuals, there is sufficient evidence to prove its effectivity in treating patients with psychiatric disorders (8).

Resveratrol: More than an antioxidant

This plant-derived polyphenol is widely known for its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. However, resveratrol’s use in treating psychiatric disorders by increasing cerebral blood flow, countering oxidative stress and apoptosis, is also gaining ground (9). Resveratrol is, thus, a promising candidate for the treatment of mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, ASD and schizophrenia (9).

Iron: Supporting cognitive function

It is widely accepted that iron contributes to brain development and cognitive function (5). It also leads to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue. This is because the function of central nervous system (CNS) is highly dependent on iron containing enzymes and proteins (10).

Additionally, an iron deficiency has been associated with the dysfunction of neurotransmitters. One of these is dopamine which plays a major role in the motivational component of reward-motivated behaviour (11).

The supplementation of iron has therefore been studied to improve chronic fatigue syndrome (12), the compulsive eating of non-nutritive substances (known as pica) (13) and even cognitive endurance, irritability and withdrawal behaviour among women (10).

Melatonin: Neuroprotection for a healthy mind

In our blog post on sleep aids, we discussed how liposomal melatonin supplements can help you sleep better. A good night’s sleep in turn, is highly recommended for a healthy mind (14).

Liposomal sleep aids: Encapsulating a good night’s sleep

Apart from regulating the circadian rhythm, melatonin also has various other physiological functions in the brain. This includes clearing free radicals, inhibiting biomolecular oxidation, and suppressing neuroinflammation (15). These neuroprotective effects of melatonin result in better mental health.

Zinc: Promoting cognitive function

In our July newsletter, we explained how zinc is key to influencing brain structure and function. We also quoted scientific studies that indicate that a greater dietary intake of zinc is associated with better cognitive function and protection against depression (16).

Would you like to receive our newsletters that give information about supplements like zinc? Then sign- up here

The Market for mental health supplements

The recognition of the importance of mental health, sleep and stress is growing in the Asia Pacific region (17). A 2017 Frost & Sullivan report suggested that natural active ingredients comprised 25–30% of the global supplement market (18). It was also predicted that this share would double to 50–55% going forward.

Interested in our liposomal mental health supplements using natural active ingredients?

Key takeaways

one in three individuals suffer from a disrupted state of mental health
diet and nutrition have significant effects on mood and mental well-being.
Vitamins for better mental health: B-complex and vitamin D
Minerals for cognitive functioning: Zinc, iron
Plant extracts for mental wellbeing: Curcumin, Resveratrol
Melatonin has neuroprotective effects