Thorne Emotion Balance Support Review
Emotion Balance Support is a multi-faceted formula of nutrients and botanicals that Thorne describes as designed to safely enhance mood and cognition. According to the page, it combines several mood-enhancing nutrients and botanicals to promote healthy neurotransmitter and adrenal function, and it is described as able to enhance cognition, modulate stress, and being non-habit forming. The product details state that Emotion Balance Support is safe and effective for mood enhancement and stress management. It combines neurotransmitter-supportive nutrients including L-tyrosine, 5-HTP, and GABA with two adrenal-supportive botanicals, Rhodiola and Eleutherococcus, which the page calls a well-known adaptogen that provides general adrenal support. The formula includes the active forms of folate (5-MTHF) and vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin) to support healthy neurological function and mood. GABA is provided as the patented, all natural-source PharmaGABA, which the page describes as an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps alleviate stress and supports a calm, relaxed state of mind. The page states that the product contains no Hypericum (St. John's wort), which makes it suitable for individuals taking a medication metabolized by the CYP3A4 enzyme. It is also non-habit forming. Thorne notes that the product has been third-party tested and certified to verify that what is in the package matches the label and to confirm it contains no unsafe levels of contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and microorganisms. Serving size is 2 capsules, with 60 servings per container, and the listed price is $63 for 120 capsules, or $56.70 with a subscription at 10 percent off. The subscription options include delivery every 2 weeks, monthly, every 45 days, every 2 months, every 3 months, or every 4 months, with free shipping, and the page notes an additional 20 percent saving when subscribing to three or more different products. The page also lists HSA/FSA eligibility. Warnings on the page include that the product is contraindicated for anyone with a history of hypersensitivity to its ingredients, that iodine may occasionally cause an allergic reaction, and that it should not be used if pregnant or nursing. It also notes that 5-MTHF is not recommended concurrently with a med cancer therapy, that tyrosine is contraindicated with MAO inhibitor meds, and that 5-hydroxytryptophan should be used with caution alongside meds, MAO inhibitors, or other meds. Vitamin C in large doses can cause diarrhea in some individuals. The page recommends related products including Ashwagandha, FloraMend Prime Probiotic, Omega-3 with CoQ10, and Stress Balance.
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Study, Trial or Testing Result Summary
Members Only274 human studies · 137 improved
10 of these 274 human studies gave the ingredient by drip, injection or inhaler, not by mouth.
Several ingredients in this formula have human mood studies at the dose members take. Adding folate to a med medicine eased depression more than medicine alone in large pooled analyses [1][2], though one trial of 475 adults found no help [3]. Rhodiola, at the full dose of three servings a day, improved depression and emotional instability more than placebo in adults with mild to moderate depression [4], but another trial found no clear difference from placebo [5]. 5-hydroxytryptophan improved depression scores in older adults [6], yet did no better than placebo in a larger trial [7]. Vitamin C did not improve mood overall in pooled trials, with a small benefit only in people with mild depression [8], and it helped well-being in young adults low in vitamin C [9]. Results for vitamin B6 are mixed [10][11]. GABA showed benefits in small trials [12]. Vitamin B12 did not improve depression in people who are not deficient [13]. L-tyrosine is well below the studied dose. For pantothenic acid, iodine and Eleuthero there are no good trials of these ingredients alone [14][15][16]. Animal and cell studies are never counted.
See all 274 studies →Hide the studies
- In 25 observational studies of 91,966 people, those with the highest vitamin C intake from food had about 28% lower risk of depression than those with the lowest intake.Associations of Dietary Vitamin C and E Intake With Depression. A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.
- In a pooled analysis of 192 trials with 17,437 adults with depression across 44 supplements, adding folate to a med medicine eased depressive symptoms more than a med alone.Comparative efficacy and tolerability of nutraceuticals for depressive disorder: A systematic review and network meta-an…
- Across 16 trials with 6276 people without severe nerve disease or true B12 deficiency, B12 alone or B complex (with or without B6) did not improve thinking or depression symptoms.Effects of Vitamin B12 Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Depressive Symptoms, and Fatigue: A Systematic Review, Met…
- In nine trials with 1,061 adults with major depression, adding folate beat placebo for improving depressive symptoms, with similar side effects and dropouts.Adjunctive folate for major mental disorders: A systematic review.
- A review of eight trials in 1049 people with mild depression (all treatments pooled) found that Rhodiola rosea, tested in a single trial, improved depressive symptoms more than placebo.Efficacy of Pharmacological Interventions in Milder Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
- Across 10 trials with 836 adults, vitamin C did not improve mood overall, but in 5 trials of people with mild depression not taking meds it gave a small mood benefit.The effect of vitamin C supplementation on mood status in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized co…
- In pooled trials of about 500 adults with major depression, adding L-methylfolate to meds gave a modest improvement in depressive symptoms and response compared with meds alone.Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of L-Methylfolate Augmentation in Depressive Disorders.
- In people with schizophrenia, adding folate to antipsychotics did not improve depressive symptoms or total symptoms more than placebo, though negative symptoms improved slightly.Folic acid/methylfolate for the treatment of psychopathology in schizophrenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
- In three trials with 247 people with depression, adding folate to other treatment lowered depression scores by about 2.65 more points over 10 weeks, but folate alone was not better than trazodone.Folate for depressive disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
- Pooling two small acceptable-quality trials (64 people with depression, one on 5-hydroxytryptophan and one on tryptophan) found them better than placebo, but the evidence was too weak to inform clinical practice.Are tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan effective treatments for depression? A meta-analysis.
- People with depression had lower vitamin C intake and lower blood vitamin C than healthy people, but this compared levels and did not test supplements.The relationship between antioxidant vitamins and mental disorders: a meta-analysis.
- In a pooled analysis of observational studies, people with the highest dietary vitamin B6 intake had 19% lower risk of depression than those with the lowest, significant in women but not in men.Associations of dietary vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 with the risk of depression: a systematic re…
- This pooled analysis found people with depression had somewhat lower blood folate and dietary folate than people without depression, but it did not test supplements.The association of folate and depression: A meta-analysis.
- A review of many meta-analyses found folate linked to lower risk of death and many chronic diseases, but also to adverse effects including depression, prostate cancer and asthma.Association Between Folate and Health Outcomes: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses.
- In 11 placebo-controlled trials of folate and/or B12, short-term use did not ease depression in adults on meds, but longer use may lower relapse and the onset of significant depressive symptoms in at-risk people.Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials of folate and vitamin B12 for depression.
- For adding vitamin B12 to meds in major depression, only one randomized trial was available, with positive and mixed results, so the evidence is not yet sufficient.Efficacy of adding nutritional supplements in unipolar depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
- A review of 56 quantitative and 3 qualitative studies in thyroid cancer patients found that low iodine diets before radioactive iodine treatment had a negative impact on psychological health, but it did not test iodine supplementation for mood.Impact of low iodine diets on ablation success in differentiated thyroid cancer: A mixed-methods systematic review and m…
- Across 13 studies of people with depression, about 65% reached remission on 5-hydroxytryptophan, though most studies were weak and few had placebo groups.Effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan on distinct types of depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
- Across nine randomized trials of people with epilepsy and depression, a capsule combining Eleuthero and St John's wort eased depression more than meds or antiepileptic drugs alone, and added to antiepileptic drugs it also improved depression.Effectiveness of Shugan Jieyu capsules for psychiatric symptoms of epilepsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
- A review of 13 observational studies of 12,742 pregnant and postpartum women found low folate intake, along with low calcium and iron, was associated with maternal depression.Association of Maternal depression with diet: A systematic review.
- Across 20 randomized trials with 2,256 adults, folic acid or L-methylfolate, along with other B vitamins and vitamin D, lowered depression scores, either added to standard medicine or used alone.Efficacy of B-vitamins and vitamin D therapy in improving depressive and anxiety disorders: a systematic review of rando…
- In three trials with 247 people with depression, adding folate to other treatment lowered depression scores by about 2.65 more points at ten weeks, while folate in place of trazodone showed no significant benefit.Folate for depressive disorders.
- Only two trials of 64 people with depression were good enough to include; 5-hydroxytryptophan and tryptophan beat placebo, but the evidence was not strong enough to be conclusive.Tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan for depression.
- Only two trials of 64 people with depression were good enough to include; 5-hydroxytryptophan and tryptophan beat placebo, but the evidence was not strong enough to be conclusive.Tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan for depression.
- In a review of 37 mostly uncontrolled studies in cancer patients, intravenous vitamin C may have eased symptoms including depression, but the evidence was preliminary.Intravenous Vitamin C and Cancer: A Systematic Review.
- A review of add-on nutrient trials for depression found mixed results for vitamin C, while other nutrients like omega-3 and vitamin D had more positive results.Adjunctive Nutraceuticals for Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses.
- In a review of 14 studies in women, high-dose sustained-release vitamin C reduced anxiety and blood pressure responses to stress, though evidence was limited.The impact of essential fatty acid, B vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium and zinc supplementation on stress levels in women:…
- A review of nine studies linked vitamin C deficiency to depression and poorer thinking, but no studies tested whether replacing vitamin C helps.The neuropsychiatric effects of vitamin C deficiency: a systematic review.
- A systematic review of nutrient treatments for bipolar disorder found that preliminary randomized trials suggest folate may help reduce manic symptoms, but the evidence is limited and needs larger studies.Nutrient-based therapies for bipolar disorder: a systematic review.
- A review of 23 trials and open-label studies, 9 of them in major depression, found folate supplements, especially 5-methylfolate, were linked to better clinical outcomes in several psychiatric conditions and were well tolerated.The potential use of folate and its derivatives in treating psychiatric disorders: A systematic review.
- Of 58 studies on pregnancy-related depression, 31 found lower folate, vitamin B12, iron, zinc or vitamin D linked to depression, with the evidence for folate considered mixed and inconclusive.A Systematic Review of the Correlation Between Micronutrient Levels and Perinatal Depression.
- In a review of ten mostly small studies in adults 50 and over with bipolar disorder, nutritional interventions including B12 seemed linked to better mood and thinking, but the evidence quality was limited.A Review of the Evidence Base for Nutrition and Nutritional Supplements in Older Adults with Bipolar Disorder: A report …
- In a review of nine trials in healthy adults aged 50 and over, beef and its nutrients improved wellbeing overall, but vitamin B12 showed no effect.The potential role of beef and nutrients found in beef on outcomes of wellbeing in healthy adults 50 years of age and ol…
- In a review of 32 observational studies in children and teens, higher dietary vitamin B12 intake was consistently linked to fewer depressive symptoms, though many studies did not adjust for other factors.Associations between dietary intake, diet quality and depressive symptoms in youth: A systematic review of observational…
- A review of 11 studies on thyroid status and depression around pregnancy found that high depressive symptoms reduced the thinking benefits of iodine supplements in pregnancy, and the evidence was scarce and often at high risk of bias.Perinatal depression, maternal thyroid status and fetus/infant health and development: A systematic review.
- A review of treatments for depression caused by interferon in hepatitis C patients noted 5-hydroxytryptophan has been suggested to work alone or added to meds, but study quality varied.Symptomatic treatment of interferon-α-induced depression in hepatitis C: a systematic review.
- A review of herbal medicines for psychiatric disorders found Rhodiola rosea potentially useful for depression but said robust clinical evidence is still insufficient and more research is needed.Herbal medicines in the treatment of psychiatric disorders: a systematic review.
- A review of herbal treatments for mild-to-moderate depression found that a single Rhodiola trial showed significantly improved depressive symptoms compared with placebo.Herbal medicines, other than St. John's Wort, in the treatment of depression: a systematic review.
- A review of controlled trials of herbal medicines found preliminary positive evidence of a med effects for Rhodiola rosea, but many studies have not been repeated.Herbal medicine for depression, anxiety and insomnia: a review of psychopharmacology and clinical evidence.
