Impact of micronutrients on anxiety-depressive disorders in type 2 diabetics

Micronutrient deficiencies are common in type 2 diabetics (T2D), promoting the occurrence of anxiety-depressive disorders.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the micronutrient status of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), screen them for anxiety-depressive disorders, and investigate associations between these disorders and micronutrient intake.

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 115 type 2 diabetics. They underwent a dietary survey and completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) and Dopamine/Norepinephrine/Serotonin (DNS) questionnaires assessing anxiety-depressive disorders.

Deficiencies in the intake of vitamins (A, E, C, B) and minerals (magnesium, copper, iron, zinc) were noted. Negative and significant associations were found between depression scores and the intake of vitamin B1 (p=0.01) and vitamin B6 (p=0.024). Similarly, negative and significant associations were found between anxiety scores and the intake of vitamin B6 (p=0.049), vitamin B9 (p=0.019), and vitamin B12 (p=0.01). Referring to the DNS score, we found negative associations between the dopamine score and the intake of vitamin B9 (p=0.002), magnesium (p=0.003), and copper (p=0.007) ; between the norepinephrine score and the intake of vitamin C (p=0.046), vitamin B6 (p<0.001), magnesium (p=0.024), and zinc (p=0.009); and between the serotonin score and the intake of vitamin B12 (p=0.001), magnesium (p=0.027), and zinc (p=0.047). Conclusion : micronutrient deficiencies can exacerbate pre-existing anxiety and depressive disorders in type 2 diabetics. Systematic nutritional education is recommended, emphasizing a balanced and varied diet rich in vitamins and minerals.