Do the Micronutrients Zinc and Magnesium Play a Role in Adult Depression?

Depression is a widespread disorder that affects more than 120 million people worldwide. The unsatisfactory clinical efficacy and adverse effects of antidepressant medication have prompted the search for novel treatments. Micronutrient deficiencies may play a role in the development of depression, and recent research studies have explored the use of micronutrient supplementation as an adjunct to the pharmacotherapy of this psychiatric illness. This article provides a review of the empirical evidence linking zinc and magnesium deficiency and depression, discusses possible mechanisms of action in the psychopathology and therapy of depression, and explores the nursing and registered dietitian implications of these findings.