Featured article | September 2024
Towards a Multi-Micronutrient Anti-Suicide Strategy
Jonathan E. Prousky, ND, MSc, MA, RP
Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine, Volume 39, Number 3, 2024
Discussed in the article:
- The relationship between cholesterol, lipids, and suicide risk, with low cholesterol levels linked to mood instability and impulsivity.
- Studies indicating a connection between low omega-3 fatty acids (DHA) and increased suicide risk, particularly in major depressive disorder, and potential benefits of DHA supplementation.
- The kynurenine pathway’s role in serotonin production and its association with suicidality, with potential treatments like niacinamide and zinc picolinate to modulate harmful kynurenine metabolites.
- The link between vitamin D deficiency, low-dose lithium, and suicide risk, highlighting supplementation as a potential preventive strategy.
- The importance of orthomolecular and dietary interventions, such as omega-3s, vitamin D, and lithium, to improve mood stabilization and reduce suicide risk in clinical settings.
“A lower cholesterol was associated with 112% increased risk of suicidality, a 123% increased risk of suicide attempt, and an 85% increased risk of suicide completion.”
“It appears that niacinamide can alter tryptophan metabolism…which might also moderate depressive symptoms by increasing the production of serotonin.”
“Lithium, even in small amounts, does have effects that moderate suicide and mood.”
