Protective role of antioxidant supplementation for depression and anxiety: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

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#humans #antioxidants #depression #randomized-controlled-trials-as-topic #anxiety

Protective role of antioxidant supplementation for depression and anxiety: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Wang et al., 2023 | J Affect Disord | Meta Analysis

Citation

Wang Huan, Jin Mengdi, ... Yu Qiong. Protective role of antioxidant supplementation for depression and anxiety: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. J Affect Disord. 2023-Feb-15;323:264-279. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2022.11.072

Abstract

BACKGROUND: New research supports an integrated approach to treating depression, and lifestyle modifications should be a regular component of both preventative and treatment programs. Therefore, in order to investigate the relationship between various antioxidant supplements and depressive status, we carried out a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT). METHODS: We thoroughly searched PubMed, Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to screen publications focusing on the effects of antioxidant supplements on depression status. The meta-analysis mainly compared depression scores between groups that received antioxidant supplements and controls. We also pooled studies reporting changes in anxiety status as a secondary outcome. RESULTS: 52 studies with 4049 participants were eventually identified. The meta-analysis found that the positive effect of antioxidant supplementation, such as magnesium (SMD = 0.16, p = 0.03), zinc (SMD = 0.59, p = 0.01), selenium (SMD = 0.33, p = 0.009), CoQ10 (SMD = 0.97, p = 0.05), tea and coffee (SMD = 1.15, p = 0.001) and crocin (MD = 6.04, p < 0.00001), on depressive status were all significant. And antioxidant supplementation also showed significant improvement in anxiety (SMD = 0.40, p < 0.00001). Subgroup analysis by scale types and countries were performed, and antioxidant supplementation's positive effects on depressive and anxiety states remained significant. LIMITATIONS: This study did not limit the characteristics of the included population, and the diversity of scales also contributed to the heterogeneity. CONCLUSION: Intake of antioxidant supplements is associated with improved depression and anxiety states, further affirms the therapeutic potential of antioxidant supplements as adjunctive therapy to conventional antidepressants.

Key Findings

52 studies with 4049 participants were eventually identified. The meta-analysis found that the positive effect of antioxidant supplementation, such as magnesium (SMD = 0.16, p = 0.03), zinc (SMD = 0.59, p = 0.01), selenium (SMD = 0.33, p = 0.009), CoQ10 (SMD = 0.97, p = 0.05), tea and coffee (SMD = 1.15, p = 0.001) and crocin (MD = 6.04, p < 0.00001), on depressive status were all significant. And antioxidant supplementation also showed significant improvement in anxiety (SMD = 0.40, p < 0.00001

Outcomes Measured

  • anxiety
  • depression

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 4049
Age Range See abstract
Condition anxiety

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Antioxidants
  • Depression
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Anxiety
  • Dietary Supplements

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Meta-Analysis, Journal Article, Review, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: selenium

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09