Abstract

Two experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that the intake of supplementary calcium elevates mood. A total of 123 student volunteers without a previous diagnosis of depressive disorders received either placebo or calcium (1000 mg) tablets. The tablets were taken for a period of four weeks, one tablet, twice per day. In Experiment 1, mood was assessed at two times: Once before the start of calcium intake and another time after four weeks of calcium intake. The supplementary intake of calcium, compared to placebo, was associated with significantly greater elevation in mood as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory. In Experiment 2, mood was assessed before, two weeks after, and four weeks after calcium intake, as well as a fifth time, one week after the discontinuation of calcium intake. As in the first experiment, calcium, in contrast to placebo, produced a significantly greater elevation in mood. The results of these experiments show a beneficial effect of calcium on mood and suggest a possible use for the treatment of depressive disorders.