Nutritional status plays an important role in mental health, and poor nutrition may contribute to the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder(MDD). Data supports a relationship between MDD and folic acid status, with a strong likelihood that these nutrients can be used effectively to treat MDD or to augment existing treatments.

Although the nutrients discussed here have varying physiologic roles in maintaining mental health, what unifies them is that a deficiency of each is relatively common among individuals who consume a typical Western diet. Although nutrient deficiencies are prevalent among all Americans, they disproportionately affect low-income individuals.