
08/22/2025
7 minerals and their link to depression risk
For this study, researchers conducted a cross-sectional analysis using health data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in Korea (KNHANES) and the United States (NHANES)Trusted Source, encompassing more than 22,000 study participants.
Scientists focused specifically on seven minerals — sodium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, and calcium — to examine their impact on depression risk.
“These seven minerals are consistently measured in both the KNHANES and the NHANES, enabling a standardized cross-national analysis,” Son explained. “They are also biologically relevant to brain function, neurotransmission, and neuroinflammation, processes implicated in the pathophysiology of depression.”
Eating potassium-rich foods may help keep depression at bay
Specific minerals — particularly potassium and zinc — may help in reducing a person’s depression risk, a recent study suggests.