- A broad review of 209 trials of over-the-counter products for depression in adults aged 18 to 60 called Rhodiola a product with limited but promising evidence that deserves further research.Understanding the research landscape of over-the-counter herbal products, dietary supplements, and medications evaluated…
- A review of 24 trials (5 on Rhodiola rosea, doses 290 to 1500 mg daily for 3 to 16 weeks) reported benefits including less stress and anxiety, relief of depressive symptoms, better sleep and better cognition, though trials were small and varied.Clinical evidence for the adaptogenic effects of Withania somnifera and Rhodiola rosea - A systematic review with molecu…
- In 4331 older women taking B6 with folic acid and B12 daily for about 7 years, depression risk was no different from placebo.Effect of long-term supplementation with folic acid and B vitamins on risk of depression in older women.
- In 2919 adults aged 65+ with high homocysteine given vitamin B12 (500 mcg) and folic acid daily for two years, depressive symptoms did not differ from placebo, though one quality-of-life score declined slightly less.Effects of Two-Year Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid Supplementation on Depressive Symptoms and Quality of Life in Older Adult…
- In rural Malawi, pregnant women given a fat-rich nutrient supplement, a multiple-micronutrient capsule, or iron-folate capsules had similar depressive symptoms at 6 months after birth, so the supplement did not reduce postnatal depression.The impact of maternal diet fortification with lipid-based nutrient supplements on postpartum depression in rural Malawi…
- In 1,220 pregnant women in Ethiopia, earlier access to iodized salt improved iodine levels and children's thinking scores by about 4 IQ points, but the abstract reports no mood result for the mothers.Pre-pregnancy iodized salt improved children's cognitive development in randomized trial in Ethiopia.
- In 909 distressed adults aged 60-74 given vitamin B12 (100 mcg) with folic acid daily for up to two years, depressive symptoms were not reduced compared with placebo.Mental health literacy, folic acid and vitamin B12, and physical activity for the prevention of depression in older adul…
- In 900 adults aged 60-74 given vitamin B12 (100 mcg) with folic acid daily for two years, the supplement did not boost the effect of a med medication on depressive symptoms.Read the study on PubMed (20805005) →
- In young adults given high-dose vitamin B6 for one month, self-reported anxiety fell compared with placebo and depression showed a trend toward reduction.High-dose Vitamin B6 supplementation reduces anxiety and strengthens visual surround suppression.
- In 475 adults with moderate to severe depression taking meds, adding 5 mg per day of folic acid for 12 weeks did not improve mood or quality of life compared with placebo.Folate Augmentation of Treatment--Evaluation for Depression (FolATED): randomised trial and economic evaluation.
- In 459 Guatemalan women, weekly and daily folic acid combined with iron, zinc and vitamin B-12 for 12 weeks lowered depression scores by 2.3 points on average, with no difference between the weekly and daily groups. Lower red blood cell folate at baseline was linked to more depressive symptoms, though this association was not statistically significant.Micronutrient supplementation may reduce symptoms of depression in Guatemalan women.
- In 348 adults in a food-based heart health program, depression scores fell more than in the control group over 6 months, and higher dietary vitamin B6 intake was linked to lower depression scores.Coronary Health Improvement Project (CHIP) is associated with improved nutrient intake and decreased depression.
- In 279 older adults with mild memory impairment and high homocysteine, 500 mcg of methylcobalamin with folic acid daily for 24 months lowered depression scores at 12 months compared with placebo, but this effect did not last to 24 months and cognitive decline was not reduced.A randomized placebo-controlled trial of using B vitamins to prevent cognitive decline in older mild cognitive impairmen…
- In 273 stroke survivors followed about 7 years, daily B6 with folic acid and B12 lowered the hazard of major depression versus placebo (18.4% vs 23.3%).B-vitamins reduce the long-term risk of depression after stroke: The VITATOPS-DEP trial.
- In 267 adults given 100 mg vitamin B6 daily for one month, those with mild or worse depression symptoms at the start had a large reduction in depression versus placebo, with no effects on anxiety or stress.High Dose Vitamin B6 Reduces Depression Symptoms.
- In 264 stressed adults with low magnesium over 8 weeks, adding B6 to magnesium was not better than magnesium alone overall, but gave 24% greater stress improvement in those with severe stress.Superiority of magnesium and vitamin B6 over magnesium alone on severe stress in healthy adults with low magnesemia: A r…
- In a secondary analysis of 264 people taking magnesium with or without 30 mg vitamin B6 for 8 weeks, adding vitamin B6 did not further raise magnesium levels, and this analysis did not report a separate mood or stress effect of vitamin B6.Impact of magnesium supplementation, in combination with vitamin B6, on stress and magnesium status: secondary data from…
- In 225 hospitalised older patients, a daily multi-nutrient drink providing 100% of recommended vitamins and minerals (including folate) for 6 weeks led to fewer depressive symptoms than placebo at 6 months. Folate was not studied alone.Effects of dietary supplements on depressive symptoms in older patients: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled tr…
- In two trials of 223 adults with depression who had not fully responded to a med meds, adding 15 mg daily of L-methylfolate for 30 days improved depression scores more than placebo in the second trial of 75 people, but the first trial using 7.5 or 15 mg showed no significant difference.Read the study on PubMed (23212058) →
- In 215 working men aged 30 to 55, a high-dose B vitamin, vitamin C and mineral supplement taken for 33 days improved stress, general mental health and vigour ratings compared with placebo.Effects of high-dose B vitamin complex with vitamin C and minerals on subjective mood and performance in healthy males.
- In 213 sepsis survivors given intravenous vitamin C, thiamine and hydrocortisone for up to 4 days, there was no psychological benefit at 6 months and higher odds of posttraumatic stress disorder than with placebo.Read the study on PubMed (36853612) →
- In 211 women of various ages, 750 mcg of folate daily for 35 days did not improve mood compared with placebo, although it slightly improved some memory tests.Short-term folate, vitamin B-12 or vitamin B-6 supplementation slightly affects memory performance but not mood in women…
- In 198 working men aged 30 to 55, a B vitamin, vitamin C and mineral supplement taken for 4 weeks improved self-rated physical stamina, concentration, mental stamina and alertness compared with placebo.Vitamins and psychological functioning: a mobile phone assessment of the effects of a B vitamin complex, vitamin C and m…
- In 186 adults with high stress, a Rhodiola, holy basil and Schisandra formula taken for 60 days reduced stress and anxiety and improved mood dysregulation and sleep compared with placebo.Effects of multi-herb and ashwagandha root formulas on stress modulation: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled…
- In 171 young adults, two extra daily servings of fresh fruit and vegetables for 2 weeks improved vitality, flourishing and motivation but not depression, anxiety or mood, and the benefit was not explained by blood vitamin C.Let them eat fruit! The effect of fruit and vegetable consumption on psychological well-being in young adults: A randomi…
- In 171 adults with mild insomnia, a two-week multi-ingredient blend containing vitamin B6 did not improve sleep or mood and anxiety more than placebo, as both groups improved similarly.Exploring the Effect of Lactium™ and Zizyphus Complex on Sleep Quality: A Double-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Tr…
- In 167 young adults with low vitamin C, a 250 mg vitamin C tablet daily for 4 weeks improved well-being after two weeks, and also improved mood and fatigue in those with consistently low vitamin C, while placebo showed no change; kiwifruit had somewhat stronger effects.KiwiC for Vitality: Results of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial Testing the Effects of Kiwifruit or Vitamin C Table…
- In 166 people with inactive inflammatory bowel disease and fatigue, 200 mg daily of 5-hydroxytryptophan for 8 weeks did not beat placebo for fatigue, depression, anxiety or stress scores, despite raising blood serotonin.Effect of 5-Hydroxytryptophan on Fatigue in Quiescent Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
- In an 8-week placebo-controlled trial of 158 people with major depression, blood folate levels did not predict or track improvement, while changes in omega-3 fatty acids did.EPA and DHA as markers of nutraceutical treatment response in major depressive disorder.
- In 158 adults with major depression, an 8-week multi-ingredient supplement including 5-hydroxytryptophan did not beat placebo (40% responded versus 51% on placebo).Nutraceuticals for major depressive disorder- more is not merrier: An 8-week double-blind, randomised, controlled trial.
- In 153 adults aged 50 or over with major depression taking citalopram, adding vitamin B6 with B12 and folic acid for 52 weeks did not improve remission at 12 weeks but led to more remission over the year (85.5% vs 75.8%) and less relapse.Read the study on PubMed (25257064) →
- In 144 people with stress-related fatigue, 120 mg a day of Eleuthero root extract for 8 weeks, alone or added to stress management training, gave no meaningful extra benefit for mood or stress symptoms, though most measures improved over time in all groups.No benefit adding eleutherococcus senticosus to stress management training in stress-related fatigue/weakness, impaired …
- In 142 graduate students given a single 1000 mg dose of vitamin C, anxiety and mood scores did not change overall, but the most anxious women had a significant drop in anxiety two hours later.Effects of ascorbic acid on anxiety state and affect in a non-clinical sample.
- In a placebo-controlled trial of 140 people with Alzheimer or vascular dementia taking 1 mg methylcobalamin plus folic acid daily for 24 months, global cognitive decline was not slowed, and depression scores did not differ significantly from placebo.A randomized placebo controlled trial of homocysteine lowering to reduce cognitive decline in older demented people.
- In 140 people with chronic illness, a multi-ingredient product containing vitamin B12 as methylcobalamin for 60 days reduced mild depressive symptoms more than placebo, but B12 alone was not tested.SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF THE COMPLEX DEPRILIUM® IN REDUCING SUBCLINICAL SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC NO…
- In 140 healthy adults, 45 g a day of a spread enriched with 5-hydroxytryptophan, L-theanine and GABA for 10 days improved memory, well-being and mood scores, though mood also rose in the control group, and anxiety and depression scales did not change.[Clinical evaluation of the efficacy of innovative spread of a given fatty acid composition enriched by adaptogens].
- In a placebo-controlled trial of 129 young adults, a high-dose multivitamin taken for one year improved mood in women, and the mood gains were linked to better pyridoxine status.Vitamin supplementation for 1 year improves mood.
- In 127 adults with major depression taking a med, adding 500 mcg of folic acid daily for 10 weeks gave greater improvement than placebo, and this benefit was seen in women. 93.9% of women on folic acid had a good response (over 50% reduction in symptom score), compared with 61.1% on placebo.Read the study on PubMed (10967371) →
- In 124 women starting a low-dose birth control pill, 150 mg of vitamin B6 daily for 30 days did not reduce depression, irritability or other side effects significantly more than placebo.Effect of vitamin B6 on the side effects of a low-dose combined oral contraceptive.
- In 106 people with Alzheimer's disease, a multi-ingredient nutrient formula containing folate improved thinking test scores compared with placebo over 3 months, but caregiver-reported mood and behavior changes were not statistically significant.A Phase II Randomized Clinical Trial of a Nutritional Formulation for Cognition and Mood in Alzheimer's Disease.
- In 103 women early after childbirth, a combined supplement (10 g tyrosine, 2 g tryptophan, blueberry) given over about 2 days did not change depressed mood induction, but lowered postpartum blues scores versus placebo.Dietary supplement for mood symptoms in early postpartum: a double-blind randomized placebo controlled trial.
