THE ROLE OF DIET IN SPECIFIC MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS

Depression 

A number of cross-country and population-based studies have linked the intake of certain nutrients with the reported prevalence of different types of depression. For example, correlations between low intakes of fish by country and high levels of depression among its citizens – and the reverse - have been shown for many types of depression.

Complex carbohydrates as well as certain food components such as folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium and tryptophan are thought to decrease the symptoms of depression. Those with low intakes of folate, or folic acid, have been found to be significantly more likely to be diagnosed with depression than those with higher intakes. similar conclusions have been drawn from studies looking at the association of depression with low levels of zinc and vitamins B, B2 and C. In other studies standard treatments have been supplemented with these micro-nutrients resulting in greater relief of symptoms in people with depression and bi-polar affective disorder, in some cases by as much as 50%.

One way that vitamins and minerals may improve mental health and cognitive function is through their role in the brain’s conversion of amino acids. Much has been said in public fora about the importance of the neurotransmitter serotonin, and its presence in lower levels being linked to depression. Because of this, the precursor to serotonin – the amino acid tryptophan – has been the focus of much research. Some studies have found that combining tryptophan with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (ssrI) antidepressants gives better results than ssrIs alone. other dietary alterations can ease or hinder the entry of tryptophan to the brain.

Schizophrenia

Studies have looked at the impact of specific nutrients on the rates of schizophrenia in the general population, focusing on fats and antioxidants. epidemiological evidence has shown that people with schizophrenia have lower levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids in their bodies than those with no experience of the illness. other research has shown that antioxidant enzymes are lower in the brains of people with schizophrenia.

Further work is needed in this area to identify specific mechanisms through which diet can work alongside other care options to alleviate the symptoms of schizophrenia.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Specific connections have been found between the occurrence of Alzheimer’s and different intakes of foods, including saturated fat, vitamins and minerals. Although there have been few controlled clinical trials testing the effects of nutritional treatments, most evidence points to the role of nutrition in the prevention of, rather than the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Many of the studies have shown a positive association between saturated fat intake and the incidence of dementia, and a negative relationship between the incidence of dementia and intake of polyunsaturated fatty acid. one study looking at the total fat intake of eleven countries found a correlation between higher levels of fat consumption and higher levels of Alzheimer’s disease amongst over 65’s.

Other studies have explored the protection from Alzheimer’s that has been linked with high vegetable consumption. one long term population-based study found that high intakes of vitamins c and e were linked to a lower risk of Ad, particularly among smokers, and this finding has been replicated in other studies.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Many parents, teachers and others have reported great improvements when dietary changes are introduced to children with AdHd. Two food groups that have been implicated through clinical research are essential fatty acids (eFAs) and minerals. studies have found some eFAs to be significantly low in hyperactive children. A similar relationship has been found with levels of iron in children with symptoms of AdHd.

Diet and Depression - Key Findings