Supplements for Mental Health and Depression: What the Evidence Says
St. John's wort and saffron have evidence in mild to moderate depression but carry risks; omega-3s may help as an add-on. Supplements don't replace care.
By the editorial team · Updated Oct 14, 2026 · 3 sources cited
Among supplements for mental health, St. John's wort and saffron have the most evidence for mild to moderate depression, and EPA-rich omega-3s may help as an add-on to treatment. St. John's wort interacts dangerously with many medicines. Supplements don't replace therapy or antidepressants, and anyone with thoughts of self-harm should get help right away.
Evidence-ranked options
| Supplement | Evidence | Typical dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. John's wort | B | As studied, with a doctor's advice | Mild to moderate depression; many serious interactions. |
| Saffron | C | 30 mg a day in studies | Small trials in mild to moderate depression. |
| Omega-3 (EPA-rich) | C | 1–2 g EPA a day as add-on | Mixed results. |
| Vitamin D (if low) | C | 600–2,000 IU | Fixing deficiency is reasonable; antidepressant effect unclear. |
A: strong · B: moderate · C: limited or mixed · D: good evidence of no benefit. See the evidence database.
Effective care
Talk therapy, medication, exercise, sleep and social support all have strong evidence. For anxiety specifically, see supplements for anxiety. Check interactions in our drug interaction lookup.
Ingredient guides
Frequently asked questions
Can I take St. John's wort with antidepressants?
No. The combination can cause serotonin syndrome. It also weakens birth control, blood thinners and many other medicines.
Where can I get help right now?
In the US, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). Elsewhere, contact local emergency services.
Sources
Educational content, not medical advice. Read our medical disclaimer.