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Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to review the clinical aspects and underlying biological mechanisms of zinc supplementation's efficacy in treating depression, with a particular focus on the benefits observed in patients who do not adequately respond to conventional treatments.
Results: Of the initially found articles, 15 were selected based on their relevance and methodological quality. These studies suggest that zinc may play a significant role in improving depressive symptoms, primarily through the modulation of biological mechanisms such as neuroplasticity and synaptic function, interaction with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and potentially increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels.
Conclusion: Zinc supplementation appears to be a promising intervention in the treatment of depression, particularly beneficial for patients resistant to traditional treatments. The results indicate that zinc may improve depressive symptoms through a range of biological mechanisms. However, further research is needed to define the optimal dosages and duration of treatment, as well as to fully elucidate the mechanisms by which zinc exerts its therapeutic effects. Prevention through adequate supplementation and early treatment may be effective strategies to improve the quality of life for patients.
References
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Copyright (c) 2024 Henrique Seiji Arashiro, Lucas Dalmaso Pieroni , Gabriel de Paula Almeida , Nicolas Jose Suek Cechelero , Bruno Marques Sartori, William Simão Jatene, Augusto Haddad Nicola, Luiz Henrique Santos Vezaro , Maria Eduarda Amaral de Carvalho, Estela Merlone de Toledo, Gustavo Lazzarotto e Silva de Mello, Marcos Lourenço Spirlandelli