The mineral zinc is involved in scores of bodily systems and functions including the digestive, immune, glandular and musculoskeletal systems. It is also contributes to neural activity, suggesting a role in mental functioning. In numerous studies, researchers have found evidence linking insufficient zinc levels to a host of mental disorders, depression among them. Moreover, as found in studies such as one published in a 2005 issue of "Pharmacological Reports," zinc supplementation may play an important role in treating clinical depression.
Neural Activity
According to the website of California-based physician Jeremy E. Kaslow, M.D., many researchers believe zinc to be a neurotransmitter, with large concentrations of it found in the brain's hippocampus. Low zinc levels, he explains, could interrupt proper neural activity, thereby leading to anger, irritability and other abnormal behaviors. Zinc deficiencies and low plasma zinc levels have been found in high incidences in a variety of mental disorders, including cases of ADHD, schizophrenia, autism, bipolar disorders and depression.
Zinc Deficiency
According to Kaslow, the average American consumes only 10 mg of zinc each day, which is one-third less than the U.S. Department and Agriculture recommended daily allowance. He notes that individuals with zinc deficiencies respond well to zinc supplementation, but that zinc deficiency is a life-long condition that will tend to reemerge if treatment is discontinued. A 2011 study in the "Journal of Renal Nutrition" is one of the most recent studies linking zinc deficiency with depression, finding zinc deficiency a possible "reversible cause" for an increased rate of depression among patients undergoing hemodialysis. Before taking any zinc supplements or beginning any zinc treatment program, consult your medical doctor.
Antidepressant Activity
Results of a 2008 human trial suggest that zinc may activate brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF, a protein vital to nerve cells and instrumental in warding off depression. In a "Journal of Neural Transmission" report on the study, researchers explained that zinc exhibits antidepressant activity, particularly on one model of depression called chronic mild stress, or CMS. Additionally, a 2008 "Physiology and Behavior" report points out that zinc levels seem lowest in depression patients who aren't responding to antidepressant medication therapy.
Zinc-Copper Ratio
Zinc and copper act in opposition to one another in the body, an excess of one interfering with proper metabolism of the other. The ratio of zinc to copper in the body appears to be involved in certain mental concerns, including hyperactivity, episodic violence and depression. When zinc levels are low, copper levels tend to rise. Copper toxicity syndrome can develop from an excess of copper in the body's soft tissues. One of the symptoms of this syndrome is depression.
References
- "Pharmacological Reports"; Zinc And Depression; G. Nowak, et al.; Nov-Dec 2005
- DrKaslow.com; "Zinc"; Jeremy E. Kaslow; 2011
- "Journal of Renal Nutrition"; Association Of Zinc Deficiency And Depression In The Patients...; J. Roozbeh, et al.; Mar 2011
- "Journal of Neural Transmission"; Antidepressant-like Activity Of Zinc; M. Sowa-Kucma, et al.; Dec 2008
- "Physiology and Behavior"; Zinc Deficiency Induces Depression-like Symptoms In Rats; N.M. Tassabehji, et al.; Oct 2008
- DrLWilson.com; "Copper Toxicity Syndrome"; Lawrence Wilson
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