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Study Finds Nutrition Is A Key Factor For Psychological Health In Adults

NEWS

A new study has found that risk of malnourishment is linked to psychological distress among Canadian adults.

COMMENT

There is no doubt that nutrition plays a role in maintaining psychological health. Evidence of this can be seen in studies showing that nutritional approaches are effective in the prevention and control of depression, for example.

meta-analysis published in 2016 looked at 13 studies involving 1,233 participants and found that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce symptoms of even major depressive disorder. A study published in 2018 added still further support to the use of omega-3 fatty acids for controlling depression, finding that higher levels of these nutrients are linked to less depression in heart failure patients.

Other research has found evidence linking a deficiency of B vitamins with depression. A scientific review published in 2017 noted that low levels of B vitamins are common in depression and that supplementation with these nutrients has been shown to improve depression outcomes.

Similarly, a clinical trial published in 2017 showed that magnesium supplements are effective in the treatment of mild-to-moderate depression. Finding that daily supplementation with magnesium leads to a significant decrease in depression and anxiety symptoms, and that it works quickly and is well tolerated, the study concluded that magnesium may be a safe over-the-counter alternative to antidepressant drugs.

To read about research showing that eating a vitamin-rich Mediterranean-style diet may help prevent depression, see this article on our website.

Read article at medicalxpress.com