The Impact of Drinking Water Quality on Mental Health and the Modifying Role of Diet

In a recent study published in BMC Medicine, researchers estimate how exposure to various trace elements in drinking water increases the risk of depression and anxiety.

Mental health disorders, particularly depression and anxiety, remain a leading cause of both disability and premature death throughout the world. Following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the prevalence of both anxiety and depression throughout the world rose by about 25%, thus exemplifying the widespread prevalence of these mental diseases.

Several factors may increase an individual’s risk of depression or anxiety, including genetics, social environment, and physical environment. Within the physical environment, exposure to heavy metals like cadmium has been shown to increase the risk of depression and anxiety, whereas other elements like manganese, copper, and selenium, all of which combat oxidative stress, have the potential to reduce the risk of depression.

To date, most studies investigating the impact of environmental risk factors on the incidence of depression and anxiety have been cross-sectional. Within China, few longitudinal studies have examined how exposure to metal and nonmetal elements in drinking water may impact the risk of depression and anxiety.

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Felisa Laboro has been working with addiction and substance abuse businesses since early 2014. She has authored and published over 1,000 articles in the space. As a result of her work, over 1,500 people have been able to find treatment. She is passionate about helping people break free from alcohol or drug addiction and living a healthy life.

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