- In 103 healthy active adults, two weeks of morning Rhodiola (300 mg) plus ashwagandha lowered perceived stress and improved sleep and positive mood compared with placebo.Modulating stress and sleep through a multi-compound dietary supplement: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled …
- In 100 adults with major depression, 600 mg of Rhodiola capsules daily with a med for 12 weeks produced larger drops in depression scores than the lower 300 mg dose.Read the study on PubMed (32090788) →
- In 100 moderately stressed adults, a combination with Rhodiola, green tea, magnesium and B vitamins reduced subjective stress, anxiety and mood disturbance after a stress test and raised relaxed-alert brain theta activity versus placebo.A combination of green tea, rhodiola, magnesium and B vitamins modulates brain activity and protects against the effects…
- In 100 people with long COVID symptoms, two weeks of a Rhodiola-containing adaptogen blend eased anxiety and depression, but this happened in both the blend and placebo groups, so it was not clearly better than placebo for mood.Efficacy of Adaptogens in Patients with Long COVID-19: A Randomized, Quadruple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
- In 100 chronically stressed adults, a combination including Rhodiola taken for 28 days lowered stress scores more than placebo, with benefits still seen at day 56.Effect of a Combination of Magnesium, B Vitamins, Rhodiola, and Green Tea (L-Theanine) on Chronically Stressed Healthy I…
- In 100 moderately stressed adults, the full combination with green tea raised brain theta activity during attention tasks under stress versus placebo, but Rhodiola alone did not, and no behavior or mood changes were shown.A Combination of Green Tea, Rhodiola, Magnesium, and B Vitamins Increases Electroencephalogram Theta Activity During Att…
- In 95 healthy adults, a multi-nutrient breakfast bar containing tyrosine eaten for 56 days improved alertness and cognitive tasks acutely after each dose, with no lasting effects beyond that.Cognitive and Mood Effects of a Nutrient Enriched Breakfast Bar in Healthy Adults: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-C…
- In a placebo-controlled trial of 90 adults with fibromyalgia, 80 mg of vitamin B6 daily did not improve anxiety, depression, or other psychological measures more than placebo, although scores improved in both groups.Effect of vitamin B6 on pain, disease severity, and psychological profile of fibromyalgia patients; a randomized, double…
- In 90 adults with sleep apnea and low mood, rhodiola capsules added to breathing machine therapy for 3 months lowered anxiety and depression scores more than the machine alone, while rhodiola alone made scores worse; blood markers of oxidative stress improved in all groups.[Effects of rhodiola rosea on oxidative stress and negative emotional states in patients with obstructive sleep apnea].
- In 89 adults with mild to moderate depression, 340 mg or 680 mg of Rhodiola rosea extract daily for 6 weeks improved depression, insomnia, and emotional instability more than placebo.Clinical trial of Rhodiola rosea L. extract SHR-5 in the treatment of mild to moderate depression.
- In 87 workers with burnout, a combination supplement containing Eleuthero taken for 12 weeks improved burnout and depression scores significantly more than placebo.Burnout: evaluation of the efficacy and tolerability of TARGET 1® for professional fatigue syndrome (burnout).
- In 84 patients with vascular depression on meds, vitamin C was used as an inactive comparator and did worse than nimodipine, with 25% reaching full remission versus 45% on nimodipine.Read the study on PubMed (11288158) →
- In 83 detoxified heroin addicts, a combination of tyrosine, lecithin, L-glutamine and 5-hydroxytryptophan reduced tension, depression, anger, fatigue and total mood disturbance and raised vigor by day 6 compared with placebo.Neurotransmitter-precursor-supplement intervention for detoxified heroin addicts.
- In an 81-person placebo-controlled trial, 3000 mg per day of sustained-release vitamin C for 2 weeks lowered depression questionnaire scores in the vitamin C group, while the placebo group showed no such drop.High-dose ascorbic acid increases intercourse frequency and improves mood: a randomized controlled clinical trial.
- In anemic new mothers, a placebo containing 25 mg vitamin C did not improve mood or cognition, while iron treatment did; vitamin C was not tested on its own.Maternal iron deficiency anemia affects postpartum emotions and cognition.
- In a placebo-controlled trial of 81 pregnant women at risk of postpartum depression, 80 mg of vitamin B6 daily from week 28 of pregnancy lowered depression scores compared with placebo.Can Vitamin B6 Help to Prevent Postpartum Depression? A Randomized Controlled Trial.
- In 80 menopausal women, 5 weeks of GABA 50 mg with EstroG-100 reduced stress, mood swings, feelings of depression and tension more than placebo.Effect of a novel nutraceutical combination of EstroG-100 and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in attenuating symptoms of meno…
- In 80 mildly anxious adults over 14 days, 400 mg daily of Rhodiola rosea extract reduced self-reported anxiety, stress, anger, confusion, and depression compared with a no-treatment control, though the trial was not placebo-controlled.The Effects of Rhodiola rosea L. Extract on Anxiety, Stress, Cognition and Other Mood Symptoms.
- In 76 healthy men aged 70 to 79, 20 mg of pyridoxine daily for 3 months did not change mood compared with placebo, though it modestly improved long-term memory.Vitamin B-6 supplementation in elderly men: effects on mood, memory, performance and mental effort.
- In 76 adolescents with bipolar disorder taking lithium, adding Eleuthero for 6 weeks gave similar depression response (67.6% vs 71.8%) and remission rates to adding a med, with no switches to mania in the Eleuthero group.Read the study on PubMed (24683218) →
- In 75 adults with depression who did not respond fully to a med, 15 mg per day of L-methylfolate for about 60 days improved depression scores more than placebo, especially in people with high BMI or elevated inflammatory markers.Read the study on PubMed (24813065) →
- In 72 military personnel under severe stress training, tyrosine at 300 mg per kg of body weight increased anger versus placebo and had no other effects on mood, cortisol or heart rate.The catecholamine neurotransmitter precursor tyrosine increases anger during exposure to severe psychological stress.
- In a 6-month trial of 68 malnourished older adults, an intensive nutrition program led by a dietitian improved depression scores and cognitive function more than standard care, and raised vitamin B6 intake through diet; the vitamin B6 dose itself was not set as a supplement.Intensive dietary intervention by a dietitian as a case manager among community dwelling older adults: the EDIT study.
- In 66 hospitalized people with manic bipolar disorder taking lithium, 40 mg of daily vitamin B6 for 8 weeks improved mood scores more than placebo.Efficacy of vitamins B1 and B6 as an adjunctive therapy to lithium in bipolar-I disorder: A double-blind, randomized, pl…
- In 65 adults with coeliac disease on a gluten-free diet, a daily combined vitamin pill containing 3 mg of vitamin B6 for 6 months improved general well-being compared with placebo, especially anxiety and low mood.Clinical trial: B vitamins improve health in patients with coeliac disease living on a gluten-free diet.
- In 65 people with chronic fatigue, a daily capsule with 1.05 mg of vitamin B6 plus beta-glucan for 36 weeks improved cognitive fatigue, but anxiety and depression outcomes were not reported as improved.Yeast Beta-Glucan Supplementation with Multivitamins Attenuates Cognitive Impairments in Individuals with Myalgic Enceph…
- In 60 adults with stress-related fatigue, 576 mg of standardised Rhodiola rosea root extract daily for 4 weeks reduced burnout and improved concentration more than placebo.A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study of the standardised extract shr-5 of the roots of R…
- In 58 patients with depression, 5-hydroxytryptophan alone did not improve mood more than placebo, while adding L-deprenil did.Read the study on PubMed (6448885) →
- In 57 adults with mild to moderate depression, Rhodiola rosea for 12 weeks lowered depression scores, but the drop was not significantly different from placebo, and it caused fewer side effects than a med.Read the study on PubMed (25837277) →
- In a double-blind trial of 55 women with premenstrual mood changes, 150 mg of vitamin B6 daily for two months improved some symptoms such as dizziness and behavior changes, but many emotional symptoms remained, and the authors urged caution because of possible toxicity at low doses.The effects of vitamin B6 supplementation on premenstrual symptoms.
- In 55 adults with metabolic syndrome on a six-month weight loss diet, those who increased their folate intake showed larger improvements in self-reported depression, although both diets improved mood similarly.Longitudinal relationship of diet and oxidative stress with depressive symptoms in patients with metabolic syndrome afte…
- In 55 people with schizophrenia taking stable antipsychotics, 15 mg of L-methylfolate daily for 12 weeks raised blood folate and improved overall symptom scores more than placebo, but mood and cognition scores did not differ from placebo.Biochemical, physiological and clinical effects of l-methylfolate in schizophrenia: a randomized controlled trial.
- In 50 people with a manic episode of bipolar disorder taking lithium, 80 mg of vitamin B6 daily for 8 weeks did not improve mood more than placebo, and memory and thinking test scores were slightly lower in the vitamin B6 group.The efficacy of vitamin B6 as an adjunctive therapy to lithium in improving the symptoms of acute mania in patients with…
- In 50 people with delayed sleep phase syndrome, 3 mg of methylcobalamin daily for 4 weeks did not improve daytime mood or drowsiness compared with placebo.Vitamin B12 treatment for delayed sleep phase syndrome: a multi-center double-blind study.
- In 46 healthy young adults with low vitamin C, 500 mg twice daily for four weeks improved attention and work absorption compared with placebo but did not change mood.Vitamin C supplementation promotes mental vitality in healthy young adults: results from a cross-sectional analysis and …
- In 46 healthy adults (22 given tyrosine, 24 given placebo), tyrosine given before a fear-learning task abolished the body's fear response compared with placebo, but it did not change mood.Fear expression is suppressed by tyrosine administration.
- In 45 adults with type 2 diabetes, 1000 mg of vitamin C daily for six weeks significantly reduced anxiety compared with placebo, though it did not change stress or depression scores.Efficacy of supplementary vitamins C and E on anxiety, depression and stress in type 2 diabetic patients: a randomized, …
- In 45 people with anxiety disorders, 5-hydroxytryptophan produced a moderate reduction in symptoms compared with placebo, though clomipramine worked better and 5-hydroxytryptophan did not reduce depressive symptoms.Effect of a serotonin precursor and uptake inhibitor in anxiety disorders; a double-blind comparison of 5-hydroxytryptop…
- In 44 women over one menstrual cycle, 50 mg of vitamin B6 taken with 200 mg of magnesium reduced anxiety-related premenstrual symptoms more than placebo, though the effect was modest and vitamin B6 alone was not separately shown to help.A synergistic effect of a daily supplement for 1 month of 200 mg magnesium plus 50 mg vitamin B6 for the relief of anxie…
- In 43 adults with major depression, adding vitamin C to citalopram for eight weeks did not improve depression scores more than adding placebo.Vitamin C as an adjuvant for treating major depressive disorder and suicidal behavior, a randomized placebo-controlled c…
- In 42 high school students, 500 mg of vitamin C daily for 14 days reduced anxiety scores compared with placebo.Effects of Oral Vitamin C Supplementation on Anxiety in Students: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
- In a placebo-controlled pilot of 42 women with premenstrual syndrome, a multi-ingredient supplement containing vitamin B6 improved mood within the group over three months, but it did not beat placebo.Effects of the PREMEN-CALM® in the Management of the Premenstrual Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controll…
- In 42 office workers with fatigue, a five amino acid mix including tyrosine for 4 weeks did not change fatigue but improved motivation and cognitive function after mental work versus placebo.Effects of Five Amino Acids (Serine, Alanine, Glutamate, Aspartate, and Tyrosine) on Mental Health in Healthy Office Wor…
- In 41 people with depression or schizophrenia who had low red-cell folate, 15 mg of methylfolate daily for 6 months added to usual treatment improved clinical and social recovery more than placebo, with the gap widening over time.Enhancement of recovery from psychiatric illness by methylfolate.
- In 41 people with depression or schizophrenia who had low red-cell folate, 15 mg of methylfolate daily for 6 months added to usual treatment improved clinical and social recovery more than placebo, with the gap widening over time.Enhancement of recovery from psychiatric illness by methylfolate.
- In 39 elderly people with low blood B12 but no anemia or nerve damage, B12 was no better than placebo for psychiatric state or general wellbeing, though all participants improved over the trial.Clinical trial of the effect of vitamin B12 in elderly subjects with low serum B12 levels.
- In 36 healthy young adults, chewing a gum containing rhodiola and B-vitamins improved attention compared with placebo gum, but adding the rhodiola and vitamins gave no extra benefit over plain gum for mood or attention.Immediate and residual effects of functional chewing gum on sustained attention and mood.
- In a randomized crossover trial of 32 women who completed it, 50 mg of pyridoxine daily for three months reduced emotional premenstrual symptoms such as depression, irritability and tiredness compared with placebo.Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and the premenstrual syndrome: a randomized crossover trial.
- In 32 women with mild seasonal mood symptoms, a single drink lacking phenylalanine and tyrosine changed recognition of sad faces in dim light but did not change self-rated mood.Dopamine and light: effects on facial emotion recognition.
