Dietary exposures and common mental illness in the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA): a cohort-level GLAD project analysis
Abstract
Background: Worldwide, common mental disorders such as anxiety and depression are major contributors to disability. However, the role of diet as a risk factor for anxiety and depression remains underexplored. Therefore, we investigated the associations between food groups and major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety disorders, following a harmonized protocol to enable integration of studies. Methods: We analysed data from 1,634 participants in the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety to examine cross-sectional associations between 14 dietary exposures - derived from a 238-item Food Frequency Questionnaire (fruit, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds, milk, red meat, processed meat, sweet drinks, fibre, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and trans fats) - and anxiety and depressive disorders in the past month (assessed with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview). Secondary outcomes were depressive symptoms (Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology score [≥]13 vs. <13) and anxiety symptoms (Beck Anxiety Index score [≥]16 vs. <16). Logistic regression analyses were conducted for each dietary exposure, with depression and anxiety measures as outcomes. Results: 8.7% had MDD and 14.4% had an anxiety disorder in the past month. Higher vegetable intake was associated with lower odds of depression and anxiety disorders. Additionally, higher intakes of omega-3 fatty acids, red meat, whole grains, and fibre were associated…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 1,634 participants or records.
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