Trace Minerals and Anxiety: A Review of Zinc, Copper, Iron, and Selenium

Anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive fear or avoidance of perceived threats that can be persistent and debilitating. Diet is a modifiable risk factor that may contribute to the pathogenesis or treatment of anxiety, depending on diet quality. Although the biological mechanisms by which food, specific nutrients, and nutraceuticals impact mental health are not completely understood, implicated pathways include inflammation, oxidative stress, brain plasticity effects, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neurotransmitter metabolism. Essential dietary trace minerals such as zinc, copper, iron, and selenium are critical components for numerous biological proteins and may have a role in these proposed mechanisms related to brain health and anxiety. This narrative review examines the influence of essential trace elements zinc, copper, iron, and selenium on anxiety symptoms based on the latest peer-reviewed scientific evidence. Current research indicates that deficiencies in zinc, iron, and selenium are associated with anxiety, while copper overload may impact anxiety to a greater degree than copper deficiency. Further investigation is needed to understand the specific neurobiological mechanisms involved. Overall, the collective findings demonstrate the importance of optimizing trace mineral homeostasis for the mitigation of anxiety disorders and preservation of mental health.