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Mineral Intake and Depression: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study Based on National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys in Korea and the United States
Depression represents a considerable global health challenge, with emerging evidence indicating that nutrient deficiencies may play a role in its onset. This research focuses on the relationship between mineral intake—specifically sodium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, and calcium—and depression in adults from Korea and the United States. Utilizing data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the study employs a cross-sectional design to analyze the potential associations between these minerals and depressive symptoms, defined by a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score of 10 or higher. In the KNHANES cohort, 537 participants (4.1%) were identified as depressed, while 588 participants (6.2%) in the NHANES cohort reported similar depressive symptoms. The analysis revealed that higher intakes of sodium, potassium, and phosphorus were inversely associated with depression in the KNHANES cohort. Conversely, in the NHANES cohort, potassium, iron, and zinc showed analogous inverse associations. Subgroup analyses indicated that the relationship between mineral intake and depression varied significantly across sex, obesity status, and age demographics. Overall, the findings from this study underscore the significant associations between mineral intake and depression among both Korean and American adults, suggesting that sufficient mineral consumption may be beneficial for mental health. The authors advocate for further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms driving these associations.
Year: 2025