- In a 30-woman pilot trial, a date bar with 300 mg vitamin C plus other nutrients eaten daily for 4 weeks lowered perceived stress within the group, but the difference from the placebo bar was not statistically significant.The Effect of a Fortified Date Bar on Perceived Stress and Morning Salivary Cortisol in Female Students: A Pilot Randomi…
- In 30 older adults with mild cognitive decline, 2 months of a combined nutraceutical containing folate improved depression scores, but placebo improved similarly, so the mood benefit was not shown to be greater than placebo.Short-Term Impact of a Combined Nutraceutical on Cognitive Function, Perceived Stress and Depression in Young Elderly wi…
- In 30 older adults in Singapore, taking 100 mg of 5-HTP daily for 12 weeks improved depression scores on the Geriatric Depression Scale and raised cognitive test scores, while anxiety scores did not change.The Impact of 5-Hydroxytryptophan Supplementation on Cognitive Function and Mood in Singapore Older Adults: A Randomized…
- In 30 sedentary overweight women who exercised, 200 mg of GABA daily for 90 days reduced negative affect and depression scores and improved sleep efficiency and heart-rate variability compared with placebo.GABA Supplementation, Increased Heart-Rate Variability, Emotional Response, Sleep Efficiency and Reduced Depression in S…
- In 30 men, a single 350 mg dose of an herbal blend containing Rhodiola rosea did not change exercise fatigue or muscle performance compared with placebo, though participants felt slightly better afterward.The Acute Effects of a Multi-Ingredient Herbal Supplement on Performance Fatigability: A Double-Blind, Randomized, and P…
- In 28 healthy volunteers, a single 500 mg dose of rhodiola extract blocked a brain-plasticity effect induced by electrical stimulation but did not change overall brain excitability; mood was not measured.Exploring the effect of adaptogenic Rhodiola Rosea extract on neuroplasticity in humans.
- In 27 people with winter seasonal depression, 1.5 mg of cyanocobalamin three times daily for 2 weeks did not improve depression scores compared with placebo.A controlled trial of cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) in the treatment of winter seasonal affective disorder.
- In 27 overweight women, a sublingual spray of plant extracts containing 5-hydroxytryptophan, used five times a day for 8 weeks, increased feelings of fullness more than placebo did.Satiety and amino-acid profile in overweight women after a new treatment using a natural plant extract sublingual spray …
- In 26 adults with mild to moderate mood disturbance, eating two SunGold kiwifruit daily for four weeks significantly reduced mood disturbance compared with their usual diet, in a non-blinded crossover trial.SunGold Kiwifruit and Psychological Health (GoKiPH): A Randomised Controlled Crossover Trial.
- In 26 hospitalized depressed patients over 28 days, adding 300 mg per day of L-5-HTP to chlorimipramine 50 mg per day gave more improvement on depression ratings than chlorimipramine with placebo.Treatment of depression with L-5-hydroxytryptophan combined with chlorimipramine, a double-blind study.
- In a small placebo-controlled crossover trial of 25 people with Parkinson's disease, 50 mg of 5-hydroxytryptophan daily for 4 weeks reduced depressive symptoms more than placebo, but did not improve apathy.Efficacy and safety of 5-hydroxytryptophan on depression and apathy in Parkinson's disease: a preliminary finding.
- In 24 children with major depression, adding 1000 mg of vitamin C daily to a med for six months reduced depressive symptoms more than a med plus placebo.Read the study on PubMed (23510529) →
- In 24 female taekwondo athletes with premenstrual syndrome, 500 mg of rhodiola daily for 10 days reduced depression, anxiety and irritability more than placebo and sped up reaction time.Short-term Rhodiola rosea supplementation improves premenstrual symptoms, reaction time, and perceived exertion in femal…
- In 21 cadets during a week of combat training, a drink with 2 g tyrosine five times daily improved memory and tracking and lowered systolic blood pressure but had no effect on mood.Tyrosine improves cognitive performance and reduces blood pressure in cadets after one week of a combat training course.
- In 20 obese adults on a calorie-restricted diet, 500 mg of vitamin C daily for 4 weeks lowered self-reported fatigue and reduced heart rate and perceived exertion during moderate walking, compared with placebo.Vitamin C status and perception of effort during exercise in obese adults adhering to a calorie-reduced diet.
- In 20 people with depression, pyridoxine plus L-tryptophan and a med maprotiline produced no differences in outcome at 2 or 4 weeks.The clinical significance of disordered renal excretion of xanthurenic acid in depressive patients.
- In 20 healthy adults, 3 mg daily of methylcobalamin for 2 weeks improved some well-being ratings, such as feeling refreshed and concentration, and shortened sleep, while cyanocobalamin did not produce the same alerting effect.Effects of vitamin B12 on performance and circadian rhythm in normal subjects.
- In 20 healthy women, a single drink that depleted tryptophan, tyrosine and phenylalanine made them feel sadder and more antagonistic on one mood scale, with no change on another mood scale or emotional responsiveness tests.Selective effects of simultaneous monoamine depletion on mood and emotional responsiveness.
- In an 8-week crossover pilot of 20 adults with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, a gamma-aminobutyric acid supplement improved emotional wellbeing and reduced bowel symptoms and the inflammatory marker IL-1β compared with placebo.Effects of γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Supplementation on Symptoms, Quality of Life, Intestinal Permeability, Systemic In…
- In 19 hospitalized women with long-term anorexia nervosa, 100 mg/kg/day of L-tyrosine for three weeks shortened reaction time and improved depressed mood compared with placebo, with no side effects.A Double Blind, Randomized Cross-Over Trial of Tyrosine Treatment on Cognitive Function and Psychological Parameters in …
- In 18 endurance athletes, a single 3 mg per kg dose of rhodiola one hour before exercise made them finish a bike time trial slightly faster and feel less effort, but mood and thinking tests showed no significant change compared with placebo.The effects of an acute dose of Rhodiola rosea on endurance exercise performance.
- In 16 healthy adults, a drink that removed tyrosine and phenylalanine did not change overall mood or task behavior, though it blunted reward-related brain activity.Dietary tyrosine/phenylalanine depletion effects on behavioral and brain signatures of human motivational processing.
- In 16 healthy young people exposed to loud noise, a single 100 mg/kg dose of tyrosine improved two stress-sensitive thinking tasks but had no effect on mood.Effect of tyrosine on cognitive function and blood pressure under stress.
- In 15 people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, vitamin B6 added to their medicines (raised to 400 mg daily over 9 weeks) did not improve psychotic symptoms more than placebo.Vitamin B6 as add-on treatment in chronic schizophrenic and schizoaffective patients: a double-blind, placebo-controlled…
- In 15 women recovered from recurrent depression, a drink lacking tyrosine and phenylalanine did not lower objective or self-rated mood compared with a balanced drink, although it raised prolactin and impaired spatial memory.Lack of effect of tyrosine depletion on mood in recovered depressed women.
- In 7 people with panic disorder and 7 healthy controls, single intravenous doses of 10, 20 or 40 mg of 5-HTP did not cause panic or increase anxiety or depression, though higher doses caused more nausea, dizziness and fatigue.Behavioral, neuroendocrine and biochemical effects of different doses of 5-HTP in panic disorder.
- In a small placebo-controlled pilot of 12 institutionalized people with moderate to later-stage Alzheimer's disease, a multi-ingredient formulation containing vitamin B12 delayed decline in memory and clock-drawing scores and was reported to maintain daily function for more than 9 months, with caregivers noting mood and behavior benefits.Efficacy of a vitamin/nutriceutical formulation for moderate-stage to later-stage Alzheimer's disease: a placebo-control…
- In 12 healthy men, a drink lacking phenylalanine and tyrosine increased anxiety and impaired word recall compared with a balanced drink, measured 5 hours later.Behavioural effects of acute phenylalanine and tyrosine depletion in healthy male volunteers.
- In 12 healthy adults, a single dose of a multi-ingredient fat-loss product containing Eleuthero root did not change mood or hunger compared with placebo during exercise.Acute effectiveness of a "fat-loss" product on substrate utilization, perception of hunger, mood state and rate of perce…
- In 8 college women taking birth control pills, 100 mg of vitamin B6 daily for 4 weeks lowered depression scores by 20% compared with an 11% rise on placebo (p = 0.046).Vitamin B6 Supplementation Reduces Symptoms of Depression in College Women Taking Oral Contraceptives: A Randomized, Dou…
- In a small double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study of 8 male university esports players, 200 mg of gamma-aminobutyric acid taken before gameplay reduced confusion and fatigue and raised game scores compared with placebo.γ-Aminobutyric Acid Intake Improves Psychological State and Performance in Esports: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Do…
- In frail nursing home residents, 8 weeks of selenium, vitamin C and folate combined reduced depression scores in a subgroup with higher scores, but depression tracked selenium rather than vitamin C levels, so vitamin C's own effect is unclear.Effect of micronutrient supplementation on mood in nursing home residents.
- In a double-blind trial of acutely hospitalized patients with low vitamin C, 500 mg taken twice daily reduced mood disturbance by 34% compared with the vitamin D comparison group, which showed no mood change.Vitamin C provision improves mood in acutely hospitalized patients.
- In acutely hospitalized patients with low vitamin C, 500 mg twice daily for about 8 days reduced mood disturbance and psychological distress more than high-dose vitamin D did.Effects of vitamin C and vitamin D administration on mood and distress in acutely hospitalized patients.
- In a multicentre trial of older people with Alzheimer's disease, ascorbic acid was used as an inactive comparator for three months of injections; posatirelin improved memory, mood and daily function more than the comparator, so vitamin C showed no benefit.Posatirelin for the treatment of late-onset Alzheimer's disease: a double-blind multicentre study vs citicoline and asco…
- An inhaled vitamin C aerosol helped some people stop smoking over 5 weeks, and among those who quit, the fine-particle version lowered cravings and negative mood more than the coarse-particle version.Clinical trials using ascorbic acid aerosol to aid smoking cessation.
- In children taking levetiracetam who had behavior side effects, adding pyridoxine led to improvement in those side effects within about 9 days, and no pyridoxine toxicity was seen.Pyridoxine Add-On Treatment for the Control of Behavioral Adverse Effects Induced by Levetiracetam in Children: A Case-C…
- Over 8 weeks, stressed adults taking magnesium with 30 mg vitamin B6 or magnesium alone both had reduced depression and anxiety scores, and only the combination gave greater gains in perceived physical activity capacity at week 4.Effect of magnesium and vitamin B6 supplementation on mental health and quality of life in stressed healthy adults: Post…
- In depressed patients, 125 mg of pyridoxine three times daily with L-tryptophan for 2 to 4 weeks did not change blood tryptophan levels, and no link to mood scores was found.Kinetics of L-tryptophan in depressive patients: a possible correlation between the plasma concentrations of L-tryptopha…
- In adults with depression who did not respond fully to a med, 15 mg per day of L-methylfolate calcium over about 60 days improved depression scores more than placebo, with the greatest benefit in people with high BMI and elevated inflammatory markers.Read the study on PubMed (26613389) →
- In people with bipolar depression taking quetiapine, adding folic acid reduced a med benefit of added lamotrigine over 12 weeks, with no mood benefit from folic acid itself.Biochemical and genetic predictors and correlates of response to lamotrigine and folic acid in bipolar depression: Analy…
- In male volunteers given alcohol, tyrosine either left unchanged or reduced the alcohol-related dysphoria, but did not change alcohol-impaired verbal recall.Ethanol, monoamines, and affect.
- In a placebo-controlled pilot of students during a stressful exam period, taking rhodiola extract for 20 days reduced mental fatigue and improved physical fitness and general well-being more than placebo, though the dose may have been too low.A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study of the stimulating and adaptogenic effect of Rhodiola rosea SHR-5 extract…
- In 1011 Cambodian women using birth control pills, those given daily vitamin B6 (577 women) reported less depression, nausea and headache than women given usual care without placebo (434 women).Supplementation with vitamin B6 reduces side effects in Cambodian women using oral contraception.
- In 155 young adults with low vitamin C, 250 mg vitamin C daily for 4 weeks marginally improved mood until day 12 and effects were weaker than kiwifruit, but mood improved in those with low starting vitamin C.Smartphone survey data reveal the timecourse of changes in mood outcomes following vitamin C or kiwifruit intervention i…
- In 94 elderly long-term inpatients with low vitamin C levels, taking vitamin C for 2 months raised vitamin C levels and gave slight gains in weight and blood proteins, but mood and mobility did not change compared with placebo.The effect of vitamin C supplements on body weight, serum proteins, and general health of an elderly population.
