Four nutrients in daily diet linked to lower depression odds, study finds

A US study using NHANES 2017–2018 (n=5,068) found that higher intakes of dietary fiber, folate, magnesium, and selenium were associated with lower odds of depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥10). Folate showed the strongest inverse link, with the highest intake tied to about 45% lower depression risk; fiber also showed robust associations, while magnesium and selenium were less robust after broader adjustments. The results are cross-sectional and modest in size (OR roughly 0.72–0.81 per 1-SD increase; Cohen’s d ~0.16–0.25), so they do not prove causality or support supplements. The authors advocate focusing on diverse, whole-food dietary patterns rather than pills, note average fiber intake was only about 16.6 g/day (below 25–38 g/day), and stress the need for longitudinal studies to confirm temporality and explore subgroup differences.