Using Nutrients To Treat Mental Illness

Dr. Julia Rucklidge, acclaimed as one of the top 8 most influential women in New Zealand for innovation, recently delivered a public lecture at the University of Calgary addressing the question, "What if nutrients could treat mental illness?"

Dr. Rucklidge is a Professor of Clinical Psychology and the Director of the Mental Health and Nutrition Research Program at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand.

An official video recording of her lecture will be available online in a few weeks. In the meantime, we'll give you a 'sample taste' of her valuable message:

1. Read our brief summary of her University of Calgary lecture (below).

1. Peruse a PDF copy of her presentation slides.

1. Watch a similar video-recorded lecture delivered by Dr. Rucklidge at the University of Canterbury in mid-2015.

1. Explore recent 'Nutrition and Mental Health' blog articles written by Dr. Rucklidge.

Micronutrients as mental health treatments

Dr. Rucklidge was introduced by Dr. Bonnie Kaplan of the University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine, a respected pioneer in the field of broad-spectrum micronutrient research for mental health. Dr. Kaplan briefly reviewed a recorded lecture she delivered on why it makes physiological sense to treat mental disorders with a broad spectrum of nutrients. She also stressed the urgent need for more micronutrient research as she highlighted the poor side effect profile of psychiatric medications.

Problems with medication treatments

Highlighting several studies, Dr. Rucklidge pointed out two main reasons why we should seriously consider exploring treatment options other than psychiatric medications for mental health. First, although their short-term effects can be positive, psychiatric medications have been shown to deliver poor long-term outcomes. Second, psychiatric medications have exceptionally poor side effect profiles.

Micronutrient research is showing promise

Dr. Rucklidge noted that broad-spectrum micronutrient research is showing impressive effect sizes in conditions related to mood, anxiety, hyperactivity, psychosis, self-harm, violence, trauma, and stress. She pointed out that effect sizes of micronutrients of that are much higher than the effect sizes of approved psychiatric medications, with very few negative side effects.

Ongoing research

Dr. Rucklidge is currently conducting exciting double-blind research on Hardy Nutritionals® Daily Essential Nutrients and Optimal Balance™ products.

About Hardy Nutritionals®

Hardy Nutritionals® multivitamin-mineral products are powered by our proprietary NutraTek™ mineral delivery technology, which combines each mineral with specialized organic molecules—just like nature—to optimize absorption and distribution to body cells. Our flagship supplement, Daily Essential Nutrients, is widely considered to be the most research-backed micronutrient treatment.