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Effect of dietary diversity on depression and depressive symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies
Understanding the nuances of mental health is crucial, particularly as depression remains the leading cause of disability and mental health-related disorders globally. Recent discussions have turned toward modifiable lifestyle factors, notably nutrition, as potential contributors to common mental health issues. Among these, dietary diversity (DD)—the variety of food groups consumed over a specific timeframe—merits deeper exploration given its significance for diet quality.
This research conducted a thorough search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, focusing on published observational studies examining the effects of dietary diversity on depression in adult populations (aged 18 years and older). The inclusion criteria mandated strictly observational designs and excluded studies involving children, adolescents, pregnant or lactating women, and those with insufficient data.
A total of 4,372 studies were identified, but only nine cross-sectional studies met the criteria for inclusion in the final analysis. The meta-analysis yielded compelling findings: a more diverse diet correlates with a notable reduction in depression and depressive symptoms, as indicated by a pooled odds ratio of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.74 to 0.88; p = 0.000; I2 = 96.0%).
In summary, this systematic review and meta-analysis substantiate an inverse relationship between dietary diversity and depression, suggesting that increased dietary variety may contribute to better mental health outcomes. Nevertheless, it is essential to note that the study’s reliance on cross-sectional research limits its ability to establish causal relationships definitively, signifying the need for further research in this area. [NPID: Dietary diversity, depression, mental health, observational studies]
Year: 2025
