Zinc plays an important role in the fight against depression, as the trace element is supports the function of around 300 metabolic enzymes. It is also essential for cell growth, insulin storage, sperm production, and consuming sufficient zinc improves immune defense as well.
Sufficient zinc intake is also critical for those who suffer from depression. Depression manifests itself in a deep sadness and a lack of joy, interest, and drive. One of the main causes of depression is a disruption of the neurotransmitter metabolism in the brain, primarily of serotonin.
In a study with 1,600 participants suffering from depression, zinc deficiency significantly increased the likelihood of depression occurrence.
Zinc Influences Depression Severity
“Less zinc, more depression” is the summary of a recent large-scale Canadian meta analysis that incorporated data from 17 studies. Around 1,600 participants suffering from depression had low zinc levels at the beginning of the analysis, which showed that the lower the zinc levels, the more severe the depression.
Lessening Episodes of Depression
Zinc offers a natural option with no negative side effects to support clinical treatment of depression. This has been proven through a recent examination of young women suffering from depression that received a multivitamin formula in combination with 7 mg zinc daily for 10 weeks. After completion of the test phase, there was a significant reduction in anxiety occurrence in the “zinc group”, with a noticeable improvement in the emotional state of the subjects.
