Analyzing the Role of Essential Minerals in Neuropsychiatric Health: A Comparative Assessment of Depressed Versus Healthy Individuals

Biol Trace Elem Res. 2026 Jul 18. doi: 10.1007/s12011-026-05246-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence suggests a critical link between micronutrient deficiencies and mental health. This study investigated the relationship between serum levels of Magnesium (Mg), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), and Selenium (Se) and the severity of depression among adults in the Sukkur region of Pakistan.

METHODOLOGY: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted with 215 participants (105 males, 110 females). Depression severity was assessed using the PHQ-9 instrument, and serum mineral levels were measured using Photometric techniques. Following baseline analysis, a targeted interventional phase was initiated with 40 severely depressed participants, who received a one-month regimen of mineral supplements. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA-Tukey and Pearson correlation (p < 0.05).

RESULTS: Baseline results revealed a significant inverse correlation between mineral concentrations and depression severity, with the strongest correlations observed for Magnesium (r = -0.771) and Selenium (r = -0.735). Gender-stratified data showed that females generally possessed lower mineral stores, particularly within the severe depression category (Mg: 1.50 ± 0.21 mg/dL). Following the four-week supplementation period, a statistically significant reduction in mean symptom scores was recorded; mean PHQ-9 scores decreased by approximately 50%, falling from “Severe” (~ 18.5) to “Mild” (~ 8.5) levels. This psychological recovery mirrored the significant restoration of serum mineral levels, with Magnesium rising from 1.26 ± 0.01 to 2.23 ± 0.02 mg/dL and Zinc increasing from 46.45 0.53 to 76.95 ± 0.88 µg/dL.

CONCLUSION: The findings confirm that mineral depletion is strongly associated with the severity of depression. The significant attenuation of depressive symptoms observed during the exploratory targeted supplementation phase suggests the potential value of nutritional therapy as a supportive adjunct or secondary intervention strategy for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

PMID:42471518 | DOI:10.1007/s12011-026-05246-8