Julia J Rucklidge – The Conversation

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March 3, 2026

Severe irritability in teens can be reduced by daily doses of vitamins and minerals – new research

Julia J Rucklidge, University of Canterbury; Angela Sherwin, University of Canterbury; Joseph Boden, University of Otago, and Roger Mulder, University of Otago

Teenagers with dysregulation disorders and from low-income families showed the strongest improvements in response to a treatment with micronutrients.

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June 3, 2024

For women with antenatal depression, micronutrients might help them and their babies – new study

Julia J Rucklidge, University of Canterbury; Elena Moltchanova, University of Canterbury; Roger Mulder, University of Otago, and Siobhan A Campbell, University of Canterbury

Adding vitamin and mineral supplements to the diet of pregnant women with antenatal depression not only reduced their symptoms and improved their functioning – it also benefitted their infants.

Research reveals links between the irritability, explosive rage and unstable moods that have grown more common in recent years, and a lack of micronutrients that are important for brain function. (Shutterstock)

December 8, 2021

Junk food and the brain: How modern diets lacking in micronutrients may contribute to angry rhetoric

Bonnie Kaplan, University of Calgary and Julia J Rucklidge, University of Canterbury

Ultra-processed foods high in sugar, fat and empty carbs are bad for the mind as well as the body. Lack of micronutrients affects brain function and influences mood and mental health symptoms.

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May 1, 2020

While we wait for a coronavirus vaccine, eating well, exercising and managing stress can boost your immune system

Julia J Rucklidge, University of Canterbury and Grant Schofield, Auckland University of Technology

Eating healthy food, exercising regularly and reducing stress are all measures we can take to stay as healthy as possible to fight off infection while we wait for a coronavirus vaccine.

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