Low dietary or supplemental zinc intake is associated with depressive symptoms in women, but not in men, according to new epidemiological research from the New England Research Institutes. The findings were published online ahead of print on October 24 in the Journal of Affective Disorders.
The study utilized 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. Key findings: – Zinc was associated with depressive symptoms in women (N=2,163), but not in men (N=1,545). – Women with low dietary or supplemental zinc intake were more likely to have depressive symptoms. – Associations were stronger among women using antidepressant medications. – The results suggest gender-specific pathophysiological mechanisms of depression. – Inadequate dietary zinc intake contributes to depressive symptoms in women. – Supplemental zinc is a beneficial adjunct to antidepressant therapy in women.
