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Association between ultra-processed food consumption and risk of developing depression in adults: a systematic review
This systematic review aims to evaluate the relationship between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and the incidence of depression among adults. It focuses on the effects of dietary intake of UPF, characterized by high levels of additives and low nutritional value, on mental health outcomes. Following the Population, Intervention, Comparator, and Outcome (PICO) framework, the population was defined as adults, the intervention as UPF consumption, and the outcome as the risk of depression. A comprehensive search was conducted across six electronic databases: PubMed, PubMed Central, Cochrane, Google Scholar, PLOS One, and ScienceDirect, adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies published from 2019–2023 were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Duplicate entries were removed using Endnote™ (Clarivate, London, UK), and data extraction was standardized using Covidence (Veritas Health Innovation Ltd, Melbourne, Australia). The quality of the studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist. Nine studies with a combined sample of 79,701 participants were included. UPF consumption showed a consistent positive association with depression. Cohort studies reported that individuals in the highest UPF intake category had a 20–50% higher risk of developing depressive symptoms (e.g., hazard ratio: 1.22–1.52; 95% CI: 1.10–1.68). Mechanistically, findings highlighted UPF-induced gut dysbiosis, neuroinflammation, and disrupted neurotransmission as potential mediators. This systematic review concludes that increased UPF consumption is significantly associated with a higher risk of depression among adults. These results highlight the necessity of public health campaigns to lower UPF consumption and encourage better eating habits. Clinicians and policymakers should consider these associations when developing dietary guidelines and interventions to improve mental health outcomes. [NPID: UPF, ultra-processed, depression]
Year: 2025
