Nutrients: A Potassium-Rich Diet May Reduce the Risk of Depression

A new study has found that a diet rich in potassium may lower the risk of depression — and this has been confirmed with data from both the United States and South Korea.

According to the WHO, about 5% of the world’s adult population suffers from depression. While many factors influence its development, researchers writing in the journal Nutrients reported that among the seven minerals studied — sodium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, and calcium — potassium was consistently linked to a lower likelihood of depressive symptoms in both countries.

In the U.S., higher zinc intake additionally reduced the risk, while in Korea, sodium did — reflecting cultural differences in diet.

The analysis was based on large-scale national surveys: KNHANES (Korea) and NHANES (U.S.), which included more than 22,000 participants.

Mineral intake was assessed using 24-hour dietary recalls, and depression was tracked through established screening scales. The researchers controlled for numerous factors — from age to lifestyle — to identify a robust link between diet and mental health.

The potential mechanism of potassium’s effect lies in its role in nerve impulse transmission: through the sodium-potassium pump, it helps regulate neurotransmitters, including serotonin — the key “happiness hormone.” In addition, potassium-rich, balanced diets help reduce inflammation and support a healthy gut microbiota, both of which are important for emotional well-being.

Experts emphasize that, despite the observational nature of the study and the inability to establish direct causality, it is reasonable to recommend including potassium-rich foods in the diet: bananas, avocados, legumes, leafy greens, and potatoes. Such diets may serve as an accessible and safe strategy to reduce the risk of depression.