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# Zinc supplementation may help fight depression
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/zinc_depression_0715140911/
- Published: 2014-07-15T22:09:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T16:21:43.000Z
- Description: Drawing on two Australian cohorts of people aged 50 to 85, a study found those with the highest zinc intake had a 30 to 50% lower risk of depression than those with the lowest. The writer cautions against zinc oxide supplements, which often use nanoparticles.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Minerals, Nutrition, #vivvo-import

Tuesday July 15, 2014 (foodconsumer.org) -- A new study suggests that taking zinc supplements may reduce risk of depression. The study based on data from two prospective cohorts, the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health and Hunter Community Study, found that those who had the highest intake of zinc, compared to those with the lowest intake, were at 30 to 50% reduced risk of depression. The participants were aged 50 to 85 years old.

Comment: It may not be a good idea to use supplements with zinc oxide, which in most cases is in the form of nanoparticles. Zinc oxide is often used as a source of zinc. Nanoparticles have been found to disrupt DNA and potentially cause tumor or cancer. At high concentrations, nanoparticles can even kill small fish. Environmental scientists have started worrying about the nanopolution while the food, dietary supplements and cosmetic industries use nanoparticles like crazy.

Those who suffer depression may also try vitamin D. Studies show that those suffering depression are often vitamin D deeficient or insufficient.

Reference: Vashum KP, McEvoy M, Milton AH, McElduff P, Hure A, Byles J, Attia J. Dietary zinc is associated with a lower incidence of depression: Findings from two Australian cohorts. J Affect Disord. 2014 Sep;166:249-57\.