Research indicates that many people who suffer from depression could benefit from treatment with vitamins. One study of 101 depressed patients showed that 21% had vitamin B6 deficiency (pyridoxine deficiency). Treatment with B6 delivered intravenously noticeably reduced the symptoms of depression in the patients. It is still not not clear whether vitamin B6 deficiency is one of the causes of depression, or one of the symptoms, but it does appear that taking vitamin supplements helps combat depression.

Another cause of could be Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which facilitates the manufacture of serotonin. In a study, one group of depressed people were given Vitamin C while another wasn't. In the first group, not only did the paranoid, manic symptoms improve, but there was also an overall improvement in mood. In addition to vitamin B6 and C, folate and Vitamin B12 could also be used in the treatment and prevention of depression. B12 in particular has shown to relieve post-partum depression in studies on new mothers.

As well as vitamins, minerals like magnesium are essential for so many bodily functions. Magnesium deficiency causes poor attention, restlessness, and , amongst other things. Many depressed patients (almost three-quarters) tested for low levels of magnesium in various studies. As in the case of the B vitamins and ascorbic acid, the symptoms of depression was alleviated when given magnesium.

It is still unclear how directly taking supplements of these vitamins and minerals affects the symptoms of depression. What is clear though is that a daily supplement or multivitamin can help maintain optimum health and prevent a number of diseases, including depression.