#AI reads Urine# Association between heavy metals exposure and depression

This study analyzed data from 8,814 participants in the NHANES (2003-2020) using multiple statistical models to explore the association between heavy metal exposure and depression. The results showed that patients with depression had higher levels of urinary and blood cadmium, but lower levels of blood mercury and urinary thallium. Elevated urinary antimony and tungsten were associated with an increased risk of depression, while higher urinary thallium and blood mercury were linked to a reduced risk. Nonlinear relationships were observed between depression and several heavy metals, such as urinary cadmium and cobalt. In the mixed exposure analysis, tungsten and antimony were identified as the primary contributors to the increased risk of depression, while mercury and thallium showed inverse associations. Barium emerged as a key interactive factor. The study emphasizes the need to strengthen the control of heavy metal exposure, and further research is required to verify the relevant mechanisms and potentially associated heavy metals.

Eur J Med Res. 2026 Jan 14. doi: 10.1186/s40001-026-03850-x.

Youhe Gao

Statement: During the preparation of this work the author(s) used Doubao / AI reading for summarizing the content. After using this tool/service, the author(s) reviewed and edited the content as needed and take(s) full responsibility for the content of the published article.

For earlier AI Reads Urine articles：https://www.keaipublishing.com/en/journals/advances-in-biomarker-sciences-and-technology/ai-reads-urine/