Depression: low zinc?

There are numerous causes and components to depression – however research has shown that nutrition plays a part.

The latest revelation is that zinc could help prevent the blues. Research shows women who have a low intake of the mineral, found in foods such as peanuts and Marmite, are more likely to have depression.

Studies suggest patients with major depression have low levels of zinc, but these levels return to normal after successful drug treatment for depression.

U.S researchers studied diet and supplement use of around 3,500 men and women with and without depression. Women with low zinc intake were 80 per cent more likely to have depression. no effect was seen in men.

Just how zinc could have such an effect is not clear. One theory is it acts on nerve cells to change the balance of chemicals involved in mood.