A 2025 systematic review published in PubMed Central challenges conventional thinking about how supplements support depression treatment. Rather than functioning as pharmacological agents, nutraceuticals appear to work by addressing metabolic and nutritional gaps that antidepressants alone cannot close. The analysis reveals that while SSRIs and similar medications excel at modulating neurotransmitters, they often fail to correct underlying inflammation, micronutrient deficiency, and metabolic dysfunction that perpetuate depressive symptoms. This finding has significant implications for clinical practice. It suggests that optimal depression management requires a multi-pathway approach, where nutraceutical add-ons serve as metabolic correctives rather than drug substitutes. The variable efficacy observed across studies likely reflects differences in individual baseline micronutrient status and metabolic capacity. Clinicians can use these insights to better counsel patients on realistic expectations and personalize treatment protocols. Read the full article on GMJ Newsroom.
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