Link Between Serum β-Carotene Levels and Suicidal Thoughts in Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Lv Jihua, Xu Tong, Lou Shuyue, Zhan Zhenxiang, Cheng Zicheng, Fu Fangwang
Primary Institution: The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University
Hypothesis
Lower serum carotenoid levels might be linked to an elevated likelihood of suicidal ideation.
Conclusion
Increased serum β-carotene level may decrease the susceptibility to suicidal ideation, especially in depressed people.
Supporting Evidence
- 245 individuals (3.3%) reported having suicidal ideation.
- Participants with suicidal ideation had lower levels of serum carotenoids compared to those without.
- 36.3% of the association between serum β-carotene and suicidal ideation was mediated by depressive symptoms.
Takeaway
This study found that people with lower levels of a nutrient called β-carotene are more likely to have thoughts about suicide, especially if they are also feeling depressed.
Methodology
Cross-sectional study using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) with serum carotenoids measured by high-performance liquid chromatography.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to unknown psychiatric history of participants.
Limitations
The cross-sectional design limits causal inference, and the study did not investigate dietary carotenoid intake.
Participant Demographics
Median age of 46 years, 51.1% female, majority non-Hispanic White (70.0%).
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.041
Confidence Interval
0.55–0.98
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website