- In 60 people with a first depressive episode, L-5-hydroxytryptophan for 8 weeks reduced depression scores about as much as a med, and 73% responded (no placebo group).Read the study on PubMed (23380314) →
- In 28 nursing home residents with dementia and low vitamin B12 levels, intramuscular B12 for 16 weeks improved blood markers but did not change cognition or psychiatric symptoms, including depression, compared with a group with normal B12 levels.Cognitive and psychiatric effects of vitamin B12 replacement in dementia with low serum B12 levels: a nursing home study…
- In 50 elderly adults with depression, 100 mg of levo-5-hydroxytryptophan plus dihydroergocristine for 60 days significantly improved mood and mental performance, while placebo showed no change.Effects of a levo-5-hydroxytryptophan-dihydroergocristine combination on depression and neuropsychic performance: a doub…
- In 48 school-age children with recurring headaches and sleep problems, 5-hydroxytryptophan improved headaches and some sleep disturbances compared with placebo in a double-blind crossover trial.Headache in association with sleep disorders in children: a psychodiagnostic evaluation and controlled clinical study--L…
- In 47 people with major depression who had not responded to two or more tricyclic meds, L-5-HTP did not improve depression, while the MAO inhibitor tranylcypromine helped about half of them.Read the study on PubMed (3146891) →
- In 38 women with premenstrual tension and 38 symptom-free controls, vitamin B6 given in a double-blind crossover during the luteal phase did not significantly improve premenstrual symptoms compared with placebo.Platelet serotonin uptake and effects of vitamin B6-treatment in premenstrual tension.
- In 31 adults with chronic headache, 400 mg daily of 5-hydroxytryptophan for two months reduced headache frequency and severity more than placebo, though not significantly, and about 48% had over a 50% reduction in symptoms.Serotonin precursors in chronic primary headache. A double-blind cross-over study with L-5-hydroxytryptophan vs. placebo…
- In a double-blind trial of 30 depressed patients, 5-HTP combined with benserazide worked no differently than imipramine, though it caused more stomach side effects.The treatment of depression with L-5-hydroxytryptophan versus imipramine. Results of two open and one double-blind study…
- In a double-blind study of 30 hospitalized patients with endogenous depression, adding l-5-hydroxytryptophan to the monoamine oxidase inhibitor nialamide gave fuller recovery and faster onset than nialamide alone.5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and a MAOI (nialamide) in the treatment of depressions. A double-blind controlled study.
- In a pre-post cohort of 30 university students, a cup of gamma-aminobutyric acid-fortified oolong tea lowered immediate stress scores and improved heart rate variability more than a non-fortified tea control.Effect of GABA-Fortified Oolong Tea on Reducing Stress in a University Student Cohort.
- In 23 male submariners on a 3-month patrol, 0.5 mg daily vitamin B6 did not change mood depression compared with placebo, and mood scores did not track vitamin B6 status.Decreased vitamin B-6 status of submariners during prolonged patrol.
- In 22 adults over 60 with depression who were treated with a med, higher folate levels measured at the start predicted better improvement, especially on the self-rated scale, with a med group showing the stronger link. Folate was measured, not given as a supplement.Read the study on PubMed (12826993) →
- In 20 young men, raising plasma vitamin C through supplementation did not change alertness, memory, or self-rated mood compared with low vitamin C periods.Lack of effect on mental efficiency of extra vitamin C.
- In 20 young men, a single dose of tyrosine had no effect on mood or performance compared with placebo.The effects of dietary neurotransmitter precursors on human behavior.
- In 19 volunteers in cold water, tyrosine (150 mg/kg before each of two immersions) improved working memory and processing speed, but the abstract does not report that it reduced the cold-induced rise in tension, depression and confusion.Tyrosine supplementation mitigates working memory decrements during cold exposure.
- In 19 obese women taking 8 mg per kg of 5-HTP daily for 5 weeks, mood scores did not change, although appetite fell and weight was lost.The effects of oral 5-hydroxytryptophan administration on feeding behavior in obese adult female subjects.
- In 15 nicotine-dependent men, temporarily lowering phenylalanine and tyrosine did not change cigarette craving, smoking behavior, or the subjective effects of smoking.Lack of effect of acute dopamine precursor depletion in nicotine-dependent smokers.
- In 12 adults with coeliac disease and depressive symptoms, 80 mg of daily oral vitamin B6 for 6 months lowered depression scores on a personality test, after gluten withdrawal alone had not changed them.Reversal of psychopathology in adult coeliac disease with the aid of pyridoxine (vitamin B6).
- In 10 active men, a single dose of 3 mg per kg body weight of Rhodiola rosea before a 30-minute cycling session lowered perceived exertion and raised feelings of vigor and pleasure compared with placebo, without changing energy use.The Effect of Acute Rhodiola rosea Ingestion on Exercise Heart Rate, Substrate Utilisation, Mood State, and Perceptions …
- In one child with Lesch-Nyhan syndrome given 5-HTP or placebo in a double-blind design over about 14 weeks, 5-HTP reduced involuntary movements and caused sedation but did not improve mood or reduce self-harm.Double-blind clinical trial of 5-hydroxytryptophan in a case of Lesch-Nyhan syndrome.
- Large double-blind trials of daily vitamin C with extra doses during illness reduced the days of winter illness, but produced little change in infection frequency, sense of well-being, or cholesterol.Large scale studies with vitamin C.
- In a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial, a single 3 gram dose of vitamin C made both manic and depressed patients significantly better than placebo.Vanadium: a possible aetiological factor in manic depressive illness.
- In elderly people taking 2 mg of vitamin B6 daily for one year, psychological well-being scores improved slightly compared with placebo.Vitamin B6 status of Finnish elderly. Comparison with Dutch younger adults and elderly. The effect of supplementation.
- In healthy volunteers, a single drink lacking tyrosine and phenylalanine made people less content and more apathetic and shifted their responses toward sadness within 5 hours, compared with a balanced amino-acid drink; this tested depletion, not tyrosine supplements.The effects of tyrosine depletion in normal healthy volunteers: implications for unipolar depression.
- In healthy adults, a drink lacking phenylalanine and tyrosine raised prolactin and changed responses to emotional words, but self-reported mood did not differ from a balanced drink.Affective bias and response modulation following tyrosine depletion in healthy adults.
- During about 13 hours of continuous night work with one night of lost sleep, a single 150 mg/kg dose of tyrosine reduced the decline in psychomotor performance and lowered lapses in vigilance for about 3 hours compared with placebo.The effects of tyrosine on cognitive performance during extended wakefulness.
- In normal healthy subjects, a single intravenous infusion of L-5-HTP produced a clear elevation of mood that followed a three-phase course, and a double-blind part confirmed the effect was not due to placebo.Intravenous L-5-hydroxytryptophan in normal subjects: an interdisciplinary precursor loading study. Part II: profile of …
- In patients who did not respond to tricyclic meds, 5-HTP was ineffective in an open comparison, while tranylcypromine helped 26 of 45 patients.Tranylcypromine in depression resistant to cyclic antidepressions.
- A single 200 mg oral dose of 5-hydroxytryptophan produced a larger rise in serum cortisol in patients with depression who had attempted suicide and in those with bipolar depression, and the size of the rise tracked depression severity; this was a lab challenge, not a mood improvement test.Effect of 5-hydroxytryptophan on serum cortisol levels in major affective disorders. II. Relation to suicide, psychosis,…
- In 118 adults with burnout symptoms, 400 mg of Rhodiola rosea extract daily for 12 weeks was followed by clear improvement on most measures of burnout, stress and mood, with few side effects; there was no placebo group.Multicenter, open-label, exploratory clinical trial with Rhodiola rosea extract in patients suffering from burnout sympt…
- In 86 pregnant women with moderate nausea and vomiting, adding 3 weeks of mindfulness-based therapy to pyridoxine (40 mg daily) and medical care reduced anxiety and depression more than pyridoxine and medical care alone, and the gains held at 1 month; the benefit is attributed to the therapy, since both groups took pyridoxine.A RCT of psychotherapy in women with nausea and vomiting of pregnancy.
- In 81 people with epilepsy and high homocysteine, six months of folate plus 1500 mcg daily of vitamin B12 (mecobalamin) was followed by larger seizure reductions in those with a specific gene variant, with no control group and no mood results reported in the abstract.Association between MTHFR polymorphism and seizure control in epileptic patients with hyperhomocysteinaemia.
- In 78 people with burning mouth syndrome over 6 weeks, adding danzhixiaoyao pills to methylcobalamin tablets lowered depression scores more than methylcobalamin alone, but anxiety scores did not differ between groups.Efficacy of Danzhixiaoyao tablets combined with methylcobalamin tablets in the treatment of burning mouth syndrome: an o…
- In 68 adults with depression who were already taking a med, 15 mg of L-methylfolate daily for up to 12 months led to full recovery in 38 percent of them, with no recurrences of depression.Long-term efficacy, safety, and tolerability of L-methylfolate calcium 15 mg as adjunctive therapy with selective seroto…
- In 55 adults with mild to moderate depression, 8 weeks of Shuganjieyu capsules was linked to better cognitive scores and reduced brain connectivity changes, compared with healthy controls.Improve cognition of depressive patients through the regulation of basal ganglia connectivity: Combined medication using…
- In an open-label study of 46 women with mild to moderate anxiety, a saffron, ashwagandha, tryptophan and vitamin B6 supplement taken for 12 weeks lowered anxiety scores, though there was no control group and the lockdown may have influenced results.Effectiveness of a Saffron and Withania Supplement on Mood in Women With Mild-to-Moderate Anxiety During the COVID-19 Lo…
- In an open-label trial of 44 adults with depression, adding 800 micrograms daily of methylfolate to a med for 4 weeks produced a 40.33% improvement in depression symptoms versus 26.43% with a med alone, though remission rates did not differ significantly.Read the study on PubMed (39844190) →
- In 41 healthy postpartum women, a supplement kit containing 10 g of tyrosine and 2 g of tryptophan prevented the drop in mood seen in the control group after a sad mood induction on day 5 after birth.Selective dietary supplementation in early postpartum is associated with high resilience against depressed mood.
- In 25 adults with bronchial asthma, a spa program that included inhaled iodine salt solution lowered depression scores and reduced the number of patients with depressive symptoms from 11 to 2, though the iodine part could not be separated from the other treatments.[Psychological investigation on spa therapy in patients with bronchial asthma].
- In an open-label study of 24 people with Alzheimer's disease taking a multi-ingredient formula containing folate for one year, thinking skills and behavior symptoms stayed at their starting level instead of declining, though there was no placebo group in this study.Maintenance of Cognitive Performance and Mood for Individuals with Alzheimer's Disease Following Consumption of a Nutrac…
- In 22 adults with depression that did not fully respond to a med, adding 15 to 30 mg per day of leucovorin (folinic acid) for 8 weeks lowered depression scores, with about 27% of the group reaching response, though there was no placebo group.Read the study on PubMed (12046638) →
- In 20 elderly adults with depression, 50 mg per day of methyltetrahydrofolate for 6 weeks led to marked improvement, with 81% of the 16 who completed at least 4 weeks responding, though there was no placebo group.An open trial of methyltetrahydrofolate in elderly depressed patients.
- In an open-label pilot of 15 women whose depression did not respond to an meds, 8 weeks of 5-hydroxytryptophan (100 mg twice daily) plus creatine lowered depression scores by 60% on average.An Open-Label Pilot Study of Combined Augmentation With Creatine Monohydrate and 5-Hydroxytryptophan for Selective Serot…
- In an open trial, 14 hospitalized depressed patients took 150 mg of 5-hydroxytryptophan by mouth daily for seven days, and seven of them had mild or moderate improvement in depressive symptoms.Measurement of 5-hydroxyindole compounds during L-5-HTP treatment in depressed patients.
