Supplementation of minerals in effective management of refractory major depressive disorders

Abstract

In the past two decades, rapid urbanization and globalization have adversely changed our lifestyle and diet habits. Our traditional healthy food habits have been replaced by processed foods with low nutritive value. These measures also saw a high prevalence of depression and other psychiatric disorders not only in western, urbanized countries but also in other developing countries as well. Long-term undernutrition due to deficiency of micronutrients such as iodine and iron can lead to increased chances of physical and mental disabilities. Undernourished children have less energy, decreased curiosity, and less interest in physical activities as well as they lack communication skills. These factors impair their physical, mental, and cognition. The aim of this article was to find the association of micronutrients especially minerals in patients with major depressive disorders. An adequate supply of nutrients is essential to regulate microbiome health and to improve the efficacy of other psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacological interventions. Lifestyle interventions in the form of dietary coaching could be used as promising, cost-effective, and practical intervention in depressed individuals. Nutritional interventions should be integrated in the multifactorial and treatment-resistant psychiatry patients.