The Mediterranean diet and micronutrient levels in depressive patients

Abstract

[spa] Introduction: An inverse association between depres- sion and some serum micronutrient levels (selenium, zinc, iron, magnesium, vitamin B and folic acid) has been reported. In addition, other studies reported that this micronutrient supplementation may improve depres- sed mood. The Mediterranean diet contains a sufficient amount of the micronutrients mentioned, although no study has reported an association between diet prescrip- tion and increased levels of them in depressive patients. Objective: To examine the impact of dietary patterns recommendations on micronutrient levels in depressive patients. Methods: 77 outpatients were randomly assigned ei- ther to the active (hygienic-dietary recommendations on diet, exercise, sleep, and sun exposure) or control group. Outcome measures were assessed before and after the six month intervention period. Results: Serum selenium and zinc levels were slightly low at basal point and serum selenium was inversely co- rrelated with severity of depression (r=-0.233; p=0.041). A better outcome of depressive symptoms was found in the active group. Nevertheless, no significant differences in micronutrient levels were observed after the Medite- rranean diet pattern prescription, probably due to an insufficient adherence. Conclusion: Selenium, zinc, iron, magnesium, vitamin B12 and folic acid serum levels didn`t increase in depres- sed patients after six months of the Mediterranean diet pattern prescription.