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Nutrients
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Diet, Inflammation and Mental Health
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Diet, Inflammation and Mental Health

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutritional Immunology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 August 2024) | Viewed by 18367

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Silke Matura

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Dept. of Psychiatry, University Hospital Frankfurt/Main, Heinrich-Hoffmann Str. 10, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Interests: effects of diet and physical activity on mental health; ecological momentary assessment to capture real-life data; interplay between the gut microbiome and the brain; leveraging omics for precision medicine in psychiatry

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

There is growing evidence that various types of mental disorders are associated with the increased expression of inflammatory proteins and/or cells. For instance, in depressive disorders chronic low-grade inflammation has been repeatedly found and is believed to contribute to some of the biological mechanisms associated with disease onset and treatment response. In recent years gut microbiota have received much attention for their role in mediating inflammatory processes. Since gut microbiota are crucial for the bidirectional communication between the brain and the periphery, the interplay between gut microbiota, inflammation, and mental health has become an increasingly important research topic. Dietary patterns have a direct effect on the gut microbiome. Findings from prior studies have demonstrated that several proinflammatory dietary components (e.g., fats and carbohydrates) are associated with an increased risk of poor health conditions, while other anti-inflammatory nutrients (e.g., fiber) may have protective effects on health conditions. Moreover, a number of studies have explored the potential of dietary interventions, such as pre-, pro-, and synbiotics, to tamper down inflammation. This Special Issue will feature the latest findings on the link between diet, inflammation, and mental health.

Dr. Silke Matura
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • inflammation
  • mental health
  • diet
  • gut microbiome
  • gut–brain axis
  • inflammatory index
  • short-chain fatty acids
  • dietary interventions
  • synbiotics
  • prebiotics
  • probiotics