- In 12 patients with dopamine-dependent depression, 3,200 mg per day of oral tyrosine produced a return of mood on the first day and improved sleep measures, with a reported larger series of over 50 patients treated for months to nearly 2 years and no effect in other depression types.[L-tyrosine cures, immediate and long term, dopamine-dependent depressions. Clinical and polygraphic studies].
- In 10 children with bipolar spectrum disorder, an 8-week open-label multinutrient supplement was well tolerated and raised blood vitamin B6 levels, with open-label mood outcomes described as encouraging.Nutritional and safety outcomes from an open-label micronutrient intervention for pediatric bipolar spectrum disorders.
- In an open-label registry of 10 adults with bipolar depression taking 15 mg daily of L-methylfolate alongside usual treatment for 6 weeks, depression scores fell from 23.4 to 13.9, and 6 of 10 people had at least a 50% drop in symptoms.L-Methylfolate For Bipolar I depressive episodes: An open trial proof-of-concept registry.
- In a small pilot of 10 adults with generalized anxiety, 340 mg of rhodiola extract daily for 10 weeks significantly reduced anxiety ratings, with mild dizziness and dry mouth the most common side effects.A pilot study of Rhodiola rosea (Rhodax) for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
- In nine schizophrenia patients with minor depression, 150 mg of pyridoxine daily for 4 weeks markedly improved depression in two of them.[Antidepressive effect of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) in neuroleptic-treated schizophrenic patients with co-morbid minor dep…
- In an open trial of 7 new patients with depression related to Parkinson's disease, 6 improved after taking oral 5-hydroxytryptophan, and spinal fluid levels of the serotonin marker 5-HIAA rose in the three patients retested.The relationship of serotonin to depression in Parkinson's disease.
- In 6 people with phenylketonuria, a large neutral amino acid supplement raised tyrosine and tryptophan levels, and all reported more energy and better well-being, including 2 who had clinical depression.Large neutral amino acid therapy and phenylketonuria: a promising approach to treatment.
- In acutely hospitalized patients with low vitamin C, one week of vitamin C raised blood levels to normal and improved mood disturbance scores by 33%.Metabolic origin of hypovitaminosis C in acutely hospitalized patients.
- In Spanish university graduates followed for a median of 8.5 years, having inadequate intake of four or more micronutrients, iodine among them, was linked to higher depression risk, but this link was no longer significant when repeated diet measurements were used.Micronutrient intake adequacy and depression risk in the SUN cohort study.
- In a large Korean survey of young adults, food insecurity was linked to more anxiety and depression and to diets often below the vitamin C requirement, but vitamin C intake itself was not tested against mood.How does young adults' dietary and health-related quality of life vary by food security and household income?
- In a large US survey of 9306 adults, a machine learning model ranked dietary vitamin C among the strongest predictors of depression with suicidal thoughts, but the study does not show whether vitamin C improves mood.Machine learning and SHAP-based interpretation of dietary antioxidants' impact on comorbid MDD and suicidal ideation.
- In a large US survey of adults, those with high levels of iodine in their urine had higher odds of depressive symptoms than those with normal levels, and women with low iodine levels also had higher odds.Association of Urinary Iodine Concentration with Depressive Symptoms among Adults: NHANES 2007-2018.
- In a survey of 7387 Iranian adults, moderate dietary pantothenic acid intake was associated with lower odds of anxiety, but this cross-sectional study cannot show cause and effect.Dietary intake of B vitamins and their association with depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms: A cross-sectional, pop…
- In a cross-sectional analysis of 5739 adults with overweight or obesity and metabolic syndrome features, higher iodine intake was seen alongside more severe metabolic syndrome, but the study did not test iodine's effect on mood.Leisure-Time Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Diet Quality are Associated with Metabolic Syndrome Severity: Th…
- In 3846 Iranian adults, a diet pattern high in pantothenic acid, amino acids, and zinc was linked to lower anxiety, depression, and distress in men and women, though this cross-sectional study cannot prove cause and effect.Do patterns of nutrient intake predict self-reported anxiety, depression and psychological distress in adults? SEPAHAN s…
- In 3,362 Iranian adults, lower dietary vitamin B6 intake was linked to higher odds of depression and anxiety, most clearly in women; this is an association and does not prove that more vitamin B6 prevents these conditions.Higher vitamin B6 intake is associated with lower depression and anxiety risk in women but not in men: A large cross-sec…
- In a national survey of 2524 US adults, those with the highest blood folate levels had lower odds of elevated depressive symptoms, especially among women (odds ratio 0.37 compared with the lowest tertile).Serum folate, vitamin B-12, and homocysteine and their association with depressive symptoms among U.S. adults.
- In Australian adults, a plant-based dietary pattern rich in vitamin C, fiber, and carotenoids was linked to fewer depressive symptoms, but vitamin C was not studied on its own.Nutrient patterns and depressive symptoms among Australian adults.
- In 988 Iranian adolescent girls, those with the highest vitamin C intake had lower odds of depressive symptoms (odds ratio 0.61) compared with those with the lowest intake, though this was not statistically significant.Dietary antioxidants and fibre intake and depressive symptoms in Iranian adolescent girls.
- In a cross-sectional study of 710 Spanish schoolchildren aged 6 to 9, lower pantothenic acid intake was linked to more depressive symptoms, though this study cannot show cause and effect.Nutrient Intake and Depression Symptoms in Spanish Children: The ANIVA Study.
- Among 586 older Europeans followed for 5 years, mental health was not linked to vitamin B12 or folate status at the final assessment.Five year changes in mental health and associations with vitamin B12/folate status of elderly Europeans.
- In 517 Japanese adults, higher dietary folate intake was linked to fewer depressive symptoms in men but not in women. Men in the highest intake quartile had about half the odds of depressive symptoms compared with the lowest quartile.Dietary intake of folate, other B vitamins, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in relation to depressive symptoms i…
- In 332 elderly men followed in the Zutphen Elderly Study, dietary folate and vitamin B6 and B12 intake and blood homocysteine were not related to depressive symptoms.Dietary intake of B(6-9-12) vitamins, serum homocysteine levels and their association with depressive symptoms: the Zutp…
- Among 322 hospitalized older adults, those with low blood vitamin C had more depression symptoms at baseline and at 6 weeks than those with normal levels.Poor vitamin C status is associated with increased depression symptoms following acute illness in older people.
- In a retrospective review of 240 children with epilepsy taking levetiracetam, those also taking vitamin B6 were less likely to stop the drug because of behavior and mood side effects, and many who stayed on it reported better behavior with B6.Vitamin B6 decreases the risk of levetiracetam discontinuation in children with epilepsy: A retrospective study.
- In a survey of 219 women with Hashimoto's disease, those who followed dietary advice that included iodine-rich foods reported fewer depressive symptoms, though this survey cannot show cause and effect.Physical Activity, Nutritional Behaviours and Depressive Symptoms in Women with Hashimoto's Disease.
- Iodine levels in urine were similar in Swiss teens with and without major depression, and iodine intake was adequate in both groups.Investigating thyroid function and iodine status in adolescents with and without paediatric major depressive disorder.
- In 183 adults during COVID-19 lockdown, people with lower curiosity ate more tyrosine-containing food, but the study did not show that tyrosine itself changed well-being or mood.Curiosity for information predicts wellbeing mediated by loneliness during COVID-19 pandemic.
- In 181 female students, sticking more closely to a Nordic diet was linked to higher intakes of many nutrients including folate, and higher vegetable intake was linked to lower stress and anxiety scores. Folate itself was not tested against mood.Impact of a Nordic diet on psychological function in young students.
- In 159 bereaved men, higher blood vitamin B12 levels were associated with better mood and fewer depressive symptoms, though this cross-sectional association does not show that B12 causes the change.Cobalamin level is related to self-reported and clinically rated mood and to syndromal depression in bereaved HIV-1(+) a…
- Homeless adults in Reading, UK, ate less vitamin C (79 vs 109 mg) than matched housed adults and had higher depression and anxiety symptom scores.Dietary intake, nutritional status and mental wellbeing of homeless adults in Reading, UK.
- In a case-control study of 72 people with major depressive disorder and 75 healthy adults in China, higher iodine levels in blood serum were linked to lower odds of depression, while higher iodine levels in urine were linked to higher odds.Serum and urinary essential trace elements in association with major depressive disorders: a case-control study.
- In 141 young Japanese women, those eating more than 240 mcg of folate daily from food had lower odds of depressive symptoms (adjusted odds ratio 0.22). This was an observational association and not proof of cause.Impact of dietary folate intake on depressive symptoms in young women of reproductive age.
- In a retrospective German cohort of 125 breast cancer patients, those given intravenous vitamin C (7.5 g, at least 4 weeks) alongside standard treatment reported less depression and other symptoms than untreated controls.Intravenous vitamin C administration improves quality of life in breast cancer patients during chemo-/radiotherapy and a…
- In 116 women treated for major depression, lower blood folic acid was linked to more severe depression, and folic acid was significantly lower in those with treatment-resistant depression.Blood Concentrations of Folic Acid and Homocysteine Are Associated with Treatment-Resistant Depression Among Female Depr…
- In 110 adults with depression starting a med, vitamin B12 levels at the start did not predict how soon their mood improved over 8 weeks; low folate, not B12, was linked to a slower response.Read the study on PubMed (15877935) →
- In 102 people with a non-cancerous thyroid nodule and normal thyroid function, those with lower urinary iodine had higher anxiety and depression scores, but the study did not test iodine supplements.The Relationship between Iodine and Selenium Levels with Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Euthyroid Nodular Goite…
- In 100 people living with HIV in Iran, higher daily dietary vitamin C intake was linked to lower depression, anxiety, and stress scores, but this food-based correlation does not show that vitamin C itself caused the change.Correlation Between Daily Dietary Micronutrients Intake and Mental Health Outcomes in Iranians Living With HIV Infection…
- In 97 adults with bipolar or major depressive disorder, 64% had folate intake below the estimated average requirement, compared with 27% in a general population survey. This study did not measure mood changes from folate.Vitamin and mineral intakes in adults with mood disorders: comparisons to nutrition standards and associations with soci…
- In 97 adults with mood disorders, higher pantothenic acid intake was modestly correlated with better overall psychiatric functioning, though this cross-sectional study cannot show cause and effect.Nutrient intakes are correlated with overall psychiatric functioning in adults with mood disorders.
- In 65 adults with self-reported gluten sensitivity on a gluten-free diet, iodine intake was below recommended levels and stomach symptoms were linked with mild depression, but no iodine was given or tested for mood.Dietary and symptom assessment in adults with self-reported non-coeliac gluten sensitivity.
- People with depression had lower folate and vitamin B12 levels and lower folate intake than controls, but no supplement was tested in this study.Evaluation of Nutritional Status of Patients with Depression.
- Blood 5-methyltetrahydrofolate was lower in 26 depressed people than in 21 healthy volunteers, both before and after electroconvulsive therapy. Folate deficiency was related to depression severity but not to treatment response.5-Methyltetrahydrofolate level in the serum of depressed subjects and its relationship to the outcome of ECT.
- In 45 adults with mild to moderate depression, two tablets a day of a rhodiola and saffron combination for six weeks lowered depression scores by an average of 58%, and 85.4% of patients reported improvement; there was no placebo group.A preliminary assessment of a combination of rhodiola and saffron in the management of mild-moderate depression.
- In a prospective observational study of pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia taking a liposomal iron and vitamin C product, anxiety and depression scores improved over the course of pregnancy.Liposomal ferric pyrophosphate and ascorbic acid supplementation in pregnant women with iron deficiency anaemia: haemato…
- In a large national survey (NHANES 2005-2014), vitamin B6 intake was only trivially associated with depression after adjusting for confounders, so no meaningful link was found.Associations between vitamin intake and depression severity: A cross-sectional analysis of NHANES 2005-2014.
- In people with folate deficiency whose mental symptoms, nerve problems and depression eased with folic acid, a serotonin-related breakdown product in spinal fluid returned to normal after treatment, while it stayed low in people whose symptoms did not respond.Effect of folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiencies on 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in human cerebrospinal fluid.
- In a large US survey, adults aged 46 and older with high iodine levels in their urine had higher odds of major depression than those with normal levels.Age-dependent association of high urinary iodine concentration with major depression in adults: NHANES 2007-2020.
