Micronutrients and depression
The spread of depression has reached the point where it is becoming a public health concern. Besides psychological symptoms like listlessness and feeling low, many people with depression suffer from physical complaints like cardiovascular symptoms and a lack of appetite. In consequence, many patients with depression find it difficult to meet their nutrient requirements. Hence, they are in danger of beco-ming malnourished, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Although this connection between nutrition and depression is unquestioned, there is a debate as to the degree to which specific dietary behaviors can positively influence the onset, course, and severity of this mental illness. Numerous studies indicate that in the long-term an inadequate supply of micronutrients can increase the risk for depression.
More and more children are affected by vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D has important functions that are essential to health. The vitamin is needed for bone mineralization and for supplying the myocardium and the nervous system with calcium. Al-though sunshine triggers endogenous vitamin D production in the skin, the UVB radiation in Northern and Central Europe is generally too weak from November to February to guarantee that the body is adequately supplied with vitamin D. Lifestyle changes – particularly those of children and adolescents – are an additional cause for concern. Since these groups are spen-ding less and less time outside, there is an increased risk that they are producing too little vitamin D.
A new Danish study indicates that little or no intake of fish or long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in healthy, younger women.
According to a newly published literature review, magnesium supplements may offer small but clinically significant reductions in blood pressure.
