Dietary Diversity Score Linked to Depression, Anxiety, and Psychological Distress

Strategic Insights -

A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition has found a significant association between dietary diversity score and mental health outcomes in healthy adults. The research, conducted by a team of investigators from the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in Iran, aimed to evaluate the relationship between dietary diversity, depression, anxiety, and psychological distress. The study, which involved 3362 adults, used the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and General Health Questionnaires to assess anxiety, depression, and psychological distress.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that a lower dietary diversity score was associated with a higher risk of depression and psychological stress in both men and women.
  • The relationship between dietary diversity score and mental health outcomes remained significant after adjusting for various confounders in the final model.
  • The study used a validated 106-item self-managed dish-based food frequency questionnaire to assess dietary intake.
  • The research concluded that dietary diversity score is a significant predictor of mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and psychological distress.
  • The study's findings highlight the importance of a diverse diet in maintaining good mental health.
  • The research supports the growing body of evidence linking dietary habits to mental health outcomes.

Statistics:

  • The study involved 3362 healthy adults, aged between 20 and 65 years.
  • The lower tertile of dietary diversity score was associated with a 25% higher risk of depression.
  • Women in the lowest tertile of dietary diversity score had a 30% higher risk of psychological stress.
  • The study used a validated 106-item self-managed dish-based food frequency questionnaire to assess dietary intake.
  • The final model, adjusted for various confounders, showed a significant association between dietary diversity score and mental health outcomes.

Sources:

  • Depression, Anxiety, and Psychological Distress Are Related To Dietary Diversity Score. Topics in Clinical Nutrition, 2025;40(4):333-343.
  • Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Two Commerce Sq, 2001 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA. (journals.lww.com/topicsinclinicalnutrition/pages/default.aspx)