Relationship of zinc status with depression and anxiety among elderly population

Population aging is a global challenge. Old populations are prone to zinc deficiency. This study aimed to determine the association of zinc status with depression and anxiety among men and women aged 60+ years old. In this cross-sectional study, 297 elderly participants (144 males and 153 females) were studied. The dietary and serum zinc were assessed using a three-day dietary record and an auto-analyzer, respectively. Depression and anxiety were measured using Geriatric Depression Scale and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, respectively. Chi-squared test was used to compare qualitative variables. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess relationship between zinc status and depression/anxiety. The total zinc deficiency based on serum values was 23.2%. Dietary intake of zinc in 72.4%of participants was less than of the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR). The total depression prevalence was 42.2%. Moreover, 52.5% of the participants suffered from anxiety. The odds of depression among participants in the third tertile of serum zinc concentration was 51% lower than those in the first tertile (OR = 0.49, CI = 0.25–0.96, p = 0.03). No significant relationship was found between zinc intake and depression. Furthermore, serum or dietary zinc levels were not related to anxiety. This study showed a considerable zinc deficiency and depression/anxiety in the old population. A significant relation was found between serum zinc concentration and depression. Further surveys, especially cohort studies and clinical trials are needed to confirm these results. •Low level of serum zinc was observed among 23.2% of participants.•Dietary intake of zinc in 72.4% of participants was less than EAR.•The total depression and anxiety prevalence were 42.2% and 52.5% respectively.•Participants in the 3rd tertile of serum zinc concentration had 51% lower depression chance compared to the 1st one.