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Serum uric acid levels showed an inverse, linear association with depression risk, highlighting a potential biochemical marker for mental health in U.S.

Researchers conducted a retrospective study published in the June 2025 issue of Frontiers in Psychiatry to examine the association between uric acid levels and depressive symptoms among adults living with depression in the United States using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). 

They analyzed data from NHANES 2011–2020. Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline analysis were applied to assess the relationship between uric acid levels and depression. Subgroup analysis was performed to evaluate variable interactions, and results were illustrated using a forest plot.  

The results showed that 37,033 participants were included, with 8.95% identified as having depression. Mean uric acid levels were 317.69 μmol/L in the depression group and 323.34 μmol/L in the non-depression group, with significantly lower levels observed in the depression group. In the fully adjusted model, individuals in the third tertile of uric acid had a significant association with depression risk [P=0.002, OR 0.85 (0.76\~0.94)] compared to the first tertile. An approximately linear inverse relationship was found between uric acid and depression [P for nonlinear=0.360], with an OR of 1 at 312.20 μmol/L.  

Investigators concluded that serum uric acid levels were inversely associated with depression, highlighting the need for further research to clarify causality. 

Source: frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1544266/full