Low Zinc Linked to Depression in Women not Men

WATERTOWN, Mass.Low dietary or supplemental zinc intake has been linked to depressive symptoms in women, but not in men, according to new epidemiological research from the New England Research Institutes. Their findings were published online ahead of print Oct. 24 in the Journal of Affective Disorders.

Researchers used cross-sectional data from the population-based Boston Area Community Health survey (2002-2005), which included dietary and supplement use data from validated food frequency questionnaires. Current depressive symptoms were assessed by the abridged validated Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale and analyzed using multivariate logistic regression, adjusting for sociodemographic, health and lifestyle characteristics.

Results showed zinc was associated with depressive symptoms in women (N=2,163), but not men (N=1,545), and women with low dietary or supplemental zinc intake were more likely to have depressive symptoms. Associations were stronger among women using antidepressant medications. The researchers said the results suggest gender-specific pathophysiological mechanisms of depression; inadequate dietary zinc intake contributes to depressive symptoms in women; and supplemental zinc is a beneficial adjunct to antidepressant therapy in women.