Panic Disorder and Nutrition Supplements: Vitamins, Minerals, and Non-Nutrient Supplements

One of the great medical discoveries of the last century involved the identification of the nutritional substances necessary for life. Along with the “macronutrients” (fat, carbohydrate, and protein), these “micronutrients” make up the essential ingredients of a healthful diet.

Vitamins and minerals have been available as supplements since at least the 1930s. There are two main ways to use vitamins and mineral supplements: "megadose" and nutritional therapy.

Sometimes, disorders or health challenges can be the result of a nutritional deficiency. Oftentimes, taking a multivitamin or multimineral can help supplement the diet and restore levels of assorted vitamins and minerals in the body.

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A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 80 healthy male volunteers found that 28 days of treatment with a multivitamin and mineral supplement (containing calcium, magnesium, and zinc) significantly reduced anxiety and the sensation of stress, both of which are symptoms of panic disorder.³⁰

30. Carroll D, Ring C, Suter M, et al. The effects of an oral multivitamin combination with calcium, magnesium, and zinc on psychological well-being in healthy young male volunteers: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2000;150:220-225.