Abstract
This experiment was designed to assess the effect of dietary calcium supplementation on mood. The participants of the study were seventy-two male and female students. Using a double-blind procedure, they were administered either placebo or calcium tablets at the dosage of 2000 mg per day for a period of four weeks. The Beck Depression Inventory and the Depression Adjective Check Lists were used to assess the mood of the participants before treatment with the tablets, and at two, four, and five weeks after the start of the treatment. Also, their recall for negative-affect-laden words in comparison to positive-affect-laden words was measured through the use of a memory task. Calcium was found to improve mood, as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory, and decrease recall of negative-affect-laden words in comparison to positive-affect-laden words. The improvement of mood was greater for the individuals with a more depressive mood-state.
Arasteh, Kamyar (1987). An experimental study of the effect of calcium on mood. Texas A&M University. Texas A&M University. Libraries. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /DISSERTATIONS -747501.