Using nutraceuticals in the management of major depressive disorder (MDD). Approach to be considered for sustainable healthcare systems
| Published date | 03 January 2017 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/WJSTSD-01-2016-0007 |
| Pages | 50-59 |
| Date | 03 January 2017 |
| Author | Nahlaa Khalifa,Elham Abbas Aljaaly |
| Subject Matter | Public policy & environmental management,Environmental technology & innovation |
Using nutraceuticals in the
management of major depressive
disorder (MDD)
Approach to be considered for sustainable
healthcare systems
Nahlaa Khalifa
Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences,
King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and
Elham Abbas Aljaaly
Department of Clinical Nutrition, Medical Applied College,
King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to study evidence-based records on the impact of some effective
nutraceuticals on major depression disorder management; and describe the antidepressant properties of
nutraceuticals to achieve health policy targets and maintain a sustainable healthcare system.
Design/methodology/approach –The literaturewas searched using MEDLINE (PubMed),Google Scholar,
PsycINFO and Quertiledatabases and retrieving relevant published articles in peer-reviewed journals.
Findings –The results provided evidence of a range of nutraceuticals with potential benefits in the
management of depression. Studies support the anti-depressant properties of S-adenosyl methionine, folnic
acid, 5-hydroxytryptophan and omega-3 fatty acids. The results might represent evidence for an innovative
adjunctive neurobiological line for the management and treatment of depression.
Practical implications –Randomized-controlled trials and evaluations continue to provide evidence for the
use of nutraceuticals in the treatment of depression.
Social implications –Nutraceuticals emphasize the personalized medicine, which offers a psychophysical
balance to the individual.
Originality/value –Nutraceuticals have specific antidepressant properties that may be beneficial in
psychiatric populations and reduce pharmacotherapeutic side effects.
Keywords 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM),
Major depressive disorder, Nutraceuticals, Omega-3., S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe)
Paper type General review
An overview of the problem
European public health is facing considerable challenges because of different social,
political, environmental and lifestyle factors. Depression represents a major challenge for
public health, affecting economic activity, social life, learning and the value of life beyond
those of most physical diseases, and in particular, reported cases can lead to suicide
attempts or suicide. According to the first report from the European Outcome of Depression
International Network (ODIN) study carried out by Ayuso-Mateos et al. (2001), depressive
disorder is a highly prevalent condition in Europe as it is reported to be 8.5 percent, for
female and male the Sentence will be depressive disorder is a highly prevalent condition in
Europe as it is reported to be 8.5 percent for female and male with great occurrence (urban
UK and urban Ireland), little occurrence (urban Spain) and average occurrence (the
remaining places). According to a study carried out by Curran et al. (2007) on mental health
and employment, depression was found to be the main reason for absence from work and
premature retirement in many European countries In addition, Sobocki et al. (2006) reported
that depression is considered the most cost effective brain disorder in the region to manage,
World Journal of Science,
Technology and Sustainable
Development
Vol. 14 No. 1, 2017
pp. 50-59
© Emerald PublishingLimited
2042-5945
DOI 10.1108/WJSTSD-01-2016-0007
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/2042-5945.htm
50
WJSTSD
14,1
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