Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the relationship of serum calcium and magnesium level to depression and anxiety symptoms in 66 perimenopausal women. Daily nutrient intakes and dietary sources of calcium were analyzed by convenient method. General status was conducted by a questionnaire whereas the questionnaire of CED-S(the Center for Epidemiological studies-Depression Scale) was used for depression and Spielburger's STAI-S(state-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State) was used for anxiety. Fasting blood samples were collected, and serum calcium and magnesium concentrations were measured before and after calcium supplementation. The age distribution of the subjects was 49-55 years. Results indicated that serum calcium concentrations were significantly(P<0.05) increased to normal ranges after calcium supplementation. Depression and anxiety scores of the subjects with calcium supplementation were significantly(p<0.05) lower than those before calcium supplementation. There were significantly(P<0.05) decreased between serum magnesium concentration and depression and anxiety scores, but calcium concentration was not significantly decreased. These results suggest that psychological conditions of perimenopausal women are possibly effected by serum calcium and magnesium levels. More studies are needed to measure the long-term effects of calcium supplementation on psychological conditions in perimenopausal women.

• Keywords: calcium; magnesium; calcium supplementation; depression; anxiety; perimenopausal women