Abstract
BACKGROUND: The conception of psychiatric disorders as systemic diseases implies an important role of nutrition in mental health. Essential trace elements are present in very small amounts in the body, yet they are essential for many physiological functions. METHODS: Little is known about the potential role of chromium and selenium supplementation in mental disorders and other populations. To contribute to filling this gap, this review is focused on the possible benefits of chromium and selenium, alone or in combination with pharmacological treatments, in the treatment of mental disorders or psychiatric symptoms. RESULTS: Chromium and selenium show promising effects on psychiatric symptoms across mental disorders. Selenium may have benefits on anxious-depressive symptoms in healthy populations and groups at risk of nutritional deficits and psychiatric symptoms, for example, women in the post-partum. In addition, chromium was linked to improved insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, which can benefit not only metabolic health but also mood regulation, with specific benefits on atypical symptoms of depression, such as appetite/weight gain. Selenium plays a role in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which may suggest positive effects on psychopathology and other conditions linked to these mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS: Both trace elements may affect positively mental health and cardio-metabolic-inflammatory conditions, which have a strong link with psychiatric disorders and their prognosis. Despite the evidence is not conclusive, chromium and selenium supplementation are interesting options to investigate in future research on the personalization of treatment in mental disorders.