Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

There is emerging scientific evidence that oxidative stress may play a role in the pathophysiology of depression. Antioxidants, which combat oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals, have been explored as adjunctive treatments for depressive disorders. Clinical studies have examined various antioxidants, such as vitamin E, vitamin C, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and coenzyme Q10, with some reporting modest improvements in depressive symptoms when used alongside standard therapies. For example, NAC has demonstrated potential efficacy in several small randomized controlled trials, suggesting a reduction in depressive symptoms, possibly due to its effects on glutathione and neuroinflammation. However, results across antioxidant trials are inconsistent, and meta-analyses have often found only small or statistically insignificant benefits. Notably, "antioxidant (unspecified)" is a broad term, and effects may differ based on the specific compound and population studied. While there is a scientific rationale for antioxidant supplementation in depression, the current body of evidence does not strongly support its use as a primary or stand-alone treatment. More large-scale, high-quality clinical trials are required to establish efficacy, optimal dosing, and safety. Thus, while antioxidants are not part of standard depression treatment guidelines, their adjunctive use is an area of ongoing research.

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