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Abstract
Effects of a Mediterranean-style diet on mental health and quality of life in people with depression
Journal of Nutrition and Intermediary Metabolism, Vol.8, p.92
Nutrition Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting, 40th (Melbourne, Australia, 29-Nov-2016–02-Dec-2016)
2017
Abstract
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.
Details
- Title
- Effects of a Mediterranean-style diet on mental health and quality of life in people with depression
- Authors
- Natalie Parletta (Author) - University of South AustraliaDorota Zarnowiecki (Author) - University of South AustraliaJihyun Cho (Author) - University of South AustraliaAmy Wilson (Author) - University of South AustraliaSvetlana Bogomolova (Author) - University of South AustraliaAnthony Villani (Author) - University of South AustraliaCatherine Itsiopoulos (Author) - La Trobe UniversityBarbara Meyer (Author) - University of WollongongK Segal (Author) - University of South AustraliaKerin O'Dea (Author) - University of South Australia
- Publication details
- Journal of Nutrition and Intermediary Metabolism, Vol.8, p.92
- Conference details
- Nutrition Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting, 40th (Melbourne, Australia, 29-Nov-2016–02-Dec-2016)
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Date published
- 2017
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.jnim.2017.04.119
- ISSN
- 2352-3859; 2352-3859
- Copyright note
- Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives License (http://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/), which permits non-commercial re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, and is not altered, transformed, or built upon in any way.
- Grant note
- National Health and Medical Research Council
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health - Nutrition & Dietetics; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450708802621
- Output Type
- Abstract
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