- In 51 people with long-term epilepsy, taking folate and vitamin B12 for one year was accompanied by lower depression scores, but the study had no separate control group for comparison.The effect of vitamin B supplementation on homocysteine metabolism and clinical state of patients with chronic epilepsy …
- In a 1978 Russian study of 48 adults with depression, pyridoxine (vitamin B6) treatment produced a positive effect on depressive symptoms, along with higher noradrenaline excretion.[Effect of pyridoxine on the psychopathology and pathochemistry of involutional depressions].
- In 26 healthy people without depression, intravenous 5-hydroxytryptophan given in 51 infusions after a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor produced a measurable mood elevation that tracked changes in growth hormone levels.Intravenous L-5-hydroxytryptophan in normal subjects: an interdisciplinary precursor loading study. Part 1: Implications…
- In 20 adults with subthreshold insomnia, 750 mg of a Rhodiola and lotus extract blend taken at bedtime for two weeks improved sleep quality and physical and mental health scores; 13 of the 20 participants completed the study.Mixture of Rhodiola rosea and Nelumbo nucifera Extracts Ameliorates Sleep Quality of Adults with Sleep Disturbance.
- In 13 patients with treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder, adding 5-hydroxytryptophan to an existing serotonin reuptake inhibitor and pindolol regimen did not reduce obsessive-compulsive symptoms.Sequential administration of augmentation strategies in treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder: preliminary f…
- This abstract is a conceptual discussion of serotonin deficiency in depression and reports no trial results for 5-HTP, so it gives no evidence of a mood effect.A functional-dimensional approach to depression: serotonin deficiency as a target syndrome in a comparison of 5-hydroxyt…
- In a 1976 study of non-depressed adults, an intravenous infusion of a soluble form of 5-hydroxytryptophan, given with a decarboxylase blocker, produced a reproducible mood elevation lasting up to four hours in 34 of 35 experiments, along with raised growth hormone and prolactin.Mood elevation and pituitary stimulation after i.v. l-5-HTP in normal subjects: Evidence for a common serotoninergic mec…
Review Totals and Summary
Members Only1,138 reviews · 90% positive
Across the stores that sell it, Thorne Emotion Balance Support carries about 876 ratings, and the feedback is strongly positive. Buyers mostly describe steadier mood and better emotional balance, and a few mention sleep. A minority felt nothing. This summary covers the capsules only; reviews of other forms were left out. **What buyers say it did for them:** Most describe a more even mood. One says it "helps keep my mood positive and more level." Another, a postpartum buyer, says it "completely changed my mood" and that they can face the day "without snapping and feeling moody or overwhelmed." That buyer notices a difference after two or three days off it. Some mention sleep, with one saying it "helps balance my emotions and helps me sleep." Others use it alongside a med, with one calling it "a great addition for my a med" and another saying it gives "that boost I need" in winter. One buyer reports support during the luteal phase of PMDD. The store summaries add that some people notice changes within a few days, and that others describe calm without sedation, with enough energy left over. One reviewer felt more even-keeled and motivated after a few weeks. **What buyers complain about:** Complaints are few. One buyer gave one star, saying "I don't feel like it's working." Store summaries note that a minority saw no noticeable benefit, and one buyer on another page could not yet feel a change. Another reviewer said it helped mood and energy for a while but felt less necessary after they resumed eating meat. A buyer taking a prescription stimulant reported irritability and anger after two doses and said the combination should be avoided. That is one person's experience, and the page labels such accounts as not medical advice. One reviewer also noted that the product "doesn't come with the new name," which suggests a packaging or naming change. **Taste, smell, pill size and form:** Only one reviewer comments, calling it an "easy to swallow capsule." Nobody mentions taste or smell. The store summaries note no side effects on the Vitacost page. **Value for money:** Price comes up repeatedly in the store summaries. Many buyers call it expensive but think the quality justifies it. One says the price is a bit high but you are paying for good ingredients without harsh chemicals. Another calls the price very good for the quality and quantity. Buyers also trust the Thorne brand, and one reviewer notes "high quality ingredients." **Who it seems to suit and who it did not:** It seems to suit people looking for mood support through menopause, postpartum, premenstrual or seasonal changes, and people already on a med who want extra help. Some buyers say they prefer it to pharmaceutical options because of fewer side effects. Long-term users mention taking it for years, and some cycle off for a couple of days each week. It suited those who did not feel a change less well, and the one buyer on a prescription stimulant had a bad reaction. Several reviews are from people only a few weeks in, so longer-term results are less clear.
Biohacker Summary
Members Only10 of 10 recommend it
Vitamin C is the ingredient the panel talks about most, and most of them recommend or use it. They take it for collagen and joint support, often paired with collagen before a workout, and also for skin, immune support and inflammation. Doses mentioned run from 500 mg to 1 g up to 2 to 4 grams, though one panelist says the best dose is unclear and high amounts might blunt the benefits of exercise, and one person stopped a vitamin C skin serum because of its smell. Folate and rhodiola got less attention: a few recommend methylfolate as an active form the body can use directly, and a few use or recommend rhodiola for mood and stress. Iodine is a smaller ingredient in this product, and one panelist warns that high doses carry a risk to the thyroid.
See all 10 biohackers →Hide the biohackers
Ben Greenfield · Vitamin C · recommends
- States that vitamin C is extremely important for collagen turnover and cites orthopedic data showing that 500 mg to 1 g of vitamin C can reduce the rate of complex regional pain in total knee replacements and wrist fractures.
- Mentions vitamin C as part of a bare-minimum protocol.
- Recommends taking sufficient iodine to ensure free T3 levels are right, which is important for the reverse calcium transport system.
- Recommends methylfolate as an active form of folate that the body can use directly without conversion.
- Notes that while vitamin C has significant value, the optimal dose is a vexed question, and high doses might not always be beneficial, potentially blunting the hormetic effects of exercise.
- Notes that IV vitamin C has been used for decades for cancer patients with almost no standardization and that he receives many questions about its effectiveness and combination with chemo.
- Warns that people can unknowingly take 20 times the amount of iodine they're supposed to because it's in different ingredient profiles.
- Recommends Vitamin C for skin repair post-tattoo.
- Recommends bioavailable folate, not synthetic folic acid, as folate deficiencies seem to impact hearing health in older individuals.
- Recommends getting vitamin B12 tested and supplementing if deficient, as B12 deficiency can cause damage to the myelin coating around nerves, including cochlear nerves, and improve tinnitus severity scores.
- Notes that eleuthero is an ingredient in MTE.
- Warns that high iodine intakes can predispose people to autoimmune thyroid disease and advises caution with iodine for those with Hashimoto's or Graves' disease, suggesting seafood for sufficient intake.
- Was already taking rhodiola, which they noted was an ingredient in the Novos product.
- Recommends introducing methylfolate into the diet to address high homocysteine levels.
Siim Land · Vitamin C · recommends
- Recommends taking vitamin C with collagen to support joint collagen synthesis.
- States that vitamin C is needed for initiating collagen synthesis and that higher vitamin C intake appears to increase vitamin C content in the skin.
- Lists sauerkraut and fruit as sources of Vitamin C.
- Notes that Vitamin C is one of several supplements with human evidence.
- Notes that researchers found vitamin C alleviates ferro-aging, a process of iron overload and lipid peroxidation that drives aging, and that it directly inhibited ACSL4, a protein driving ferro-aging.
- States that Vitamin C has a central role in aging and longevity, and that in monkeys, oral vitamin C slowed ovarian aging during a 3.3-year study.
- States that vitamin C is one of the most important vitamins for staying healthy and aging well, and that intakes of 200 to 400 mg a day from food or supplements largely saturates plasma and neutrophils in most healthy adults. He also recommends spreading out the vitamin C across the day to avoid oversaturation.
- Mentions vitamin C in comparison to topical melatonin for oxidative defense, stating that melatonin would compete but is not as broadly validated clinically.
- Was found to be vitamin C deficient by True Health and Mayo Clinic tests, and now addresses this by eating one extra kiwi fruit daily.
- States that the biggest evidence for multivitamin is that it improves cognition and enhances episodic memory in elderly people, who tend to have worse diets and are more likely to be deficient.
- States that Rhodiola rosea is not going to reduce fatigue if one is mentally or overall exhausted, and that there is not enough evidence yet to support claims of lowering stress and anxiety or increasing VO2 max.
- Created Microvitamin, a supplement that bundled all the supplements he was taking, to help fund his a med trial.
- Mentions that the intake of certain nutrients, especially DHA and iodine, from seafood plays a powerful effect on intelligence for children and during pregnancy.
- States that vitamin B12 deficiency is the most common reason for premature graying of hair and recommends fixing B12 status if it is deficient, as it gives a greater likelihood of reversing gray hair.
Dr. Eric Berg · Vitamin C · neutral
- Mentions that lemon is loaded with vitamin C, and when combined with coffee, vitamin C significantly increases the bioavailability of antioxidants in the coffee.
- Dr. Berg states that Vitamin C helps fight biofilms and is essential for making collagen in gums, teeth, and capillaries.
- Recommends Vitamin C as a cofactor, especially for collagen.
- States that high doses of vitamin C, like 2 to 4 grams, can greatly reduce inflammation and support the immune system.
- Recommends applying a drop of iodine and covering the skin tag with a bandage twice a day for topical skin tag removal.
- Notes that birth control pills deplete the body of folate, which is needed for the brain to make serotonin.
- Highly recommends taking natural food vitamin C, about 500 mg, at the first sign of a cold.
- Dr. Berg lists pyridoxine hydrochloride as a synthetic vitamin to avoid.
- Recommends taking the active form of vitamin B6, pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P5P), for its benefits to the nervous system, including building the myelin sheath and protecting sensory nerve integrity.
- Notes that Vitamin B6 is intimately involved in the nervous system and may be behind sciatica and carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Recommends taking the natural form of vitamin B12, methylcobalamin, to support nerve regeneration, myelin production, and nerve growth factors.
- Notes that Vitamin B12 is intimately involved in the nervous system and may be behind sciatica and carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Recommends getting iodine from sea kelp regularly because it's packaged in a way that the body can better absorb it, is difficult to overdose on, and provides additional trace minerals, amino acids, and phytonutrients.
- Recommends consuming foods high in vitamin C to block the effects of grains.
Thomas DeLauer · Vitamin C · recommends
- Recommends taking vitamin C along with collagen about an hour before a workout for connective tissue benefits.
- Uses vitamin C as part of their immunity duo, stating it is important for boosting the immune system, especially during cold and flu season.
- Recommends Vitamin B12 for mental health and mood, explaining its role in myelination and neurotransmitter production. They specifically recommend a liposomal and micellar form of methylcobalamin B12 for better absorption and to avoid toxicity.
- Recommends consuming vitamin C to aid in NADPH recycling, which is necessary for glutathione to be reused after neutralizing oxidative stress.
- Takes Purity's liquid liposomal vitamin C for immune support and overall wellness, finding it easy to add to water, juice, or take straight up due to its good taste.
- Compares the Vitamin C content of oranges (53mg) to guava (228mg), noting guava has 4x more.
- States that collagen synthesis is vitamin C dependent, in the context of glowing skin.
- Recommends Vitamin C for sleep, noting that intake in the range of 125 to 200 mg per day is associated with a lower risk of sleep disorders and sleep apnea, with the benefit plateauing beyond this range.
- Recommends a small amount of iodine, explaining that it is the raw mineral from which T4 is built and is crucial for thyroid hormone production, but warns against high intake with low selenium.
- Recommends consuming a little bit of vitamin C, such as a couple of berries or kiwi, along with flavanol-rich cocoa to help the delicate flavanols hold up and prevent oxidation in the gut.
- Explains that vitamin C improves the ability of neutrophils to engulf bacterial infections, and that they have a greater ability to engulf larger infections.
- Recommends using a multivitamin to ensure adequate micronutrient intake, especially when wholesome food is less available.
- Describes rhodiola as a great adaptogen primarily for pure stress mitigation, distinguishing it from salidrosides which also have mitochondrial effects.
