Zinc, Magnesium, Selenium and Depression: A Review of the Evidence, Potential Mechanisms and Implications

Abstract

Micronutrient deficiency and depression are major global health problems. Here, we first review recent empirical evidence of the association between several micronutrients—zinc, magnesium, selenium—and depression. We then present potential mechanisms of action and discuss the clinical implications for each micronutrient. Collectively, empirical evidence most strongly supports a positive association between zinc deficiency and the risk of depression and an inverse association between zinc supplementation and depressive symptoms. Less evidence is available regarding the relationship between magnesium and selenium deficiency and depression, and studies have been inconclusive. Potential mechanisms of action involve the HPA axis, glutamate homeostasis and inflammatory pathways. Findings support the importance of adequate consumption of micronutrients in the promotion of mental health, and the most common dietary sources for zinc and other micronutrients are provided. Future research is needed to prospectively investigate the association between micronutrient levels and depression as well as the safety and efficacy of micronutrient supplementation as an adjunct treatment for depression.

Association of food groups with depression and anxiety disorders

“…This often leads to changes in energy intake and a reduction in personal health behaviours [49], and given that healthy diets typically require more time and cooking skills [50], whereas unhealthy foods are quick and easy to prepare, it could be expected that the diet quality may become compromised. Second, deficiencies in certain vitamins [51], minerals [52], and essential fatty acids (such as long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from fatty fish) [53] may impact depression by directly influencing biological pathways associated with the pathophysiology of depression. Low levels of folic acid, which is abundant in non-refined grains and vegetables, and zinc, a mineral found in non-refined grain products, have both been associated with depression [54,55].…”

The Role of Iron, Zinc, Copper and Magnesium in the Prevention and Treatment of Depression

“…Yeterli miktarda çinko içeren dengeli bir beslenme düzeni antidepresanlara ek efektif bir destek olabilmekte ve depresif semptomları azaltmada işe yarayabilmektedir. 39 Bir diğer yandan, antidepresan tedavisi, vücut depolarından çinko salınımını stimüle edebilmektedir. Bu hastalarda çinko süplementasyonu depoların yeniden dolmasını sağlar.…”

“…Çalışmalar genel olarak magnezyum alımı ve depresyon oluşumunda ters ilişki göstermiş ve magnezyumun antidepresan özelliğini ortaya koymuştur. 39 Magnezyumun depresyondan koruyucu etkileri arasında, stres yanıtının modifikasyonu bulunmaktadır. Adrenokortikotropik hormonun salınımını azaltmakta ve hipotalamus-hipofiz-adrenal aksın hiperaktivasyonunu önlemektedir.…”

“…32,36 Kimi çalışmalar ise kan çinko seviyeleri ile depresyon arasında doğrudan ilişki göstermiştir. 39,40 Dolayısıyla çinko ve depresyon konusunda kesin kanıtlar sunulamamıştır. Ancak; tedavi amaçlı yapılacak çinko takviyesi ikincil bakır eksikliğine yol açabileceğinden, bakır ve çinkonun depresyon tedavisinde birbirinden bağımsız düşünülmesi mümkün olmamaktadır.…”

Bromatology, food chemistry and antioxidant activity of Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott

“…Calcium is stored mainly in the bones and plays an important structural role, and, outside the skeleton, control various cellular processes such as muscle contraction, neuronal transmission, hormone secretion, organelle communication, cell motility, fertilization and cell growth (Arruda and Hotamisligil, 2015). Magnesium is important for the proper functioning of the Central Nervous System, playing an important role in the control of Alzheimer's disease since it prevents memory decline; also works in the control of diabetes, hypertension, migraine, hyperactivity and attention deficit, as well as preventing stroke (Wang et al, 2018).…”