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Long-Term Benefits for Anxiety and Depression: Insights from the NoMAD Study on Micronutrient Therapy

Posted on : April 30, 2025 by Hardy Nutritionals® No Comments

At Hardy Nutritionals, we are committed to supporting individuals seeking natural, research-based solutions for mental health. A newly published follow-up to the NoMAD clinical trial provides important insight into the long-term benefits of broad-spectrum micronutrient supplementation—specifically, our Daily Essential Nutrients (DEN) formula—for those struggling with symptoms of anxiety and depression.

About the Study

The NoMAD trial (Nutritients for Mental Health, Anxiety, and Depression) began as a 10-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the effect of micronutrients on adults with functionally impairing anxiety and/or depression. Following the blinded phase, all participants then entered a 10-week open-label phase, during which everyone received the micronutrient formula.

Twelve months later, researchers conducted a naturalistic 1-year follow-up to assess how participants were doing depending on the treatment path they chose—whether they continued on micronutrients, turned to psychiatric medications, or chose no treatment at all.

Key Findings: A Year Later, Most Participants Were Still Doing Well

Across all groups, participants were functioning significantly better than at baseline:

  • 85% had mild or no anxiety
  • 78% had mild or no depression 


Where Micronutrients Stood Out

One notable exception was health anxiety—which was lowered in those who stayed on micronutrients compared to those who chose medications or no treatment.


 Why Did Some People Stop Taking Micronutrients?

Among participants, experiences regarding long-term use of the micronutrients varied. Reasons reported for stopping included the cost of the supplement, feeling well enough to manage symptoms, wanting to see if they could manage without supplementation, the number of capsules to take, and challenges with consistency. 

At Hardy Nutritionals, we recognize this—and we’re constantly looking for ways to make clinical-grade nutritional solutions more manageable and more economical.

How Does This Compare to Medications?

At the 1-year follow-up, participants who opted for psychiatric medications reported notably lower perceived improvement:

  • Only 45% of those taking medications described themselves as “much” or “very much improved.”

  • In contrast, 75% of those who remained on micronutrients reported that same level of benefit.

  • The micronutrient group also had a more significant drop in health anxiety compared to both other groups.


These differences suggest that micronutrient therapy is well-tolerated long-term and may also address areas of wellness that medications alone may not fully reach.

What’s in the Formula?

The supplement used in the NoMAD study was Hardy Nutritionals® Daily Essential Nutrients—a clinical-strength, broad-spectrum formula delivering over 30 essential nutrients, including:

  • Vitamins A, C, D, E, and full-spectrum B-complex

  • Minerals such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and iron—delivered in bioavailable, chelated forms

  • Antioxidants and co-factors like alpha-lipoic acid, acetyl-L-carnitine, and inositol

This comprehensive approach supports brain and body systems influencing mood regulation, stress resilience, and overall mental well-being.

Real Stories: How DEN Supports Mental Wellness

Many individuals have shared their experiences with DEN, highlighting its impact on anxiety and depression:

  • Erica, who struggled with PTSD, anxiety, and depression, found that DEN profoundly improved her sleep and overall stability. She stated, "Daily Essential Nutrients has had the most profound effect that I've seen on my sleep... it's also helping me stay regulated during the day which makes me feel like I have more stability in my life."

  • Tom, who battled depression for years, described his transformation: "Hardy Nutritionals has changed my life. I don't think of myself anymore as somebody suffering from depression, and it makes it way easier for me to talk to other people about it."

Together, these personal accounts echo what the science shows—Daily Essential Nutrients offers real, sustainable support for mental wellness.

Why Consistency Matters

This 1-year follow-up is one of the few long-term studies evaluating micronutrient therapy for mental health in adults. The takeaway is clear: micronutrient supplementation can provide enduring support, with benefits that persist long after the initial treatment phase ends.

Just as importantly, the study highlights that when people stop supplementation—often for practical rather than clinical reasons—those benefits may diminish or plateau. That’s why consistent education, clinical guidance, and affordability are so important.


In Summary: This 1-year Follow-Up Offers Encouraging News

Broad-spectrum micronutrient therapy remains a safe, well-tolerated option, and may offer specific advantages - such as reducing health anxiety - for those who respond well during initial treatment.

Why This Study Matters:
This research provides a unique perspective by comparing micronutrient supplementation with standard medication management  in a real-world clinical setting, offering valuable insights into their effects on anxiety, depression, and related symptoms. 

At Hardy Nutritionals®, we’re proud that our specialized micronutrient formulas are supported by this kind of science. As more people seek natural, evidence-based approaches to mental health, we remain committed to delivering safe, effective, and lasting solutions.


Sources:

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.
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