Zinc & St John’s wort
Zinc is an important nutrient that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also plays an important role in brain function and helps regulate neurotransmitter pathways. Studies have linked [4] zinc deficiency to depression.
A review of 17 studies [5] found that blood zinc levels in depressed people were around 0.12 microgram per milliliter lower than in people without depression. Another review [6] found that using zinc along with antidepressants significantly improved symptoms of depression.
St John’s wort is an herb with yellow flowers and dotted leaves. Studies have shown that it may be effective in treating mild to moderate [7] depression but not severe depression [8].
You should use St John’s wort with caution. It can interact with several medications [9], such as chemotherapy, blood-thinners, HIV/AIDS medication, birth control pills, and drugs used to prevent organ rejection following a transplant. It can also interact with antidepressants and trigger potentially fatal side effects [10].