We interviewed James Greenblatt MD about nutritional supplementation for neurodevelopmental and mood disorders. You can watch the replay below. Please note that you will be asked to provide your email address after 30 minutes of viewing to continue watching the replay.
Functional Medicine Psychiatry
Dr. Greenblatt is well known for his functional-medicine approach to psychiatry, which means addressing root causes such as nutritional deficiencies, inflammation, toxicity, immune dysregulation, gut dysbiosis and more. By using interventions such as special diets, specific genetic testing such as for the MTHFR mutation, specific laboratory tests such as the Organic Acid Test (OAT), and individualized treatment with supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids and lithium orotate, he has helped countless people improve their symptoms from conditions such as:
- Mood and anxiety disorders
- Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa
- Behavioral disorders
- Psychosis
- Schizophrenia
- OCD
- Self-injury
- Suicide risk
- ADHD
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Bipolar disorder
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In This Webinar
In this webinar, Dr. Greenblatt discussed:
- Typical causes of nutritional deficiencies:
- Standard American Diet
- Toxicity
- Malabsorption issues, such as celiac disease and gut dysbiosis
- Pyrroluria
- Genetic/epigentic factors
- How can nutritional supplementation help children with autism, ADD/ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, PANS/PANDAS and mood disorders?
- What is the best way to test for potential nutritional deficiencies?
- Could children with these disorders benefit from supplementation with:
Key Discussions
Biochemical Individuality and Nutritional Deficiency
Dr. Greenblatt emphasized that each individual’s nutritional needs vary significantly due to genetic and environmental factors. This concept of biochemical individuality means that a “one size fits all” approach does not work for nutritional supplementation—testing and personalization are key to finding root causes of neurodevelopmental and mood disorders.
Importance and Testing of Micronutrients
Critical nutrients such as vitamin D, B vitamins, zinc, and magnesium are often missed in standard clinical practice. Dr. Greenblatt underlined the significance of objective testing for these deficiencies—routinely checking levels and using functional medicine tests—to optimally guide supplementation and treatment.
The Role of Diet (Including Risks of Vegan Diets for Children)
Diet is not only a source of nutrients but can also lead to deficiencies, especially in children and adolescents adopting vegan diets without adequate planning. Dr. Greenblatt noted these diets may result in deficits (like B12, zinc, and amino acids) that can contribute to neurodevelopmental and mood issues. Ensuring adequate and balanced intake through whole foods is important.
Integrative Approach vs. Standard Psychiatric Treatments
Dr. Greenblatt highlighted the limitations of current psychiatric medication models, especially in children, and advocated for integrative and root cause approaches using nutrition, testing, and supplementation. He explained that supporting kids through nutritional strategies can augment or sometimes replace medication, but interdisciplinary collaboration and regular re-evaluation are essential.
Specific Supplementation Strategies: Magnesium, Fish Oil, Lithium Orotate, and Others
The conversation explored the practicalities and evidence for key supplements (such as magnesium, omega-3s, and low-dose lithium orotate), detailing their roles in improving mood, behavior, and cognitive function. The main message is that supplementation should be targeted, monitored, and adjusted over time—not simply added blindly or used indefinitely.
Timestamped Overview
04:11 From med school to nutrition
08:16 Biochemical individuality and nutrition
11:40 Navigating functional medicine testing
15:20 Vegan diet risks for adolescents
20:50 Rethinking acid reflux treatment
24:34 Vitamin D’s role in mental health
27:34 Antidepressants and suicidal risk warning
30:21 Lithium’s role in mental health
32:45 Lithium in tap water benefits
37:03 Nutritional supplementation takes time
38:54 Magnesium’s benefits and sources
41:56 Fish oil use and balance
45:00 Training and consulting physicians
About James Greenblatt MD
A pioneer in the field of integrative medicine, James M. Greenblatt, MD, has treated patients since 1988. After receiving his medical degree and completing his psychiatry residency at George Washington University, Dr. Greenblatt completed a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at Johns Hopkins Medical School.
Dr. Greenblatt currently serves as the Chief Medical Officer at Walden Behavioral Care in Waltham, MA and serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Tufts University School of Medicine and Dartmouth College Geisel School of Medicine.
In April of 2017, Dr. Greenblatt was inducted into the Orthomolecular Medicine Hall of Fame by the International Society of Orthomolecular Medicine.
An acknowledged integrative medicine expert, educator, and author, Dr. Greenblatt has lectured internationally on the scientific evidence for nutritional interventions in psychiatry and mental illness. Through three decades of practice and research, Dr. Greenblatt is a leading contributor to helping physicians and patients understand the role of personalized medicine for mental illness.
He is the author of seven books, including Finally Focused: The Breakthrough Natural Treatment Plan for ADHD; Nutritional Lithium: A Cinderella Story; Answers to Anorexia; Integrative Medicine for Alzheimer’s; Integrative Medicine for Binge Eating; and Integrative Medicine for Depression; and co-editor with Kelly Brogan, MD, of the textbook Integrative Therapies for Depression.
Dr. Greenblatt is the founder of Psychiatry Redefined, an educational platform dedicated to the transformation of psychiatry. Psychiatry Redefined offers online CME-approved courses, webinars, and fellowships for professionals to learn about functional and integrative medicine for mental illness. To learn more, please visit www.JamesGreenblattMD.com.
Disclaimer
This expert interview is not a substitute for medical advice, treatment, diagnosis, or consultation with a medical professional. It is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be relied on to make determinations related to treatment of a medical condition. Documenting Hope has not verified and does not guaranty the accuracy of the information provided in this expert interview.
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Resources
Videos
Greenburg, Julie.OAT 101: Fundamentals of the Organic Acids Test. Mosaic Diagnostics. 5 Oct 2023.
Woeller, Kurt. Clostridia Bacteria, Autism, and the Organic Acids Test (OAT). Mosaic Diagnostics. 18 Jan 2024.
Woeller, Kurt. The Organic Acid Test (OAT) & Autism: A Scientific Breakthrough in Care with Kurt Woeller, DO. Mosaic Diagnostics. 10 Mar 2025.
Websites
Organic Acids Test. Mosaic Diagnostics.
