The Impact of Personalized Dietary Interventions on Symptom Severity and Dietary Habits in Female Patients with Affective Disorders: A Pilot Study
Abstract
Introduction: Rapid advances in nutritional psychiatry highlight the central role of the gut-brain axis in the pathophysiology of mood disorders. Despite strong theoretical evidence linking poor dietary habits and dysbiosis to increased subclinical inflammation, standardized nutritional assessments and personalized dietary care are rarely implemented in routine clinical practice for patients with affective disorders.
Aim of the study: The objective was to perform a prospective evaluation of the impact of personalized dietary and educational interventions on the severity of depressive, anxiety, and manic symptoms, as well as on the modification of selected anthropometric parameters and behavioral dietary patterns in female patients with bipolar disorder (BD) and recurrent depression.
Materials and methods: This pilot study included a cohort of n = 25 female patients (mean age: 31.32 ± 11.23 years). The participants underwent a 12-week personalized dietary modification and nutritional education program (focused on reducing pro-inflammatory foods, establishing meal regularity, and providing targeted supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D3, magnesium, and sodium butyrate). Mental health status was evaluated at two time points (Point I-baseline, Point II-follow-up) using the GAD-7, HADS, MADRS, and YMRS scales. Body mass index (BMI) and dietary habit profiles were monitored concurrently.
Results: At the endpoint, a significant reduction in depressive symptom severity…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 25 participants or records.
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