Does the usual dietary intake of patients with depression require vitamin-mineral supplementation?

Introduction. Research into diet and nutrition of patients with depression shows that their eating habits are frequently irrational and result in the inconsistent supply of nutrients, especially vitamins and minerals, whose deficiency leads to nervous system dysfunction. Aim. The aim of the study was to evaluate the content of selected vitamins and minerals in daily food rations of patients suffering from recurrent depressive disorders. Methods. The study involved a group of 69 people (54 women and 15 men, aged 18-65 years, mean age of women 45.7 +/- 12.2 years, men 46.0 +/- 12.2 years), treated for recurrent depressive disorders. A questionnaire designed in the Department of Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition, Medical University of Bialystok, was used to collect dietary data. The quantitative assessment of eating habits used a 24-hour diet recall including 3 weekdays and 1 weekend day. Results. The study showed that the supply of most nutrients assessed was inconsistent with recommendations. Conclusions. The results indicate that the need for vitamin-mineral supplementation should be considered individually. Nutritional education related to the proper choice of groups of food products is indicated at the time of clinical improvement to ensure the optimum supply of vitamins and minerals.