Daily vitamin supplements could reduce irritability in teenagers, researchers suggest.
While moodiness and a temper are considered to be a normal part of adolescence, teenagers are also vulnerable to depression and anxiety.
Studies show that roughly one in five of those aged 8 to 25 have a probable mental disorder, possibly triggered by hormones, academic stress or social pressures.
Youth mental health has declined only in recent decades – reaching a ‘dangerous phase’, according to a commission at The Lancet journal.
Yet treatments for teens with mood issues – including psychotherapy and medication – can be either inaccessible or poorly tolerated. Scientists at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand, now suggest there could be a far simpler solution: vitamins.
Researchers gathered 132 youngsters aged 12 to 17 with moderate to severe irritability who were not taking medication.
They were split into two groups and, for eight weeks, were given either four daily pills including vitamins A, B, C, D, K and E, or placebo pills.
They were monitored monthly by a clinical psychologist.
Scientists at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand, now suggest there could be a far simpler solution to teenage mental health: vitamins (stock)
Those taking vitamins were found to have had a significant improvement in mood (stock)
Those taking vitamins were found to have had a significant improvement in mood – outperforming the placebo in measures including irritability and emotional reactivity.
The strongest effect was seen in teenagers with disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, which can cause severe, chronic irritability and frequent, intense outbursts.
Sixty-four per cent of this group were found to have improved symptoms compared with just 12 per cent on the placebo.
And the parents of those taking vitamins rated their child’s behaviour much more highly than parents of those on the placebo.
‘The trial provides robust evidence that a simple nutritional approach can meaningfully improve symptoms, including emotional reactivity, conduct difficulties and even suicidal ideation,’ said lead study author Dr Julia J Rucklidge.
