MGlory - The theories of calcium in depression and mania is not based on the calcium tablets that can be bought, but has to do with the modulation of intracellular calcium ions (Ca++) concentrations inside and outside a nerve cell. Taking calium tablets will not change these parameters as they are mainly regulated (in nerve cells) by a biochemical system called the phosphoinositol (PPI) cycle.

A PPI cycle that is working properly regulates the concentration calcium ion within the nerve cell and this helps to regulate (modulate) the cellular membrane, so that nerve cell does not fire when it is not supposed to (ie does not fire without appropriate electrical stimulation from other nerve cells). Thus, fixing the the calcium ion concentrations via modulation of the PPI stabilizes nerve cells.

The PPI cycle controls Ca++ conctrations in 2 major way. It causes the release of Ca++ stores from an intracellular structure called the endoplasmic reticulum (via a byproduct of the PPI cycle called DAG). Also, the PPI cycle helps to control Ca++ entry into the nerve cell from outside the cell.

This increase of intraneuronal Ca++ helps to stabilize the neuronal cellular membrane, helping to prevent the neuron (nerve cell) from firing when it shouldn't.

Most research done in this field points to the above mechanisms from stopping mania, but I suppose that depression may also be decreased via this mechanism, but probably in a more indirect fashion.

Lithium is thought to interfere with an overactive PPI cycle, reducing the influx of Ca++ into the cell, and slowing Ca++ release from the endoplasmic reticulum.

I have not seen any peer reviewed scientific research stating that taking calcium supplements (which does not necessarily equate to increased Ca++ concentrations at the neuronal membrane. In fact, taking large quantities of calcium supplements has occasionally resulted in intestinal blockages, as the body can only absorb so much calcium.

Unfortunately, time and time again, herbal and vitamin therapies have been promoted for the "cure" of various mental disorders. Extensive scientific research and evidence-based clinical observation has not shown to be effective in treating mental disorders. Of course, that is in cases where a person is not low in certain vitamins. For example, the lack of certain B-vitamins, especially in sailors of old, caused a condition called pellagra, which did have psychiatric manifestations; but the incidence of pellagra is very, very uncommon in the industrialized world.

It seems that every 10 to 15 years megavitamin cures are touted by people who sell vitamins, but scientific research and a basic understanding of physiology and pharmacology has not shown that megavitamin therapy has ever directly "cured" any mental illness (again, unless the body was deficient in certain vitamins, which, as I said, is seldom seen today).

As for herbs, one must consider them drugs. Just because they are natural, does not mean that they are totally safe (eg. opium and strichnine are natural, as is the cyanide contain in peach pits). Any product (animal, vegetable, or mineral) taken to attempt to alleiate and illness "must" be considered a drug. The substance that is taken is expected to elicit a therapeutic effect, thus it is a drug therapy. Even water can be considered a drug, when it is taken to try to flush out the bacteria and viruses of a cold.

The adage "if the claims of a treatment sound too good to be true, it almost always is too good to be true" applies especially to scientifically untested and unproven remedies.

I hope that this is of some help to you. - Cam


<font color=blue>"Humility: timidity of the slave or hypocracy of the schemer?</font color=blue>