Abstract

MICRONUTRIENTS AND MENTAL HEALTH: INFLUENCE OF VITAMINS AND MINERALS ON HORMONE SECRETION AND NERVOUS SYSTEM FUNCTION

Reetapa Chandra^*, Arpita Singh, Pratyasha Tiwari, Alsad Khan, Vinod Kumar Gupta

Abstract

Mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, stress-related conditions, and neurodegenerative diseases, represent a growing global public health challenge. Emerging evidence highlights the crucial role of nutrition, particularly micronutrients, in maintaining optimal brain function and psychological well-being. Micronutrients such as B-complex vitamins, vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, iron, iodine, copper, and omega-3 fatty acids are essential for neurotransmitter synthesis, neuronal signaling, myelination, energy metabolism, and neuroprotection. Deficiencies in these nutrients can impair cognitive performance, emotional regulation, and stress resilience, contributing to the development and progression of various psychiatric and neurological disorders. This review examines the biological functions of key micronutrients and their mechanisms of action within the nervous system. Particular emphasis is placed on their involvement in neurotransmitter production, oxidative stress reduction, immune modulation, mitochondrial function, and gut–brain axis regulation. Clinical and epidemiological evidence demonstrates significant associations between micronutrient deficiencies and mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. The review further discusses the clinical implications of micronutrient assessment, dietary interventions, and supplementation as adjunctive strategies in mental healthcare. Routine screening for nutritional deficiencies, personalized nutrition approaches, and public health initiatives aimed at improving micronutrient intake may enhance mental health outcomes and reduce disease burden. Overall, maintaining adequate micronutrient status is essential for supporting cognitive function, emotional stability, and long-term neurological health, highlighting the importance of nutrition in contemporary mental health management.

Keywords: Micronutrient deficiency, Mental health disorders, Neurotransmitter synthesis, Nutritional psychiatry, Neuroprotection.