A potassium and zinc-rich diet can help reduce mental depression, a new study observes

Mental depression has been a growing human health problem. The World Health Organization observation mentions that about 5% of the world’s population lives with depression. Earlier studies pointed out that to lower the risk of depression, one has to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These include enough sleep, exercising regularly, and following a healthy diet. But a new study has identified some specific minerals, including potassium and zinc, that may help more in reducing a person’s depression.

The research methodology
The study has been conducted by a cross-sectional analysis using health data. The data have been taken from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in Korea (KNHANES) and the United States (NHANES). The research has encompassed more than 22,000 study participants.

The researchers focused specially on seven minerals to examine their impact on depression risk. These had been sodium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, and calcium. Both the KNHANES and the NHANES consistently measured to enable a standardized cross-national analysis. The Medical News Today quoted (21st August) Minkook Son, a professor of Physiology at Dong-A University in the Republic of Korea, as saying “they are also biologically relevant to brain function, neurotransmission and neuroinflammation, processes implicated in the pathophysiology of depression”.

Result of the research
Potassium emerged as a common protective factor against depression in both populations despite differences in dietary habits. It is reported that in the case of examination of Korean participants, in addition to potassium, researchers discovered that higher sodium levels were correlated with reduced depression risk. On the other hand, among the US participants, higher levels of zinc were another mineral linked to lower odds of developing depression. The reason behind the difference between the two participants, according to Son, has been cultural dietary patterns, primarily food sources of each mineral, and differences in bioavailability likely contribute to these discrepancies.

In the US, zinc intake from animal protein sources may play a more prominent role in neurochemical pathways relevant to depression. In the case of Korea, sodium intake is high due to fermented and broth-based dishes, potentially interacting with other nutrients to influence mood, according to Son.

Reason behind the impacts of minerals
Specialists say minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and selenium work with vitamins like D, C and E to support functions throughout the body, as well as numerous enzymatic reactions. These act as electrolytes to support fluid balance. We thrive when we have sufficient levels of all these working together in the highly complex factory of the human body.