Ultra-processed food is positively associated with depressive symptoms among United States adults

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are increasingly available in the United States. Growing interest in the health impacts of UPF gave rise to a growing body of research, and in this study by Zheng et al. (2020), the authors investigated the links between UPF intake and symptoms of depression in adults. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2011–2016), dietary information from 24-h dietary recall interviews, and depressive symptom assessment using a nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire, the authors discovered a positive relationship between UPF intake and symptoms of depression. Thus, the authors conclude that UPF intake may raise the odds of experiencing depressive symptoms, especially in individuals who have low levels of physical activity. [NPID: Depressive symptoms, ultra-processed food, dose-response, cross-sectional study, NHANES]

Year: 2020

Reference: Zheng, L., Sun, J., Yu, X., & Zhang, D. (2020). Ultra-Processed Food Is Positively Associated With Depressive Symptoms Among United States Adults. Frontiers in nutrition, 7, 600449. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2020.600449