Protocol · Mental Health
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Supportive Care Protocol
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Vitamin D are the core of this stack, with 7 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Supportive Care.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
9 supplements · none graded yet
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Amount listed: 2–3 g EPA+DHA daily (higher EPA ratio) | Supports brain function; anti-inflammatory effects may help with PTSD-related changes in brain | Not graded yet | ||
| Vitamin D | Amount listed: 2,000–4,000 IU daily (target 40–60 ng/mL) | Deficiency associated with PTSD; supports brain function and mood regulation | Not graded yet | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Magnesium | Amount listed: 300–400 mg daily (glycinate or threonate) | Supports GABA function and nervous system; may help with anxiety and sleep | Not graded yet | ||
| N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) | Amount listed: 1,200–2,400 mg daily in divided doses | Modulates glutamate; antioxidant; may help with intrusive symptoms | Not graded yet | ||
| Probiotics | Amount listed: 20–50 billion CFU daily (multi-strain) | Gut-brain axis support; may help with stress response and mood | Not graded yet | ||
| Ashwagandha | Amount listed: 300–600 mg standardized extract daily | Adaptogen that may reduce cortisol and help with stress/anxiety | Not graded yet | ||
| L-Theanine | Amount listed: 200–400 mg daily | Promotes calm alertness; may reduce anxiety without sedation | Not graded yet | ||
| Zinc | Amount listed: 15–30 mg daily | Involved in stress response; deficiency may worsen PTSD symptoms | Not graded yet | ||
| Melatonin | Amount listed: 1–5 mg 30–60 minutes before bed | Helps with sleep disturbances common in PTSD; may reduce nightmares | Not graded yet | ||
Shop the evidence-backed picks
Support alongside medical care. These supplements are not a treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). If you are being treated for it, talk to your clinician before adding one: supplements can interact with medicines.
The collection holds the supplements we grade A or B for its theme, in third-party tested products where the catalog has them. It opens in our Fullscript store. You can look through it without signing in; Fullscript asks for a free account to order.
Or shop one supplement
Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
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How this protocol works
In plain language
PTSD develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event - combat, assault, accidents, disasters, or other life-threatening situations. It involves re-experiencing symptoms (flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive memories), avoidance of trauma reminders, negative changes in thoughts and mood, and heightened arousal (hypervigilance, startle response, sleep problems, irritability). PTSD affects the brain's fear circuitry, stress hormone systems, and inflammatory markers.
CRITICAL: PTSD is a serious psychiatric condition that requires professional treatment. Evidence-based therapies include trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CPT, PE), EMDR, and medication (SSRIs: sertraline, paroxetine are FDA-approved). Effective treatment significantly reduces symptoms and improves quality of life. These supplements may provide adjunctive support but are NOT replacements for therapy and/or medication. If you're experiencing PTSD symptoms, please seek help from a mental health professional. Crisis resources: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988, Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1).
Omega-3 Fatty Acids* support brain health and have anti-inflammatory effects. Some studies show benefit for PTSD symptoms, particularly at higher EPA doses.
Vitamin D* deficiency is very common in PTSD patients and associated with worse symptoms. Optimizing levels may support treatment response.
Magnesium* supports GABA function (the calming neurotransmitter) and may help with anxiety and sleep. Magnesium threonate crosses the blood-brain barrier.
NAC* modulates glutamate and has antioxidant effects. It's being studied for various trauma-related conditions.
Probiotics* support the gut-brain axis, which is increasingly recognized as important in stress and mood disorders.
Ashwagandha* is an adaptogen that may help reduce cortisol and stress response.
L-Theanine* promotes calm alertness without sedation.
Melatonin* can help with the sleep disturbances and nightmares common in PTSD.
Expected timeline: Supplements may provide gradual support over weeks to months. Evidence-based treatments (therapy, medication) typically show improvement within 8-12 weeks. PTSD often requires ongoing management.