News — zinc and depression

When conversations about mental health turn toward nutrition, the spotlight usually falls on omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, or B vitamins. While these nutrients are undeniably important, a quieter group of players—trace minerals—often operates in the background, influencing mood, cognition, and emotional resilience in ways we might be overlooking. These minerals, needed only in minute amounts, are involved in neurotransmitter production, hormone regulation, and even the structural integrity of brain cells.

Iron, zinc, copper, selenium, iodine, and manganese may not dominate wellness headlines, but emerging research suggests their role in mental well-being is anything but minor. From depression and anxiety to cognitive decline, imbalances in these micronutrients can tip the scales toward vulnerability or recovery. This article examines the growing evidence behind trace minerals and mental health, exploring whether we’ve been underestimating their significance all along.