Association between Western dietary patterns, typical food groups, and behavioral health disorders: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Western dietary patterns (WDP) and common food groups may significantly contribute to the risk of behavioral health disorders. However, the relationships between WDP, specific food categories, and mental health disorders remain inconsistent and poorly understood in terms of underlying mechanisms. This study by Zhang et al. (2023) aimed to synthesize existing evidence linking WDP and typical food groups to behavioral health outcomes. The authors searched PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and MEDLINE databases (up to August 2023). The analysis comprised 54 studies in total. The results showed that WDP was substantially linked to a higher incidence of depression and its symptoms. Additionally, except for high-fat dairy products, most food groups within WDP were linked to a higher risk of anxiety, depression, and depressive symptoms. This review provides further evidence supporting the association between Western dietary patterns (WDP), typical food groups, and behavioral health disorders. More randomized controlled trials and longitudinal cohort studies are urgently needed to confirm these findings and investigate potential underlying mechanisms. [NPID: Behavioral health disorders, depression, red meat, refined grain, western dietary patterns]

Year: 2023

Reference: Zhang, H., Li, M., Mo, L., Luo, J., Shen, Q., & Quan, W. (2023). Association between Western dietary patterns, typical food groups, and behavioral health disorders: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Nutrients, 16(1), 125. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16010125

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