Gut Microbiome and Diet in Psychiatry: Focus on Depression
Gut Microbiome and Diet in Psychiatry: Focus on Depression
There have been a rapidly increasing number of observational studies documenting cross-sectional and prospective associations between habitual diet quality and the prevalence of risk for depression. These associations have been consistently observed in adults, adolescents and children across a multitude of different countries and cultures. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis, including results from 13 observational studies, concluded that a healthy diet is significantly associated with a reduced odds for depression [odds ratio (OR) 0.84; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.76–0.92; P < 0.001]. Similarly, a meta-analysis of 22 studies investigating the protective effects of adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet on brain diseases demonstrated that higher adherence was associated with a reduced risk for depression (relative risk 0.68, 95% CI 0.54–0.86), as well as cognitive decline. Moreover, increased consumption of unhealthy, sugar and fat-rich foods is related to an increased risk of psychological symptomatology in children and adolescents. Of particular note are results from two new, large, cohort studies suggesting an independent role for early life nutritional exposures in influencing the mental health of offspring. These observational studies are supported by two recent trials that indicate the efficacy of dietary improvement as a strategy for the prevention of depression. Although this field is still evolving, treatment trials are currently underway. The focus is now turning to the explication of biological pathways that may mediate this now-established association, foremost being the gut microbiota.
Diet and Mental Health
There have been a rapidly increasing number of observational studies documenting cross-sectional and prospective associations between habitual diet quality and the prevalence of risk for depression. These associations have been consistently observed in adults, adolescents and children across a multitude of different countries and cultures. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis, including results from 13 observational studies, concluded that a healthy diet is significantly associated with a reduced odds for depression [odds ratio (OR) 0.84; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.76–0.92; P < 0.001]. Similarly, a meta-analysis of 22 studies investigating the protective effects of adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet on brain diseases demonstrated that higher adherence was associated with a reduced risk for depression (relative risk 0.68, 95% CI 0.54–0.86), as well as cognitive decline. Moreover, increased consumption of unhealthy, sugar and fat-rich foods is related to an increased risk of psychological symptomatology in children and adolescents. Of particular note are results from two new, large, cohort studies suggesting an independent role for early life nutritional exposures in influencing the mental health of offspring. These observational studies are supported by two recent trials that indicate the efficacy of dietary improvement as a strategy for the prevention of depression. Although this field is still evolving, treatment trials are currently underway. The focus is now turning to the explication of biological pathways that may mediate this now-established association, foremost being the gut microbiota.
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