Understanding the Relationship Between Mental Health and Dietary Patterns: A Systematic Review of Recent Findings
Mahmoud Elsayed1, Hashim Khabiry1, Yara Mohamed1, Karim Swelam1, Shahd Ramdan1
1MME Foundation
Objective:
To assess how different dietary patterns impact mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and stress, through a systematic review.
Background:
The connection between mental health and dietary patterns is gaining increasing attention. This systematic review evaluates recent research on how dietary habits influence mental health outcomes, providing insights into their role in promoting well-being or contributing to mental disorders.
Design/Methods:
A thorough literature search was performed using PsycINFO and MEDLINE, reviewing studies from 2000 onward. This review focused on the relationship between dietary habits—such as nutrient intake, dietary patterns (e.g., Mediterranean, Western), and overall dietary quality—and mental health outcomes like depression, anxiety, and stress. Data were analyzed using R software, with primary outcomes measuring odds ratios (ORs) for depressive and anxiety disorders.
Results:
The review analyzed 50 studies from diverse populations and methodologies, revealing a significant correlation between poor dietary patterns—high in processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats—and increased rates of depressive symptoms (OR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.25-1.67) and anxiety disorders (OR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.10-1.56). In contrast, healthy dietary patterns, like the Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, were linked to improved mood, reduced depression and anxiety symptoms, and lower stress levels. The findings suggest dietary quality can either worsen or alleviate mental health symptoms.
Conclusions:
This systematic review provides substantial evidence supporting the strong relationship between mental health and dietary patterns. The findings underscore the importance of considering diet as a key factor in mental health interventions. Integrated approaches that combine nutritional guidance with mental health care could offer more comprehensive strategies for preventing and managing conditions such as depression and anxiety. As research in this area continues to evolve, future studies should focus on longitudinal designs and randomized controlled trials to further elucidate causal relationships and identify effective dietary interventions for mental health.
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