Zinc in the management of Major Depressive Disorder: Evidence for supplementation and dietary strategies

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a mental health disorder that affects almost 1 in 10 Americans. Characterized by lower moods, this disorder can impede a patient’s ability to complete everyday tasks like working, sleeping, and more. Antidepressants, the current standard treatment for depression, increase the levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in a patient's system. However, there are several known issues surrounding the effectiveness of antidepressants, prompting researchers to explore alternative supplementation through minerals. One such mineral, zinc, has been associated with improving depression symptoms in patients. Many studies have shown a correlation between depression symptoms in patients and low levels of zinc. Recently, more research focusing on the supplementation of zinc with antidepressants for depression patient has been conducted, where it has shown an increased efficacy in lowering depression symptoms. This review establishes zinc as a potential therapeutic supplement for patients with major depressive disorder. Novelty: This review examines the potential for zinc as a supplement for patients with depression, an area that has received limited attention in the scientific field. By reviewing the fallbacks of antidepressants, the potential for agricultural changes to decrease zinc deficiency, and the effect of excessive zinc on human health, this review extensively addresses all aspects of zinc deficiency and its connection to depression. Keywords: major depressive disorder (MDD), zinc, depression, NMDA, serotonin, supplementation, antioxidant, zinc deficiency, trace minerals