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Zinc & Depression

Low levels of zinc may be a factor in some cases of depression and mood disorders. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, the human body has no mechanism for storing zinc. Therefore, people should take care to have enough zinc in their diets to maintain proper physical and psychological functioning. A combination of genetic, environmental and neurological factors may be involved in causing depression, and people should discuss their symptoms with a doctor.

  1. Zinc

    • Zinc is a mineral that is essential to the proper functioning of many processes in the body. Zinc helps to regulate the immune system, healing, the senses of taste and smell, cell division and the manufacture of DNA. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, zinc promotes growth and development in children. Zinc can be ingested in foods and dietary supplements, and it is a feature of some cold remedies. Foods that are good sources of zinc include seafood, red meat, poultry, dairy, beans and whole grains.

    Depression

    • Depression, which may also be referred to as clinical depression or unipolar depression, is a mental condition marked by persistent feelings of sadness and symptoms that inhibit a person's daily functioning. Symptoms of depression may include feelings of hopelessness, withdrawal from friends and social situations, loss of interest in fun activities, fatigue, chronic pain, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, and suicidal thoughts and behavior.

    Correlation

    • According to a study published in 2006 in the journal Nutrition Reviews, low levels of zinc are associated with the presence of depression and therapeutic zinc intake may diminish depression. According to 2009 research published in the journal Biological Trace Element Research, zinc deficiencies are related to mood disorders and depression.

    Considerations

    • According to Zinc.org, impaired cognition, behavioral disturbances, memory problems and stunted growth may be consequences of extreme zinc deficiencies in children and infants. Common symptoms of a zinc deficiency in adults may include dry skin, brittle nails, appetite loss, acne, dulled senses of taste and smell, and unstable moods.

    Treatment

    • Common symptoms of a zinc deficiency may be treated by zinc intake in the diet or in the form of supplements. A dosage of approximately 25mg per day may be suitable to alleviate symptoms. Too much zinc may cause abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Depression is a serious condition that may require antidepressant medications, such as Zoloft and Prozac, and psychotherapy for effective treatment.

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