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Effects of a Mediterranean-style diet on mental health and quality of life in people with depression
Abstract   Open access   Peer reviewed

Effects of a Mediterranean-style diet on mental health and quality of life in people with depression

Natalie Parletta, Dorota Zarnowiecki, Jihyun Cho, Amy Wilson, Svetlana Bogomolova, Anthony Villani, Catherine Itsiopoulos, Barbara Meyer, K Segal and Kerin O'Dea
Journal of Nutrition and Intermediary Metabolism, Vol.8, p.92
Annual Scientific Meeting of the Nutrition Society of Australia, 40th (Melbourne, Australia, 29-Nov-2016–02-Dec-2016)
2017
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnim.2017.04.119
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Abstract

Clinical Sciences
Background/Aims: Poor diets are an independent risk factor for depression while healthy diets are protective. Traditional Mediterranean diets (MedDiet) are associated with reduced cardiovascular disease risk which overlaps with depression. We investigated whether MedDiet can improve mental health. Methods: A total of 163 adults aged 18-65 with self-reported depression participated in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) providing nutrition education and fortnightly food hampers and cooking workshops for 3 months with 6 months follow-up. The control group attended fortnightly social groups. Participants completed mental health, quality of life (QoL) and dietary questionnaires. Data were analysed using linear mixed modelling and Pearson correlations. Results: In comparison to the control group at 3 months the treatment group had a higher MedDiet score (t = 4.27, p < 0.001), consumed more vegetables (t = 3.95, p < 0.001), fruit (t = 2.11, p = 0.037), nuts (t = 2.43, p = 0.016), wholegrains (t = 2.39, p = 0.018) and legumes (t = 2.45, p = 0.016), greater diversity of vegetables (t = 3.46, p = 0.001) and fruit (t = 2.08, p = 0.040) and less unhealthy snacks (t = -2.20, p = 0.030) and red meat/chicken (t = -2.25, p = 0.026). The treatment group had reduced depression scores (t = -2.02, p = 0.045), and higher mental health QoL scores (t = 2.17, p = 0.032). Reduced depression scores were correlated with increased MedDiet (r = -0.275, p = 0.006), consumption of nuts (r = -0.251, p = 0.011), legumes (r = -0.233, p = 0.018), and greater diversity of vegetables (r = -0.284, p = 0.004). Similar correlations were seen with other mental health and QoL improvements, particularly for legumes and diversity of vegetables and fruit. All changes were sustained at 6 months. Conclusions: This is one of the first RCTs to show a benefit of diet for mental health.

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