“Should I take a supplement or a prescribed medication?”
As you might have guessed, there is no straight answer to this question. There are some instances when either a supplement, prescribed medication, or both are needed for your general health. The American Psychiatric Association has recently increased its focus on lifestyle psychiatry, which encompasses nutrition, exercise, and a more holistic approach to mental health, as evidenced by the theme of its 2025 conference.
Advances in science and research have shown that what we eat affects not only our physical health but also our mental health. Nutritional deficiencies can significantly impact mental health, potentially contributing to or worsening conditions like depression and anxiety. Specific nutrients like vitamin D, B vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids play crucial roles in brain function and mood regulation, and deficiencies can disrupt these processes. [1, 2, 3]
Here are some facts:
- Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals like vitamins C, D, the B group, Magnesium, zinc, Iron, and lithium, to mention a few, have been linked to mental health problems like depression, ADHD, chronic fatigue, and aggression. Nutritional deficiencies are common; for example, 41.6% of US adults are vitamin D deficient, according to a study published in ScienceDirect. Another study showed that 50% of children aged 1-5 and 70% of children aged 6-11 have low vitamin D stores. [4,5]
- Omega-3 fatty acids and cholesterol deficiencies have been linked with inflammatory conditions, irritability, suicidality, and depression. Omega-3 fatty acids have also been shown to improve brain and heart function.
- Hormonal changes, such as thyroid sex hormones in both males and females, have been linked to depression, anxiety, concentration, and memory problems, “brain fog.”
- Certain food additives and dyes have been linked with increased behavioral problems in children.
- High-sugar and ultra-processed food diets are detrimental to general health when consumed regularly. They lead to higher levels of inflammation in the body, causing problems like depression, anxiety, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and related complications like strokes and heart attacks.
The answer is not for you to go out and get a bunch of vitamins. The recommendation by most experts and leaders in the medical space is to:
- Get on a balanced diet containing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Consider taking a high-quality daily multivitamin under the guidance of your physician.
- Visit with your primary care or other provider who is knowledgeable in nutritional health to get tested for nutritional deficiencies.
- Visit your mental health provider to determine the level of severity of your symptoms and whether medications, supplements, or both are needed. You will need to find a mental health provider who is knowledgeable in this area, as most are not.
- Nutritional and genetic testing are crucial in helping to determine your deficiencies and how to correct them. This testing is essential because it eliminates guesswork and enables us to create a personalized plan of care tailored to your individual biological needs. Taking the right supplements can also help reduce the need for high doses of prescribed medications, thereby avoiding unwanted effects.
- Do not start a supplement without checking first with a licensed medical professional who knows your history and is knowledgeable on the latest scientific findings on nutritional health.
At the heart of comprehensive mental health care is collaboration, and expertise matters. While psychiatrists play a vital role in diagnosing, prescribing, and guiding biological and nutritional interventions, partnering with a doctoral-level psychologist adds immense value to your care. Psychologists with advanced training provide research-backed therapy that can uncover the underlying patterns, stressors, and thought processes affecting your mental health. Together, this partnership ensures you receive the best of both worlds: medical precision and psychological depth.
When your providers work together, combining psychiatric insight with doctoral-level psychological expertise, your treatment becomes more integrated, efficient, and personalized. This kind of collaboration is what leads to lasting change, not just symptom relief.
Expertise matters. Choose a team that offers both.
Schedule an appointment with me today to get started on your journey.
Dr. Ori Ogebe-Sheriff, MD.
Founder/CEO
Sozo Healthy Minds PLLC
Phone: (281) 789-8055
Fax: 281-393-4208
contact@sozohealthyminds.com
www.sozohealthyminds.com
References
- htps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2738337/
- htps://connect.extension.org/blog/nutrient-deficiencies-and-the-mind-the-mental-health-consequences-of-malnutrition
- htps://share.upmc.com/2021/06/nutritional-deficiencies-linked-to-depression/
- Prevalence and correlates of vitamin D deficiency in US adults
By Kimberly Y.Z. Forrest, Wendy L. Stuhldreher.
Department of Public Health & Social Work, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock, PA 16057. - 42% Of Americans Are Deficient In Vitamin D. Are You At Risk? If So, What Can You Do About It? Updated on November 29, 2022, Medically reviewed by Dr. Aoife Kirk MBBchBAO MPH, Written by Chloe Garnham.
- htps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/17290-omega-3-faty-acids
