Posted by Lao Tzu on December 7, 2008, at 13:26:25
In reply to Over/undermethylated depressive types, posted by Lao Tzu on December 7, 2008, at 13:01:56
I tend to fit into the Undermethylated category. The supplements that Pfeiffer lists for undermethylation do help me quite a bit. The only critique I have is that some other supplements that he didn't include are also indispensible to me. Also, what I've been able to figure out is the best times of day to take these supplements. Some of the supplements are best taken during the day first thing in the morning. Some of them are best taken at night before bed.
For instance, I take the bulk of my vitamin E, Niacin, magnesium, and zinc at bedtime. I don't take calcium the same time as magnesium. Magnesium at bedtime and calcium in the morning. Both magnesium and calcium, according to Pfieffer, are more helpful for undermethylated depressives. I've found that taking calcium alone is not helpful. You need to take the magnesium as well to get the calcium to work correctly. Also, I can tolerate only a little zinc, but according to Pfeiffer, if you are Overmethylated, zinc and manganese are very helpful. They report that Niacin would be better for overmethylated depressives rather than undermethylated depressives. This may be true, but I do find that Niacin at bedtime helps me with sleeping better when I take it with other supplements. Niacin during the day actually makes my depression worse. However, if you are overmethylated, Niacin might be very good for you. I find that benfotiamine, which is a fat soluble form of vitamin B1 is very helpful for me during the day. He doesn't mention anything about vitamin B1, but other sources have mentioned B1 in bipolar disorder. Vitamin C is very important for mental health. I find that only 500mg in the morning and 500mg at bedtime is sufficient for me, and it is very good for Undermethylated depressives. Vitamin E is also very good for Undermethylated bipolars as well as schizophrenics. However, I am careful about dosing with vitamin E. I only take 100IU during the day because I can't tolerate any more during my waking hours. At bedtime, I need at least 300IU of vitamin E to help with my sleep. I think Pfeiffer's depressive types may not be hard and fast rules, but certainly they seem to be good starting points for anyone that has no clue as to what supplements would be beneficial for his/her depression. I'm glad to share this information with everyone and hope it is helpful.
poster:Lao Tzu
thread:867258
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20081006/msgs/867265.html