# Adults with depressive symptoms have lower odds of dietary supplement use

## TL;DR

People with depressive symptoms are less likely to use dietary supplements, especially if they aren't taking antidepressants.

## Contribution

The study reveals a novel association between depressive symptoms and reduced dietary supplement use, particularly among those not on antidepressants.

## Key findings

- Participants with depressive symptoms had lower odds of dietary supplement use compared to those without depressive symptoms.
- Those with depressive symptoms using antidepressants had higher odds of dietary supplement use than those not using antidepressants.
- CAM use was significantly lower in individuals with treated depressive symptoms compared to those without depressive symptoms.

## Abstract

In this study, we aim to evaluate dietary supplement and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in individuals with depressive symptoms. Furthermore, we conducted a comparative analysis of the usage of these agents among individuals with depressive symptoms, differentiating between those who were using antidepressants and those who were not. Additionally, we compared individuals with depressive symptoms who were not using antidepressants with participants who did not have depressive symptoms as well as individuals with depressive symptoms who were using antidepressants with individuals without depressive symptoms.

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2018 data was collected. Depressive symptoms were assessed using patient health questionnaire-9. Dietary supplement and antidepressants use was evaluated using Dietary Supplement Use and Prescription Medications Questionnaires.

31,445 participants, with 2870 (8.05%) having depressive symptoms were included. Participants with depressive symptoms had significantly lower odds of dietary supplement use compared with those without depressive symptoms (aOR = 0.827, 95% CI: 0.700,0.977, p = 0.026). Participants with depressive symptoms who were using antidepressants had significantly higher odds of dietary supplement (aOR = 1.290, 95% CI: 1.038,1.604, p = 0.022) compared with participants with depressive symptoms who were not using antidepressants. Furthermore, Participants with depressive symptoms who weren’t using antidepressants had significantly lower odds of dietary supplement use (aOR = 0.762, 95% CI: 0.632,0.918, p = 0.005) compared with participants without depressive symptoms. In individuals with treated depressive symptoms compared to those without depressive symptoms, CAM use was significantly lower (aOR = 0.763, 95% CI = 0.598,0.973, p = 0.030).

Individuals with depressive symptoms have lower odds of dietary supplement use. Further studies are needed to replicate these findings and examine the underlying mechanisms for this association.