If you’re looking for all natural depression medication options, you may be wondering if vitamins for depression can be as effective as prescription medications. Actually, research has shown that for some people, nutritional supplements may be very effective at addressing the most common symptoms of depression. In fact, there are many natural health care providers that rely on this approach.

Admittedly, a natural approach to depression and anxiety treatment is not the “mainstream” strategy in the U.S., although acceptance of this approach is growing. This is not the case for many countries in Europe, where herbs, vitamins and other nutrients are often recommended to help ease the symptoms of depression.

If you’ve tried the common prescription medications and have not been completely happy with the results, know that there are vitamins and nutrients that research has proven are just as effective as prescription drugs. Plus there are almost never any unpleasant side effects.It is now known that nutritional deficiencies are often the cause of both physical as well as mental and emotional symptoms. This is why diet adjustments along with vitamins and nutrients can often provide depression symptom relief.

Some of the most effective supplements for depression include:

* SAMe – S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is a naturally occurring molecule that is found throughout body tissues and fluids. Concentrations are highest in childhood, and they sometimes diminish with age. SAMe contributes to many important bodily processes. Neuro-imaging studies have shown that SAMe affects the brain similarly to conventional antidepressants.

* Omega-3 fatty acids-a type of fat that is lacking in many people’s diets, because dietary sources are limited. Oily fish are the primary sources. Some researchers feel that a lack of omega-3s is the underlying cause of the increased incidence of depressive disorders seen in industrialized societies. Low blood levels of an omega-3 called DHA are associated with major depressive disorders, including suicide.

* 5 HTP-an amino acid complex found in a variety of foods. The body uses it to create serotonin, a feel good brain chemical. Effective for sleep disorders, anxiety and depression.

* It has been known for decades that B vitamins play a large role in nervous system and brain function. Deficiencies occur sometimes for various reasons such as in alcoholism and poor diet. B vitamins cannot be stored in our bodies, so we depend entirely on our daily diet to supply them.

It’s important to keep in mind that there is some variability in the quality of depression supplements. For best results, look for a manufacturer who provides information on their methods of production. Some nutrients like SAMe must used and packaged properly for the active ingredient to remain effective.

The companies which produce the highest quality supplements will often use an enteric coating. This protects the fragile nutrients from being destroyed by stomach acids, and ensures that they are released in the small intestine where they will be better absorbed.

With natural depression treatment, nutritional intake is important. After making healthy diet changes, vitamins for depression can help to provide additional “insurance” to make up for any gaps in dietary nutrients.

Come by Max Wardlow’s website about antioxidant supplements to learn more about depression vitamins.