- Mentions that a single serving of sardines provides vitamin B12 at something like three to four times the daily needs.
Dave Asprey · Vitamin C · recommends
- Recommends taking vitamin C for better skin health.
- States that folate can affect how the body responds to a supplement.
- Dave discusses options like a med and Rhodiola rosea that support norepinephrine and dopamine, and how they compare.
- States that currently, he is only taking vitamin C and vitamin D.
- Uses Rhodiola Rosea, an adaptogenic herb, to help keep norepinephrine at optimal levels in the prefrontal cortex, reduce cortisol, and improve mental performance under stress, noting it has somewhat similar but not as strong effects as a med.
- Dave Asprey reflects on how new research clarifies the mechanism behind IV vitamin C's anti-cancer effect, vindicating a decades-old idea that was dismissed for the wrong reasons.
- Recommends methylfolate as a better option than folic acid.
- Notes that plain Vitamin C isn't enough and that most people never think to check for a specific ingredient that makes it work.
- Dave Asprey recommends taking maybe a gram of vitamin C a day in divided doses, noting that plasma levels peak around 250 milligrams twice a day.
- Recommends Qualia Vitamin C Plus, highlighting its combination of seven forms of vitamin C with 250 mg of citrus bioflavonoids, which helps with absorption and use for building collagen and a strong immune system.
- Warns that taking too much vitamin C can raise oxalate levels, emphasizing that everything has risk and reward.
- States that Vitamin B12 is extremely important for every kind of brain function and recommends ensuring B12 levels are optimal, around 500, not just barely above normal.
- Dave Asprey discusses eleuthero as part of an adaptogen trio that works together for stress response and human performance.
- Mentions eleuthero (also known as ginseng) as an adaptogen in MTE that helps people respond to stress.
Dr. Mark Hyman · Rhodiola · recommends
- Lists rhodiola rosea as an herb that can help lower anxiety or depression symptoms.
- Lists 5-hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP, as a serotonin precursor that can help lower anxiety or depression symptoms.
- Notes that taking folate can lower homocysteine levels, which has shown health benefits and physical improvements in brain scans in clinical trials.
- Notes that some people may need a little bit extra folate with a supplement.
- Recommends vitamin C as a basic supplement during detoxification to help with inflammation and detoxification.
- Dr. Hyman mentions vitamin C as an advanced therapy for skin repair.
- Mentions topical vitamin C as an antioxidant that can help skin with aging.
- Mentions that what they do when a cold comes on is not just vitamin C.
- Recommends ensuring adequate vitamin C intake on a regular basis for immune support, stating it's important for healthy immune function despite mixed data on its effectiveness for colds.
- Mentions that vitamin C was the very first vitamin discovered, isolated, and synthesized in 1932, and its deficiency caused scurvy.
- Recommends nutrient-dense foods rich in vitamin C, such as guavas and parsley, to reduce inflammation.
- Used intravenous vitamin C cocktails to help him detoxify and recover from chronic fatigue.
- Optimized a child's nutrient status with folate, as the child had low folate levels and was not eating greens.
- Optimized a child's nutrient status with vitamin B6, as the child had low B6 levels.
Dr. Rhonda Patrick · Folate · recommends
- Recommends ensuring adequate methyl folate intake, ideally through a prenatal vitamin, for women preparing for IVF.
- Lutein and zeaxanthin can also be obtained from certain multivitamins.
- Recommends nutrients like vitamin C for men to prioritize sperm mitochondrial health.
- Dr. Rhonda Patrick's daughter chugs an Emergency fizzy drink in the morning to ensure she gets some vitamin C and micronutrients before school.
- Choosing a multivitamin that includes lutein and zeaxanthin ensures you get meaningful amounts every day.
- Notes that ~35% of Americans are low in vitamin C.
- Recommends increasing vitamin C intake if concerned about skin aging, noting it is an essential cofactor for collagen synthesis.
- Warns that Vitamin B12 enhances light's melatonin-suppressing effects and should be avoided too close to bedtime.
- Suggests avoiding a multivitamin if it contains biotin before a testosterone blood test to prevent confounding results.
- Multiple randomized controlled trials show older adults taking a standard multivitamin (like Centrum Silver) had measurable improvements in processing speed, cognition, and episodic memory.
- Notes that dark leafy greens are a great source of folate.
- Currently takes the Pure Encapsulations O.N.E Multivitamin.
- Rhonda's current supplement routine includes Vitamin C.
- Rhodiola rosea reliably boosts muscle endurance and reduces fatigue during intense exercise. Most benefits are seen around 150mg/day, with some studies testing doses as high as 800mg.
Andrew Huberman · Vitamin C · uses
- Takes a multivitamin every day for longevity.
- Recommends AG1, a vitamin, mineral, and probiotic drink, and notes that for a limited time, a subscription comes with additional supplements.
- States that a deficiency in vitamin B12 can be terrible and lead to chronic fatigue-like syndromes, as many parts of mitochondria require B vitamins.
- Takes an extra gram of vitamin C a day for its effects on immunity and potential synergy with collagen.
- Found the Met RX Big 100 Bar to be 'magic' on the trail because it's a hunk of calories with protein and fortified with vitamins and minerals, despite being something they would never eat in normal life.
- Started taking AG1 in 2012 and still takes it every single day to ensure he meets his quota for daily vitamins and minerals and to support gut health, which is critical for proper brain function, immune system, and neurotransmitter production.
- Mentions Iodine as an essential supplement.
- Notes that people are not eating iodized salt and that iodine supplementation can help with thyroid issues, which affect many people.
- States that B12, folate, and iron are essential to mitochondrial function and if deficient, mitochondria will not function properly, which is consistent with the mitochondrial theory of neuropsychiatric disorders.
- Explains how thyroid hormone levels are influenced by key nutrients, such as iodine, selenium, and L-tyrosine.
- States that iodine is absolutely key for the thyroid to produce thyroid hormone and recommends ensuring sufficient intake for healthy thyroid function.
- Has been taking AG1 daily since 2012 because it is the highest quality and most complete foundational nutritional supplement, ensuring he gets all necessary vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients for daily health.
- Has been drinking AG1 since 2012, finding it difficult to get enough vitamins, minerals, micronutrients, and adaptogens from diet alone. He finds that taking AG1 daily improves all aspects of his health, including physical and mental health, performance, recovery from exercise, and immune system strength, and also notices more mental clarity and energy.
- Recommends AG1 as the highest quality and most complete foundational nutritional supplement, containing vitamins, minerals, probiotics, prebiotics, and adaptogens to cover dietary gaps and support a demanding life.
Bryan Johnson · Rhodiola · uses
- Drinks his Blueprint longevity mix with additional morning supplements, including rhodiola.
- States that Blueprint Rhodiola can be used to stabilize mood.
- States that Blueprint essential capsules and soft gels are packed with key vitamins and minerals needed for strong bone health.
- Uses Vitamin C as an example of how it would be great if people knew that when they took it, it had a measurable amount and wasn't polluted, which is what Brian ensures with his products.
- Applies vitamin C after showering.
- Takes 250 milligrams of Vitamin C.
- Recommends Rhodiola Rosea during the luteal phase to help reduce stress, balance hormones, reduce PMS related fatigue, and combat water retention and bloating, and also for stress and mood management in perimenopausal and menopausal women.
- Suggests rhodiola as an optional supplement to support calmness and resilience during stress, and to support the body's healthy response to stress.
- During menopause, Bryan Johnson recommends adding rhodiola based on individual needs.
- Recommends Vitamin C for skin health, noting it's good to pair with collagen peptides and is included in the Blueprint stack.
- Bryan Johnson takes Vitamin C daily as part of his Longevity Mix, which is an antioxidant-rich essential vitamin that supports immune function and metabolic energy.
- He uses Vitamin C, typically in a serum, in the morning for skin health.
- Recommends supplementing with folate for brain health for both the mother and the baby during pregnancy.
Peter Attia · Vitamin C · stopped
- Recommends vitamin C as an important molecule for skin, noting its role as a precursor for collagen synthesis, a powerful antioxidant, and a regulator of complexion for even skin tone.
- Discusses the dangers of supplementing with high levels of iodine.
- Warns that high-dose iodine supplementation carries a risk of autoimmune thyroid disease, citing increased incidence in Japan due to higher dietary iodine intake.
- Tried a vitamin C serum mixed with ferulic acid but stopped using it because she hated the smell. She notes that topical application of vitamin C far exceeds the levels achievable by ingestion for skin benefits.
- Notes that deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals, such as B12, can be a cause of hair loss in women.
- States that vitamin C deficiency is associated with an elevated risk of cataract, but supplementation to supranormal levels has not been shown to protect against cataract formation.
- Mentions the elimination of scurvy through the work of James Lind and the eventual understanding that it was due to vitamin C, initially thought to be just citrus.
- Highlights folate supplementation as a significant practical progress in nutrition science, which has radically reduced spinabifida.
- Takes Jarrow methylfolate to keep homocysteine levels below nine, taking the lower of two available strengths once a day.
- Takes Jarrow methylfolate, a methylated version, once a day at the lower of two strengths, to keep homocysteine levels below nine.
- Mentions that in a mouse model for obesity, the amount of folate given to the mother mouse during pregnancy affects the epigenetics of her offspring, leading to changes in coat color and obesity.
- Mentions using iodine intraoperatively for infection prevention during penile prosthesis surgery.
- Personally takes methylfolate to help get homocysteine into the desired zone and prefers the Jarrow brand.
- Notes that while vitamin C deficiency is associated with an elevated risk of cataract, supplementation to supranormal levels has been conclusively shown not to protect against cataract formation.
RAL Summary
Members OnlyTier 2 for Mood
Human studies of Vitamin C show a clear improvement in 2 meta-analyses, the largest of 91,966 people (22 of 44 human studies showed an improvement), and 90% of 1148 reviews are positive. The final check notes: The rule's reasoning rests on vitamin C meta-analyses, including one of 91,966 people, that are not in the evidence given, and the only vitamin C pooled review given found no overall mood benefit; the tier is still supported by folate, Rhodiola and the reviews.
Take 3 servings a day (6 capsules) to match the dose that worked in the studies.
Where the evidence disagrees: 88 of the 274 human studies found no effect.
More Details
Members OnlyBody systems · Combine with · Possible side effects
Body systems: Nervous system, Endocrine system
Combine with: For mood and emotional balance, this product pairs well with ashwagandha or rhodiola for stress resilience, omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) for brain and mood support, vitamin D if levels are low, and B-complex vitamins (methylfolate, B6, B12) for neurotransmitter synthesis. Taking glycine or additional magnesium glycinate in the evening may support relaxation and sleep. For occasional heartburn, use a product built for it instead, such as calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide antacids or an alginate for fast relief, or DGL licorice, zinc-carnosine, or aloe vera for longer-term mucosal support. Consult a healthcare provider if heartburn is frequent or persistent.
Possible side effects: Studies found folate side effects similar to placebo and very high-dose tyrosine raised anger in stressed soldiers. One buyer taking a prescription stimulant reported irritability and anger.
Supplement Facts
Vitamin C 250 mg · Vitamin B6 5 mg · Folate 667 mcg DFE
| Vitamin C | 250 mg | |
| Vitamin B6 | 5 mg | |
| Folate | 667 mcg DFE | |
| Vitamin B12 | 550 mcg | |
| Pantothenic Acid | 130 mg | |
| Iodine | 68 mcg | |
| L-Tyrosine | 200 mg | † |
| 5-Hydroxytryptophan | 50 mg | † |
| Eleuthero extract (root) | 50 mg | † |
| Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)†† | 50 mg | † |
| Rhodiola extract (root) | 50 mg | † |
Other ingredients: Hypromellose (derived from cellulose) capsule, Leucine, Calcium Laurate, Magnesium Citrate, Silicon Dioxide.
Directions: Take 2 capsules two times daily or as recommended by your health-care practitioner.
Label source: Reverseagelab · Report a label change
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Graded November 6, 2026 by the Reverse Age Lab evidence engine, from human studies, real reviews and our biohacker panel. How we grade. Is this medical advice? No. Rala organizes the published evidence; go over any change with your doctor, especially if you take meds.
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