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Anti-inflammatory dietary diversity and depressive symptoms among older adults: A nationwide cross-sectional analysis
This study explored the relationship between anti-inflammatory dietary diversity and depressive symptoms in a nationwide sample of older Chinese adults. Using data from the 2018 wave of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), depressive symptoms were assessed with the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10). Building on the dietary diversity index (DDI) from previous research, we developed two new indicators: the Protein-Enriched Dietary Diversity Index (PEDDI) and the Anti-Inflammatory Dietary Diversity Index (AIDDI). Multivariate logistic models, adjusted for potential confounders, examined associations between these dietary indices and depressive symptoms in 12,192 participants (mean age: 83.6 years). Higher scores in DDI (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.89–0.92) and PEDDI (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.88–0.93) were linked to lower odds of depressive symptoms, with an even stronger association observed for AIDDI (OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.78–0.83). These relationships persisted in subgroup and sensitivity analyses. Our findings suggest that a diverse diet, particularly rich in anti-inflammatory foods, may be associated with a reduced risk of depressive symptoms. If confirmed as causal, this evidence supports dietary interventions to help mitigate depression among older adults.
Year: 2022
