
Vitamin K2 and omega-3s relieve symptoms of depression
Vitamin K2 in PCOS
Women of reproductive age may develop cysts on the ovaries, a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), often with symptoms of depression. In this study, 84 women with PCOS and mild to moderate depression, aged 18 to 40, took a placebo or 90 mcg of vitamin K2 per day. Before and after the trial, doctors used the BECK depression inventory to gauge progress.
After eight weeks, depression scores for those taking vitamin K2 had declined from an average of 16.9 to 14.98 while the placebo group increased from 13.8 to 14.0—all scores were in the range for moderate depression.
Doctors explained vitamin K appears to reduce depression by regulating a protein complex in the body that responds to stress—nuclear factor kappa-light chain, or NF-kB—reducing inflammatory cytokines that have a link to depression.
Reference: BMC Women’s Health; 2022, PMC9316322
Omega-3s reduced episodes of depression
Earlier studies have found those with low levels of omega-3s are more likely to have depressive symptoms. Doctors in this study measured omega-3s in the diets of 13,879 adults, aged 39 to 65, and compared to chances for depression.
Overall, for all polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), those with the highest levels were 2 percent less likely to experience depressive episodes compared to those with the lowest levels. Benefits were greater for individual omega-3s, including 9 percent fewer episodes for all omega-3s, 11 percent fewer for DHA, 29 percent fewer for alpha-linolenic acid, 31 percent for EPA, and 34 percent fewer for DPA.
Reference: Nutrients; 2022, Vol. 14, No. 15, 3227
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