Medical sciences
Association of Serum Ascorbic Acid and Zinc Levels with Depressive Symptoms in Young Ecuadorian Adults: A Case-Control Study
By Guamán Espinoza SB, Cantos-Macías SM, Reyes LFC and 4 others.
Abstract
Background
This study assessed the association between serum ascorbic acid and zinc levels and depressive symptoms in young Ecuadorian adults.
Methods
A case-control study was conducted among individuals aged 18-34 years. A total of 88 young adults were included based on PHQ-9 scores: 44 with moderately severe-to-severe depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 15) and 44 with lower depressive symptom severity (PHQ-9 < 15). Serum samples were collected to measure ascorbic acid and zinc concentrations. We also collected sociodemographic data, sleep patterns, and self-reported frequency of consumption of vitamin C- and zinc-rich foods.