I haven't posted here in a long time, but some might recall that I have an adopted child with bipolar disorder and have come here for advice now and again.

I just read this interesting book called Food and Mood.
If you have depression, you might want to seriously think about getting this book! The author, Elizabeth Somer MA., R.D. talks about how certain chemicals in food can influence our brain chemistry.

She also talks a lot about supplements. She is a big believer in the importance of the B Vitamins, especially B6, B12 and Folic Acid. I have been screaming from the rooftops about how I was considering going on an antidepressant, but taking B vitamins (a special thank you to two people from BT), exercise and eating properly has helped me a lot with reference to mild depression.

"Thinking out loud here..."
I can't help but wonder if taking Omega three and the B vitamins might make a nice dent for some people with reference to depression. Adding in exercise...another plus.

I know the meds for bipolar and depression often have difficult side effects. It seems if you can do things naturally to help, you might be able to take less medication. Less medication usually equals less side effects and less cost...
hopefully making life more enjoyable.

Hi vowel lady.
how is life treating you these days?
how is your child doing?
Recently I discovered that they are using increased doses of folic acid for elderly patients to improve memory and possible help prevent alzheimers...so I am taking 1600mg total a day, including my multivitamin amounts.
Thanks for sharing this and am glad that this has helped you.
what doses of the b vits are you taking?
bizi

I take a B50 tablet, 5000 mcg of B12, a multi vitamin/mineral tablet and a cal/mag tablet. The 5000 mcg of B12 is a lot. I suspect most folks over 40 need 1000 mcgs, but my doctor took a blood test and I have a mild deficiency and he suspects absorption issues...so I take a very large dosage.

I am doing very well, thank you. I was suffering from a lot of stress, fatigue , etc. but since taking these vitamins, eating better and getting in exercise I feel better!!!! I'm am working part time and am doing many exciting things!!!! I have my own health issues and things are not perfect, but this routine has really helped and I'm very grateful!!!!

Our daughter is more or less okay. She certainly does try...is med compliant and sees her therapist. She has her own apartment now.

BTW...The B50 tablet is sort of like a multi B tablet. B6 is suppose to be very helpful for depression (although there is a limit to how much you can take of this). There doesn't seem to be a limit of B12...which also has some depression benefits.