Rubidium, Salami and Depression

Abstract

Background: Depression may induce malnutrition, but, as a paradoxical hypothesis, malnutrition may induce depression. This relationship, of course, depends on how we define malnutrition. Current Knowledge: Rubidium is a trace element strongly linked with depression, and is deficient in uremia sufferers. However, in uremic patients, rubidium deficiency is more evident during predialysis, as it is at least partially corrected during dialysis and after transplantation. It seems that diet restrictions might be the main cause of rubidium deficiency, as it is mainly found in red meat. Conclusion: If rubidium is found in salami, then the occasional slice could be more beneficial for people suffering from depression than taking a lot of medication.

Further Evidence on Trace Element Imbalances in Haemodialysis Patients—Paired Analysis of Blood and Serum Samples

“…Almeida et al (2020) and Stojsavlkević et al (2022) both reported decreased serum concentrations in HD patients compared to a healthy control group [15,34]. Rubidium appears to be lost in the dialysis fluid during the dialysis process [66,91] and patients with renal failure also appear to have a decreased intake of Rb [92]. Together, these factors may explain the decreased Rb concentrations in HD patients.…”