RESUMO
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.