Nutrition and Depression: A Comprehensive Review of Dietary Influences on Mental Health

Description

Priyanka Kumari¹, Shalini Kushwaha², and Kannappa V. Shetty³ (IGNOU, New Delhi¹, Discipline of Nutritional Sciences, IGNOU, New Delhi², and School of Social Work, IGNOU, New Delhi³)

Diet and nutrition play a crucial role in maintaining mental health and well-being, as these disorders increase rapidly: depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and eating disorders. Nutrient-dense foods, especially rich in Omega-3 fatty acid vitamin B12, are essential for brain structure, neurochemical function, and psychological performance, neuronal membrane structure, mitochondria, inflammation, and genetic regulation. The Mediterranean diet can help to reduce depression, anxiety, and psychological well-being and simultaneously increase psychological well-being. Antenatal and postnatal nutrition significantly impact the development of mental health disorders, especially via epigenetic pathways, DNA methylation, and carbon metabolism-related nutrient functions. This review article summarizes a comprehensive analysis of randomized controlled trials, cross-sectional studies, and systematic reviews that scrutinize the bidirectional association between nutrition and psychological well-being. Overall, food quality and mental health outcomes are strongly correlated, according to substantial data. High consumption of ultra-processed foods, refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, and added sugars is a hallmark of Western dietary patterns, which have been repeatedly linked to increased risks of anxiety and depression. On the other hand, following a plant-based and Mediterranean diet is linked to better mental health and fewer depressive symptoms. The review shows the necessity of nutritional intervention during the prenatal and antenatal period, especially protein rich in tryptophan, micronutrients, mainly omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, zinc, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B9, folic acid, iron, probiotics, and physical activity, which also help to reduce anxiety symptoms and mood disorders. Collaboration between nutritionists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and public health practitioners is needed to transfer research findings into practical use.