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 296 KiB  
Article
Emotional Impact of COVID-19 and Emotional Eating and the Risk of Alcohol Use Disorder in Peruvian Healthcare Students
by Jhon Alex Zeladita-Huaman, Juan Pablo Aparco, Eduardo Franco-Chalco, Luz Nateros-Porras, Sonia Tejada-Muñoz, Denices Abarca-Fernandez, Iris Jara-Huayta and Roberto Zegarra-Chapoñan
Nutrients 2024, 16(17), 2901; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16172901 - 30 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1096
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to explore the association between the emotional impact of COVID-19 and emotional eating and the risk of alcohol use disorder among Peruvian health science students. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analytical study in which an online questionnaire was administered [...] Read more.
Background: This study aimed to explore the association between the emotional impact of COVID-19 and emotional eating and the risk of alcohol use disorder among Peruvian health science students. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analytical study in which an online questionnaire was administered to 456 health science interns from four cities in Peru. We used the COVID-19 Emotional Impact Profile questionnaire, Mindful Eating Questionnaire, and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. Spearman’s correlations were calculated and two multiple linear regression models were developed. Results: 68.4% of the participants were emotional eaters and 8.6% reported low-risk levels of alcohol use disorder. Based on the results of the first model, the overall emotional impact of COVID-19, being overweight or obese, depression and anxiety levels, and living with only one parent were factors associated with emotional eating. The results of the second model showed that the level of depression, living with just one parent, living alone, sex, and number of months as an intern were factors associated with the risk of alcohol use disorder. Conclusions: To reduce emotional eating and the risk of alcohol use disorder among interns, universities should implement interventions aimed at reducing the emotional impact of COVID-19 and provide nutritional counseling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet, Inflammation and Mental Health)
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14 pages, 320 KiB  
Article
Depression, Anxiety, Emotional Eating, and Body Mass Index among Self-Reported Vegetarians and Non-Vegetarians: A Cross-Sectional Study in Peruvian Adults
by Jacksaint Saintila, Sandra P. Carranza-Cubas, Antonio Serpa-Barrientos, Renzo Felipe Carranza Esteban, Denis Frank Cunza-Aranzábal and Yaquelin E. Calizaya-Milla
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1663; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111663 - 29 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2197
Abstract
Background: Vegetarianism is commonly associated with various health benefits. However, the association between this dietary regimen and aspects of mental health remains ambiguous. This study compared the symptoms of depression and anxiety, emotional eating (EmE), and body mass index (BMI) in Peruvian [...] Read more.
Background: Vegetarianism is commonly associated with various health benefits. However, the association between this dietary regimen and aspects of mental health remains ambiguous. This study compared the symptoms of depression and anxiety, emotional eating (EmE), and body mass index (BMI) in Peruvian vegetarian and non-vegetarian adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 768 Peruvian adults, of whom 284 (37%) were vegetarians and 484 (63%) were non-vegetarians. The Depression Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-2 (GAD-2), and an EmE questionnaire were applied; additionally, the BMI was calculated. Simple and multiple linear regression and Poisson regression models with robust variance were used to evaluate the association between depression, anxiety, EmE, and BMI with dietary patterns. Results: The vegetarians (Adjusted Prevalence Ratio [PR] = 0.24, 95% CI 0.16–0.31; p < 0.001) reported more depressive symptoms than the non-vegetarians. This trend persisted for anxiety, with an adjusted PR of 0.17 (95% CI: 0.01–0.29; p = 0.012). However, the vegetarians (adjusted PR = −0.38, 95% CI: −0.61–−0.14; p < 0.001) reported lower EmE scores compared to the non-vegetarians. Likewise, the vegetarians had a lower mean BMI than the non-vegetarians (B = −0.16, 95% CI: −0.21–−0.08; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Vegetarian diets are associated with increased symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as lower EmE and BMI scores. Further longitudinal studies are needed to elucidate these associations and determine causality and the underlying mechanisms involved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet, Inflammation and Mental Health)
14 pages, 806 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Link between Lifestyle, Inflammation, and Insulin Resistance through an Improved Healthy Living Index
by Franz Bruckner, Judith R. Gruber, Alea Ruf, Sharmili Edwin Thanarajah, Andreas Reif and Silke Matura
Nutrients 2024, 16(3), 388; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16030388 - 29 Jan 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1900
Abstract
Lifestyle factors—such as diet, physical activity (PA), smoking, and alcohol consumption—have a significant impact on mortality as well as healthcare costs. Moreover, they play a crucial role in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). There also seems to be a link [...] Read more.
Lifestyle factors—such as diet, physical activity (PA), smoking, and alcohol consumption—have a significant impact on mortality as well as healthcare costs. Moreover, they play a crucial role in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). There also seems to be a link between lifestyle behaviours and insulin resistance, which is often a precursor of DM2. This study uses an enhanced Healthy Living Index (HLI) integrating accelerometric data and an Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) to explore differences in lifestyle between insulin-sensitive (IS) and insulin-resistant (IR) individuals. Moreover, it explores the association between lifestyle behaviours and inflammation. Analysing data from 99 participants of the mPRIME study (57 women and 42 men; mean age 49.8 years), we calculated HLI scores—ranging from 0 to 4— based on adherence to specific low-risk lifestyle behaviours, including non-smoking, adhering to a healthy diet, maximally moderate alcohol consumption, and meeting World Health Organization (WHO) PA guidelines. Insulin sensitivity was assessed using a Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were used as a proxy for inflammation. Lifestyle behaviours, represented by HLI scores, were significantly different between IS and IR individuals (U = 1529.0; p = 0.023). The difference in the HLI score between IR and IS individuals was mainly driven by lower adherence to PA recommendations in the IR group. Moreover, reduced PA was linked to increased CRP levels in the IR group (r = −0.368, p = 0.014). Our findings suggest that enhancing PA, especially among individuals with impaired insulin resistance, holds significant promise as a preventive strategy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet, Inflammation and Mental Health)
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11 pages, 280 KiB  
Article
Mental Health Component Scale Is Positively Associated with Riboflavin Intake in People with Central Obesity
by Charalampia Amerikanou, Aristea Gioxari, Stamatia-Angeliki Kleftaki, Evdokia Valsamidou, Antonia Zeaki and Andriana C. Kaliora
Nutrients 2023, 15(20), 4464; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15204464 - 21 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2048
Abstract
Micronutrient deficiencies are a well-established fact in obesity. However, few studies exist on the relationship between micronutrient intake and mental health. In this study, we investigated the associations between daily intakes of vitamins and minerals and scoring items that measure mental health in [...] Read more.
Micronutrient deficiencies are a well-established fact in obesity. However, few studies exist on the relationship between micronutrient intake and mental health. In this study, we investigated the associations between daily intakes of vitamins and minerals and scoring items that measure mental health in people living with central obesity. One hundred males and females with central obesity and metabolic abnormalities were included in the study. Demographic, clinical, anthropometric, and biochemical data were collected. Mental health statuses were assessed with validated questionnaires, and daily micronutrient intakes were assessed with food diaries and Nutritionist ProTM software v7.9. The mental component score (MCS-12) positively correlated with vitamin A (Rho = 0.249, p = 0.038), vitamin C (Rho = 0.293, p = 0.014), riboflavin (Rho = 0.264, p = 0.026), and folate (Rho = 0.238, p = 0.046). Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) correlated with sodium (Rho = 0.269, p = 0.026), and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale Revised (CESD-R) correlated with chromium (Rho = 0.313, p = 0.009). In the regression analysis, after potential confounders were adjusted for, only riboflavin was positively associated with the MCS-12 log (beta ± SD = 0.047 ± 0.023, p = 0.044). Our study provides evidence of the link between dietary riboflavin and mental health in people with obesity, and it highlights the importance of monitoring both nutritional status and mental health when managing obesity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet, Inflammation and Mental Health)
15 pages, 1182 KiB  
Article
Association between Depressive Symptoms and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Nursing Students
by Vanessa Ibáñez-del Valle, Rut Navarro-Martínez and Omar Cauli
Nutrients 2023, 15(14), 3158; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15143158 - 15 Jul 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2411
Abstract
With university admission, there are major changes in students’ daily habits that can lead to mental health problems. In this respect, adherence to a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet (MD), can be very beneficial. The present study examines the associations between [...] Read more.
With university admission, there are major changes in students’ daily habits that can lead to mental health problems. In this respect, adherence to a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet (MD), can be very beneficial. The present study examines the associations between adherence to the MD and mental health among Spanish nursing students (n = 289). Sociodemographic data and life habits were collected electronically using a self-administered questionnaire. The participants also completed the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS-14) and the Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale (GADS). The percentage of anxiety and depression symptoms was high: 45.3% (n = 131) and 46.4% (n = 134), respectively. Only 35.6% reported good adherence to the MD (score ≥ 9). The statistical analysis showed poor adherence to the MD to be significantly and positively associated with depressive symptoms (p = 0.013) and the total score on the GADS (p = 0.039). A multivariable regression model analysis identified the depression subscale score as a predictor variable, with a mean risk of low adherence to the MD being 0.803 times (95%CI: 0.666–0.968, p = 0.021) among participants with greater depressive symptoms. These results support the implementation of prevention programs in universities focused on health and mental health issues. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet, Inflammation and Mental Health)
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Review

