Behavioural Science Section

Effect of Micronutrient Supplementation on Mood in Nursing Home Residents
M.A. Gosney^a, M.F. Hammond^b, A. Shenkin^c, S. Allsup<sup>d

a</sup>Institute of Health Sciences, University of Reading, Reading,
^bDivision of Clinical Psychology, University of Liverpool,
^cDepartment of Clinical Chemistry, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool,
^dWhiston Hospital, Prescot, UK

Address of Corresponding Author

Gerontology 2008;54:292-299 (DOI: 10.1159/000131886)

  Key Words

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Micronutrients
• Nursing home
• Selenium

  Abstract

One third of older people in nursing and/or residential homes have significant symptoms of depression. In younger people, deficiencies in selenium, vitamin C and folate are associated with depression. This study examines the association between micronutrient status and mood before and after supplementation. The objective was to determine whether the administration of selenium, vitamin C and folate improved mood in frail elderly nursing home residents. Mood was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression rating scale (HAD), and Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Micronutrient supplementation was provided for 8 weeks in a double-blinded randomised controlled trial. Significant symptoms of depression (29%) and anxiety (24%) were found at baseline. 67% of patients had low serum concentrations of vitamin C, but no-one was below the reference range for selenium. Depression was significantly associated with selenium levels, but not with folate or vitamin C levels. No individual with a HAD depression score of 8, had selenium levels >1.2 µM. In those patients with higher HAD depression scores, there was a significant reduction in the score and a significant increase in serum selenium levels after 8 weeks of micronutrient supplementation. Placebo group scores were unchanged. This small study concluded that depression was associated with low levels of selenium in frail older individuals. Following 8 weeks of micronutrient supplementation, there was a significant increase in selenium levels and improved symptoms of depression occurred in a subgroup.

Copyright © 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Prof. Margot Gosney
University of Reading, Institute of Health Sciences
London Road, Building 22, 1st Floor
Reading RG1 5AQ (UK)
Tel. +44 118 378 6853, Fax +44 118 378 6862, E-Mail m.a.gosney@reading. ac.uk

  Article Information

Received: November 5, 2007
Accepted: March 20, 2008
Published online: May 8, 2008
Number of Print Pages : 8
Number of Figures : 0, Number of Tables : 5, Number of References : 48