In a new study, researchers found that depression is linked to nutrition in middle-aged and older Canadian people.
They found that lower intakes of fruits and vegetables were found to be linked to depression for both men and women, immigrants and those born in Canada.
The research was conducted by a team at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
The team found that men were more likely to experience depression if they consumed higher levels of fat or lower levels of omega-3 eggs.
For all participants, lower grip strength and high nutritional risk were associated with depression.
The consumption of fruits and vegetables was protective against depression, which has also been found in previous research.
Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant components in fruits and vegetables may account for this relationship.
Various minerals and vitamins (e.g., magnesium, zinc, selenium) present in fruits and vegetables may reduce plasma concentrations of C-reactive protein, a marker of low-grade inflammation associated with depression.
The team also found that omega-3 polyunsaturated fats were inversely associated with depression among men.
In addition, depression was linked to having chronic pain and at least one chronic health condition for both men and women.
This finding underlines the importance of health professionals being aware of the mind-body connection, with the hope that the alleviation of chronic pain may facilitate better mental health.
One author of the study is Dr. Karen Davison, Health Science Program Chair.
The study is published in BMC Psychiatry.
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