Minerals are critical in supporting several key functions related to mood disorders, including neuro transmitter synthesis, cellular metabolism, and immunocompetence. While micronutrient deficiencies were presumably thought to occur in lower-income countries, micronutrient depletion has emerged as a form of “type B” malnutrition in industrialized countries despite food surpluses. Modern-day malnutrition has been attributed to poor dietary patterns, marked by excess intake of refined sugars and the absence of nutrient-dense foods. View more