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24 pages, 810 KiB  
Review
A Microbial-Based Approach to Mental Health: The Potential of Probiotics in the Treatment of Depression
by Dinyadarshini Johnson, Vengadesh Letchumanan, Chern Choong Thum, Sivakumar Thurairajasingam and Learn-Han Lee
Nutrients 2023, 15(6), 1382; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15061382 - 13 Mar 2023
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 7893
Abstract
Probiotics are currently the subject of intensive research pursuits and also represent a multi-billion-dollar global industry given their vast potential to improve human health. In addition, mental health represents a key domain of healthcare, which currently has limited, adverse-effect prone treatment options, and [...] Read more.
Probiotics are currently the subject of intensive research pursuits and also represent a multi-billion-dollar global industry given their vast potential to improve human health. In addition, mental health represents a key domain of healthcare, which currently has limited, adverse-effect prone treatment options, and probiotics may hold the potential to be a novel, customizable treatment for depression. Clinical depression is a common, potentially debilitating condition that may be amenable to a precision psychiatry-based approach utilizing probiotics. Although our understanding has not yet reached a sufficient level, this could be a therapeutic approach that can be tailored for specific individuals with their own unique set of characteristics and health issues. Scientifically, the use of probiotics as a treatment for depression has a valid basis rooted in the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) mechanisms, which play a role in the pathophysiology of depression. In theory, probiotics appear to be ideal as adjunct therapeutics for major depressive disorder (MDD) and as stand-alone therapeutics for mild MDD and may potentially revolutionize the treatment of depressive disorders. Although there is a wide range of probiotics and an almost limitless range of therapeutic combinations, this review aims to narrow the focus to the most widely commercialized and studied strains, namely Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and to bring together the arguments for their usage in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Clinicians, scientists, and industrialists are critical stakeholders in exploring this groundbreaking concept. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diet, Inflammation and Mental Health)
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