Mental health – dietary supplements containing nutrients for the nervous system and mental well-being
Mental health is an essential prerequisite for well-being, performance and resilience in everyday life. It influences how well we can concentrate, how we deal with stress and how balanced we feel. In this category you will find carefully selected food supplements whose ingredients can help to support normal mental function, the normal function of the nervous system and energy metabolism - based on scientifically researched nutrients and traditional plant use.
What is mental health?
Mental health describes the state of mental and emotional balance. It includes cognitive abilities such as concentration and attention as well as emotional stability and stress resistance. Mental health refers to emotional, psychological and social well-being. It influences how we think, feel and act.
A balanced supply of nutrients can make an important contribution to supporting these functions in everyday life.
Mental health refers to the interplay between mental performance, emotional balance and the normal functioning of the nervous system.
Why are micronutrients important for mental health?
The brain and nervous system need a variety of vitamins, minerals and other vital substances every day in order to function optimally. Stress, an unbalanced diet or special phases of life can increase the need. Important nutrients & plant substances for mental balance are ...
Vitamins & minerals (selection)
Certain micronutrients perform key tasks in the nervous system and energy metabolism:
- B vitamins: B6, B12 and folic acid contribute to normal mental function, normal nervous system function and normal energy metabolism. Vitamin B5 contributes to normal mental performance.
- Magnesium: Supports the normal function of the nervous system and normal mental function and contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
- Zinc: Contributes to normal cognitive function and is involved in numerous metabolic processes.
Omega 3 fatty acids
- DHA (docosahexaenoic acid): Contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function. The positive effect is achieved with a daily intake of at least 250 mg DHA.
Omega 3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that are taken in via the diet or specifically via food supplements.
Amino acids (selection)
- L-Tryptophan: Essential amino acid and natural component of dietary proteins.
- 5-HTP: is a precursor of serotonin and is often used as part of a balanced diet.
- L-Theanine: A naturally occurring amino acid in green tea, traditionally used during periods of increased mental stress*.
Plant extracts (selection)
- Rose root (Rhodiola rosea): Traditionally used to support mental performance in stressful situations*.
- Ginkgo biloba: Plant extract with a long tradition of use, particularly in connection with cognitive functions.*
- Ashwagandha: traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to support stress resistance.*
*The information is based on traditional use (on-hold claims according to EU regulation). The health claims for plants and plant substances have not yet been conclusively evaluated. However, due to the good study situation, the described efficacy can be sufficiently proven.
Nutrients for mental health: when are dietary supplements useful?
In combination with a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, a dietary supplement with micronutrients can be useful in phases with increased nutrient requirements - e.g. in stressful everyday life. Food supplements offer a way of supporting the body's supply of important nutrients in mentally demanding phases of life.
Typical areas of application are
- Supporting normal mental function
- Contributing to the normal functioning of the nervous system
- Supporting cognitive performance (e.g. concentration, attention)
- Reduction of tiredness and fatigue
- Supplementing the diet in cases of stress, high mental strain or unbalanced nutrient intake
Who can benefit from micronutrient supplements for mental health?
- Professionals and students: in the event of increased mental strain and stress
- Senior citizens: to support cognitive functions
- Athletes: for increased nutrient requirements due to physical activity
- People in special phases of life: e.g. pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause
- People with an unbalanced diet: for targeted nutrient supplementation
What product forms are available?
The choice of product form depends on personal preferences, dosage requirements and everyday life. Food supplements are available in various dosage forms. The most common are
- Capsules: easy to take and precise dosage
- Powder: flexible dosage, easy to combine
- Oils (e.g. omega 3): high bioavailability
Depending on your individual requirements, you should also consider combination products. They are often useful as nutrients can complement each other synergistically (e.g. B vitamins + magnesium).
How to find the right product
When buying nutritional supplements to support the supply of nutrients in mentally demanding phases of life, the following criteria are decisive:
- Analyse your needs: Which nutrients are you lacking, possibly due to lifestyle, diet or mental stress? If in doubt, a blood test by a doctor can provide clarity.
- Pay attention to quality: Pay attention to high-quality raw materials, bioavailability and purity. Unnecessary additives should be avoided.
- Sensible dosage: based on reference values and scientific recommendations. The recommended daily dose should correspond to the EU reference values.
- Transparent declaration: Is complete information on ingredients and quantities available? Are prescribed warnings openly communicated? Are there clear intake recommendations?
Expert advice: VitaminExpress customer service
Do you have general or specific questions about the properties or correct use of our products? The expert VitaminExpress customer service team will be happy to advise you - and is just a mouse click away: contact us via contact form, telephone or WhatsApp!
FAQ
What are ‘mental health supplements’?
They provide nutrients that can contribute to normal mental function such as magnesium, normal nervous system function such as vitamin B6, normal mental performance such as vitamin B5 or normal cognitive function such as zinc.
Can dietary supplements reduce stress?
Certain nutrients such as magnesium, B vitamins and L-theanine can contribute to normal mental function as part of a balanced diet. However, dietary supplements containing these ingredients are not a substitute for stress management strategies in the event of stress or stress-related health problems. Always seek medical advice if you have health problems.
Are these products medicines?
No. They are food supplements to supplement your individual diet.
Are interactions with medication possible?
Yes, certain nutrients can influence the effect of medication. For example, magnesium can impair the absorption of certain antibiotics and high doses of omega-3 can affect blood clotting. If you are being treated with medication, consult your doctor before taking a dietary supplement.
Are herbal supplements such as ashwagandha or rhodiola safe?
Food supplements are considered foodstuffs and are subject to strict safety requirements. If you suffer from known allergies to one or more of the ingredients in a product or are taking medication, consult your doctor before taking them.
How long should I take food supplements?
The duration of intake depends on individual requirements. Always follow the recommended intake and seek medical advice if in doubt.
Each of us experiences phases in which we feel unhappy or sad. However, if you are strangely depressed for over a longer period of time, this can be an indication of a depression.
In the case of depression, the metabolism in the brain is disturbed. Serotonin and noradrenaline are not produced in the right amount and the soul is out of balance.