Today, the study of micronutrients and mental health issues is formally known as orthomolecular psychiatry. The Society for Orthomolecular Health Medicine has more than 200 American members who are dedicated to unlocking the secrets of nutrition’s role in mental health.
Processed Foods Are Partly to Blame
Part of the blame for poor nutrition can be linked to the way food is manufactured. Highly processed foods and artificial stimulation of produce growth has produced nutritional deficiencies in some key elements. Studies have shown that the mineral content in produce grown has dropped dramatically. Studies have found a link between reduced amounts of the right minerals having an effect on general mental health, with the most vulnerable members of the community at highest risk of experiencing serious issues.
One study in particular displayed the link. When prison inmates were given vitamin and mineral supplements, the number of infractions and fights dropped dramatically.
Is Mega-Dosing the Answer?
Although controversial, there are studies that show higher-than-normal doses of some common nutrients offer substantial mental health benefits. Here are three candidates:
1) Folic acid: This B vitamin helps regulate moods and aids in nervous system development. Some studies have shown that some patients taking Prozac for depression actually did better when receiving 500 micrograms of folic acid each day.