Micronutrient Therapy

The microbiome consists of microbes that are both helpful and potentially harmful. Most are symbiotic (where both the human body and microbiota benefit) and some, in smaller numbers, are pathogenic (promoting disease). In a healthy body, pathogenic and symbiotic microbiota coexist without problems. But if there is a disturbance in that balance—brought on by infectious illnesses, certain diets, or the prolonged use of antibiotics or other bacteria-destroying medications—dysbiosis occurs, stopping these normal interactions. As a result, the body may become more susceptible to disease. This article provides information about the microbiome and its affect on mental health.

In a pilot study aimed at investigating the effectiveness of targeted nutrient therapy, the clinical progress of 567 patients with a range
of mental illnesses receiving established medical treatment in conjunction with a targeted nutrient program were assessed by clinical outcome after 12 months.

In a previous clinical study, a probiotic formulation (PF) consisting of Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 and Bifidobacterium longum R0175 (PF) decreased stress-induced gastrointestinal discomfort. Emerging evidence of a role for gut microbiota on central nervous system functions therefore suggests that oral intake of probiotics may have beneficial consequences on mood and psychological distress. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anxiolytic-like activity of PF in rats, and its possible effects on anxiety, depression, stress and coping strategies in healthy human volunteers.

Dr. Robert McMullen discusses the impact of a variety of well-known supplements and nutraceuticals and their impact on patients with depression.

In a 2016 article in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, researchers found that micronutrient therapy significantly improved parent-reported aggressive and violent behaviors. Further research is needed for additional verification but micronutrient therapy could help prevent the significant adverse events that can occur with pharmacotherapy.

A recent research report suggests that children ages 3-8 on the autism spectrum may benefit from zinc supplementation. In this 2019 study, 30 patients were treated with zinc supplementation and evaluated. The data suggests an increase in cognitive-motor performance and an increase3d serum metallothionein concentration as well as a significant lowering of circulating serum levels of copper.

Is depression really only about the psychological symptoms you feel? In a study completed in May 2014, researchers found that five major depression biotypes represented roughly 95% of the 2,800 patients that were part of the research study. Those biotypes included:

• Undermethylation 38% of patients reporting depression, anxiety, OCD tendencies, perfectionism, and a positive response to SSRI antidepressants. Undermethylation of chromatin has also been associated with excessive gene expression of SERT and increased serotonin reuptake.
• Folate deficiency represented 20% of patients reporting high anxiety, sleep problems, food and chemical sensitivities, intolerance to SSRIs, and benefits from folate therapy or benzodiazapines.
• 17% of depression patients exhibited elevated serum copper. Most (95%) of this group were females and had a high incidence of post-partum depression, estrogen intolerance, tinnitus, and skin sensitivity.
• 15% of patients exhibited pyrrole disorder and reported extreme mood swings, fears, anger explosions, poor short-term memory, partial improvements from SSRIs, and benefits from zinc and B-6.
• The smallest group 5% involved overloads of lead, mercury, or other toxic metals.

This study emphasizes and supports the importance of advanced nutrient therapy, functional medicine, and more.

A review of the Boston Area Community Health (BACH) survey reported higher odds of depression symptoms in women (but not in men) for those with low zinc intakes. It’s believed that zinc could (and we believe does) play a role for some individuals in preventing or alleviating depression symptoms. Two additional studies have been completed that show some therapeutic response to zinc in the treatment of depression for some adults – specifically in the first 12 weeks of treatment.

Beyond the treatment of depression, the Linus Pauling Institute’s Micronutrient Information Center has provided a great deal of research regarding the importance of Zinc as an essential mineral needed by the body for a number of functions.