Nutrient Deficiency Affect Your Mental Health: Study

On the occasion of the National Nutrition Month 2020, Apollo Diagnostics, the diagnostic division of Apollo Health & Lifestyle Limited (AHLL) conducted a study on nutrition deficiency associated due to poorer diet and physical health among young, a major reason for mental health problems.

 

The nutrient plays a major role in our mental health, as it impacts our mood, anxiety level, ability to focus, and every other aspect of brain function. Eating well (i.e. a well-balanced diet rich in vegetables and nutrients) may be associated with feelings of wellbeing. Regular check-up of nutrition in the body is vital to get a well-balanced diet that can provide important vitamins for healthy lifestyle.

 

People with diets deficient are at risk. Low dietary intakes and all micronutrient deficiencies such as vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and folate, are associated with functional decline, decreased quality of life, and increased healthcare costs. Good nutrition helps in building blocks that are necessary for producing chemicals in the brain needed to properly regulate our mood and behavior.

 

Dr. Sanjay Ingle, Zonal Pathologist, and Technical Head West India, Apollo Diagnostics said “Micronutrient inadequacies are a common and avoidable contributor to decreased quality of life thus creating problems in their mental health. To understand the importance of proper nutrition to our body, Apollo Diagnostics conducted a study by taking a health check-up sample report among the age group of 25- 55. It has been noticed that around 20% of people who underwent health check-up in the last 12 months, has nutrition deficiency, a leading cause of mental health”

 

According to experts the following deficiencies are said to cause anxiety, depression, unstable moods….

 

• Zinc – Poor zinc levels can impact mood and anxiety levels, reduce appetite, and lead to people generally feeling like they have no energy or motivation to do things,
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids – It support healthy brain function and low levels can lead to unstable moods, depression, anxiety, poor focus, and attention,
• Vitamin D – It is needed for neurotransmitter production, and low levels have been linked to depression, anxiety, and a host of other mental health symptoms
• B12 – Intake of B12 help in improvement of depression.
• Magnesium- Magnesium levels that are lower than they should be, which can lead to increased anxiety and panic, restlessness, poor sleep, and irritability.
• Selenium- It helps improve mood.

 

People are unaware about the ignorance of the importance of nutrition such as Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Vitamin D, B12, Carbohydrates, Protein, Magnesium, Zinc, Iron, Folate, and Selenium in their daily diet. Regular test (health check-up) of such nutrition will keep their healthy lifestyle and will not affect their mental and physical health.