Trace minerals serve a number of physiological and biochemical functions and optimal intakes are pivotal to good health. A number of minerals are known to be useful in the treatment of mood disorders. Zinc, magnesium and chromium have all been evidence, mainly through case studies, to benefit individuals and improve mood state. Selenium may also have mood elevating properties. For example, in one study, researchers investigated the association between dietary selenium intake and mood. Those with the lowest intakes of selenium had the highest risk of having tiredness, anxiety and depression. Supplementation with 100 mcg of selenium (as yeast) caused significant elevations in mood, and these elevations in mood correlated with increases in dietary intake of selenium. Therefore as with zinc, magnesium and chromium, selenium may have mood elevating properties in human subjects. Poor quality diets low in essential minerals may therefore be a significant cause of mood disorders.
The reason that selenium may potentially benefit mood may relate to its ability to act as a cofactor for the glutathione peroxidase enzyme. In this role, selenium contributes significantly to cellular defences against oxidative stress. As oxidative stress may be a cause of changes to neurochemistry, adequate selenium in the diet may be a requisite of good mental health. Brazil nuts and tuna are excellent sources of selenium.
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