Vitamins and supplements for anxiety?

[Kuma]

A few things are worth keeping in mind, for anyone who is considering taking any vitamins or supplements.

First, at least in the United States, the regulation of vitamins and supplements is very limited. So you need to understand that what the label says (including about ingredients and quantities) may or may not be entirely accurate.

Second, there are risks as well as potential benefits associated with taking certain vitamins and supplements. For example, there have been some studies aimed at showing that a certain supplement reduces the risk of a certain cancer, and the result of the study have shown the opposite -- an increase risk of that cancer among the group who took the supplement.

Third, there are some drug interactions with certain supplements. So it is prudent to check with your doctor before taking any supplements, if you are also taking any medications.

Fourth, there is A TON of bad advice on the internet concerning supplements, herbal substances and the like. So take whatever you read on the internet, including on this forum, with a health dose of skepticism. The same is true of books. There are all sorts of books recommending some vitamin or the other as the magic solution to your problems. Just because it is in a book does not mean it is true.

Fifth, most people who eat a balanced diet and do not have any diagnosed vitamin deficiency probably do not need any supplements at all.

With all of this, I am not saying don't take any supplements. (I am not a doctor, so I am not qualified to tell you what to take or not to take). But I am saying check with your doctor before you take any of this stuff -- to see whether it is necessary, whether it is likely to be helpful, or harmful, etc.