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 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

The good news is that 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

The most significant finding was that those who stayed on micronutrients had statistically lower health anxiety compared to those who chose medications or no treatment. Health anxiety, formerly called hypochondriasis, refers to worry about one’s health, hyperawareness of body sensations and/or changes, and the feared consequences of illness.

There was also a strong trend for those who continued to use micronutrients at one year to rate their overall symptoms as more improved than the other groups. This finding is consistent with other long-term studies of DEN.

Why Did Some People Stop Taking Micronutrients?

Among participants, experiences regarding long-term use of the micronutrients varied. Those who continued to use micronutrients at one year were significantly more likely to have been good responders at 20 weeks, with 67% considering themselves “much” or “very much” improved compared to only 34% of those who weren’t using any intervention at 1 year. None of those who switched to medications rated themselves as “much” or “very much” improved at 20 weeks. Ongoing micronutrient users also scored better at 20 weeks on the Patient Health Questionnaire, which monitors depression severity and functional impairment.

Reasons reported for stopping micronutrients included the uninsured cost, the number of capsules, inability to be consistent with taking the supplement, feeling well enough to manage symptoms, and wanting to see if they could manage without any intervention at all. 

At Hardy Nutritionals, we recognize this—and we’re constantly looking for ways to make clinical-grade nutritional solutions more manageable and more economical without sacrificing efficacy.

How Do Micronutrients Compare to Pharmaceuticals or Nothing at All?

At 1-year follow-up, participants who opted for psychiatric medications or no intervention at all reported notably lower perceived improvement than those still using micronutrients - a difference amounting to a strong statistical trend (p=0.051):

• Less than 50% of those taking medications or nothing at all 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 (p=0.046).
  
  

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 several long-term studies evaluating micronutrient therapy for mental health in adults. Overall, the takeaway is clear: micronutrient supplementation can provide enduring support, with benefits that persist long after the initial treatment phase ends.

Just as importantly, these studies highlight that when people stop supplementation—often for practical rather than clinical reasons—they likely forfeit these ongoing benefits.

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, including reduced health anxiety for those who respond well during initial treatment.

Why This Study Matters:
This research provides a unique perspective by comparing long-term micronutrient supplementation with standard medication management or no intervention 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:

• Journal of Affective Disorders Reports (2025) – 1-year follow-up of the NoMAD trial examining long-term effects of micronutrients on anxiety and depression.

• Journal of Affective Disorders (2023) – Initial 10-week randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluating micronutrient efficacy for mood disorders.

• Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology (2019) - 1-year follow-up of a randomized, placebo-controlled trial in children with ADHD examining the long-term benefits of micronutrients on ADHD symptoms and emotional dysregulation.

• Journal of Attention Disorders (2017) - 1-year follow-up of a randomized, placebo-controlled trial in adults with ADHD examining the long-term benefits of broad-spectrum micronutrients on ADHD and depression.

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.