Evidence (1,2,3,4,5,6) has been growing with regards the role that zinc may play in the treatment of depression and mood disorders.  Zinc is a mineral which is vital for the efficient functioning of the body and is found in meat, eggs, milk, fish, wholegrains, nuts and pulses.  Zinc also acts as a co-factor for enzymes that work within the brain which is one of the reasons why it may be useful in the treatment of mood disorders.  Inflammation is now known to impact the brain and depression is considered by many as an inflammatory condition (1,2,3,5), zinc acts on the immune system and can be anti-inflammatory, zinc also plays a role in regulating specific neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) (4) in the brain which may be linked with mood. One recently published review (1) of the literature found that “Evidence suggests potential benefits of zinc supplementation as a stand-alone intervention or as an adjunct to conventional antidepressant drug therapy for depression”.  The review also called for further trials in the area of zinc and mood “However, there are methodological limitations in existing studies and so further well-designed, adequately powered research is required”. Another review (2) published last year found that data “not only indicate a role for zinc deficiency in the development of mood disorders, but also show that zinc may also be important in their treatment” A small pilot study was published last year (6) it looked at the impact of zinc in 30 young women.  The women were placed randomly….

It is beginning to get colder and Autumn and Winter appear to be on the horizon again.  Colds and flu season will start soon, there is much that can be done with nutrition in order to help reduce the severity of symptoms of the common cold.  Previously I have written about zinc and vitamin C in relation to the prevention and shortening of the common cold and I would recommend you visit this post for more information.   Colds are caused by viruses and our susceptibility to these infections is largely dictated by the efficiency of our immune system. A healthy diet providing our bodies with optimal nutrition may help to keep our immune systems strong and protect us from infection. The symptoms of a common cold, such as a tickly throat, headache and runny nose, tend to last from a few days to a couple of weeks. There is mixed evidence with regards prevention and treatment of colds with complementary health methods but a new review study (1) of 15 trials has found that taking zinc supplements in syrup, lozenge or tablet form within a day of symptoms starting can reduce their severity and shorten the length of illness. Zinc is essential for the efficient functioning of the immune system. Every cell in our body needs zinc. This mineral has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in the body which may account for these effects.   The authors of the review study (1) write in their introduction that “the common cold….