Ultra-processed food diet linked to long-term depression risk.
Ultra-processed food diet linked to long-term depression risk.
The Link Between Ultra-Processed Foods and Long-Term Depression
High ultra-processed food consumption is linked to a higher risk of mental health problems in the long term.
A study conducted in Australia has revealed a concerning correlation between a diet high in ultra-processed foods and long-term depression. This association has been found to persist regardless of factors such as sex, body mass index, age, marital status, social living situation, or level of physical activity. While Australia has one of the highest rates of consumption of ultra-processed foods, data suggests that residents of the United States and the United Kingdom consume even more.
Ultra-processed foods typically contain five or more ingredients and are optimized for flavor and extended shelf life, often sacrificing nutritional value. These foods commonly contain sweeteners, preservatives, emulsifiers, artificial colors, and artificial flavors. Consequently, Australians receive over 40% of their daily calories from highly processed sources.
The study analyzed data from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study, involving 23,299 individuals aged between 27 and 76 years. The participants were followed up for 13 to 17 years, with their emotional health measured using the ten-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. To gain a wider view of ultra-processed food consumption, including its effects at various levels, the researchers included and oversampled immigrants from Southern Europe, where such foods play a smaller role in daily diets.
The findings of the study revealed that adolescents consuming ultra-processed foods regularly were more likely to experience symptoms of depression a decade later compared to those who followed healthier diets. This association between ultra-processed foods and subsequent depression was consistent across all demographics and lifestyle factors.
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Dr. Melissa Lane, the first author of the study, noted, “While Australians eat a lot of ultra-processed foods, the link with depression had never been assessed in a group of Australians. The findings, a first for an Australian population-based sample, associated high consumption of ultra-processed foods with an elevated risk of depression.”
What is particularly notable is the linear relationship observed between diet and depression risk. As the consumption of ultra-processed foods increased, so did the likelihood of developing depression. The risk was found to exceed the average experience in the study when ultra-processed foods constituted about 30% of an individual’s overall diet.
An important question that arises is whether ultra-processed foods lead to depression or if depression leads people to consume more ultra-processed foods. Although this observational study cannot firmly establish causation, it offers intriguing clues. The exclusion of participants undergoing depression treatment during the baseline reduces the possibility of reverse causality. However, the absence of baseline Kessler Scale administration is a limitation for determining causality.
Researcher André de Oliveira Werneck suggests that ultra-processed foods may indeed be the cause. He points out that other studies have indicated a substantial contribution of these foods to the total energy intake in North American, Australasian, and Western European countries. Furthermore, Dr. Lane suggests that ultra-processed foods, lacking important nutrients like protein and fiber while containing excessive amounts of carbohydrates, saturated fat, and energy, could contribute to gut problems and inflammation, both of which have links to depression.
While more research is needed to fully understand the link between ultra-processed foods and mental health, the findings urge individuals to consider making dietary changes for better mental well-being. Discontinuing the consumption of ultra-processed foods has shown promise in improving depressive symptoms, as evidenced by a clinical trial conducted by Dr. Lane and her colleagues called the SMILES Trial. This trial focused on dietary changes in individuals with depression and found that reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods led to a reduction in depressive symptoms.
In conclusion, the evidence is building to indicate that a diet high in ultra-processed foods may have long-term implications for mental health. As countries around the world continue to grapple with high rates of depression, it is crucial to consider the role that diet plays in overall well-being. By adopting healthier eating habits, individuals can potentially improve their mental health and enjoy a more fulfilling life.
