KEY POINTS

A new analysis used data from 209 clinical trials examining 64 OTC products to see if they helped with depression.

Omega-3s, St John’s Wort, probiotics, vitamin D, and saffron have been studied a lot for treating depression.

Among the most promising were folic acid, lavender, zinc, tryptophan, and rhodiola, but based on limited studies.

Depression is a much-discussed topic and the incidence has increased in much of the world over time, with symptoms that range from depressed mood and lack of pleasure to appetite loss, sleep disturbance and fatigue.

Besides prescription medications, there are now dozens of over-the-counter (OTC) natural remedies and supplements taken in the belief they can relieve symptoms of depression.

Do they work?

That’s the question an international t

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