Diet, Disease, and Mental Health
The CNP Diet, Disease, and Mental Health Research Category consolidates research exploring the interdependent relationship between diet, disease, and mental health. To view each original study on the open internet, click “Original.” To view the CNP-written abstract summary, click “CNP Summary.” While only some of the CNP-written abstract summaries are available below for free, all abstract summaries are available to CNP members through the CNP Library Membership.
FEATURED CNP RESEARCH SUMMARY
In this 2017 study, 214 patients with prediabetes and 200 control subjects were randomly selected from a clinic in Iran, and assessed on the level of inflammation induced by their diet. Food frequency questionnaires obtained dietary data while dietary inflammatory index (DII) was used to examine dietary inflammation. The purpose of this study was to examine whether this dietary inflammatory index (DII) can predict the risk of prediabetes. Compared to participants calculated to be in the 1st tertile for dietary inflammation, those in the top tertile (with higher inflammatory potential) were found to have significantly higher fasting plasma glucose, oral glucose tolerance, haemoglobin A1C (measures average blood sugar level over past 3 months), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride, and body fat, as well as lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and lean body mass. After adjustments were made to the analysis model, the most pro-inflammatory DII group were found to be 19 times more likely to develop prediabetes, compared with subjects with the lowest inflammatory potential group. Vahid et al. concluded that the participants who consumed a more pro-inflammatory diet were at increased risk of prediabetes compared with those who consumed a more anti-inflammatory diet.
2021
Trends in dietary patterns and diet-related behaviors in China
In this study by Bu et al. (2021), the authors investigated how dietary-related behaviors impacted cardio-metabolic diseases by examining data (consumed foods, frequency of intake, weight, timing, location, method of preparation, preferences, nutritional knowledge, and structure) from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (1997-2011). The study revealed that nutritional trends favored the intake of dairy products, fruit, snacks, beverages, and fast food more substantially than rice, which had a declining rate of consumption. This demonstrated an increase in the rate and diversity of current food categories, frequency of eating, eating at home, and cooking methods employed in preparing food. Furthermore, surveyed participants demonstrated a preference for carbohydrate-dense foods (fruits, vegetables) and energy-dense foods (beverages, snacks, meat), denoting a shift towards a Western-styled diet (high intake of animal-based food sources and fats) from a diet that is mainly based on plants. An overall substantial increase in fat intake concurrent with a substantial reduction in energy, protein, and carbohydrate intake was also found. The authors conclude that major changes have been observed in the dietary pattern and subsequent related behaviors in the Chinese population, with trends favoring enhanced modernization and dietary diversity. [NPID: Cardiometabolic risks, dietary behaviors, dietary patterns, fat, nutrition transition, China]
2022
Consumption of grapes modulates gene expression, reduces non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and extends longevity in female C57BL/6J mice provided with a high-fat western-pattern diet
Grapes are thought to ameliorate the negative impact of Western diets. In this study by Dave et al. (2022), the authors evaluated the impact of grapes in an animal experiment using female C57BL/6J mice. The mice consumed a standard (semi-synthetic) diet (STD) from the age of six weeks up to 11 weeks, thereafter they were divided into groups receiving either STD, a high-fat diet (HFD, simulating the Western diet), an STD plus 5% standardized grape powder (STD5GP) or an HFD plus 5% standardized grape powder (HFD5GP). The dietary intervention continued for 13 weeks, thereafter the animals were euthanized, followed by sample collection (hepatic biomarkers, histology, and RNA sequencing). Genetic expression analysis revealed substantially enhanced protein synthesis, RNA and mitochondrial functioning, glutathione pathways, drug metabolism, oxidative stress, and detoxification pathways in STD5GP mice compared to STD controls. These gene expression differences were explained by the upregulation of oxidative stress-reducing and detoxifying genes Gstp1, Gss, Gpx7, Sod1, Gpx4, and Gpx8. Genetic expression analysis of the HFD groups demonstrated a substantial upregulation in fat metabolism, transportation, sequestration, hydrolysis, and downregulation in lipid content and cholesterol synthesis, with 5GP supplementation. These gene expression differences were further explained by observing a discrepancy in metabolic pathways responsible for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and Alzheimer's disease with 5GP supplementation. Histological analysis demonstrated the development of NAFLD with exposure to HFD, which was attenuated by 5GP supplementation. In a final experiment to determine the impact of GP on animal survival, C57BL/6J mice at the age of four weeks received STD for 10 weeks, followed by HFD or HFD5GP (n = 100/group). The others noted that HFD5GP mice lived longer in comparison to HFD mice. The authors conclude that grape supplementation ameliorates oxidative damage & NAFLD, enhances fatty acid metabolism, and improves survival when coupled with HFD. [NPID: C57BL/6J mice, RNA sequencing, grapes, high fat diet, metabolic diseases, nutrigenomics]
2021
Effect of low glycaemic index or load dietary patterns on glycaemic control and cardiometabolic risk factors in diabetes: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Coming Soon.
2022
Co-occurrence of food addiction, obesity, problematic substance use, and parental history of problematic alcohol use
Hoover et al. (2022) conducted their study to investigate the relationships between recreational substance use (cannabis, alcohol, nicotine vapes, and cigarettes), obesity, parental problematic alcohol use, and the incidence of food addiction (FA), in an attempt to discover an addictive-like eating behavioral phenotype. Using a sample of 357 adults (50.3% female, mean age = 40.7 years old, 77.6% white), the authors collected data on participant body mass index, demography, and habits through the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (YFAS2.0), the Cannabis Use Disorders Identification Test, the E-Cigarette Dependence Scale, the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence, and the Family Tree Questionnaire. Analysis of the results revealed that participants who smoked, used cannabis, vaped, have current problematic alcohol use, or had a family history of problematic alcohol use had higher odds of suffering from FA. Furthermore, the authors discovered no significant relationships between obesity and substance use or parental history of problematic alcohol use. The authors regard it appropriate to view FA as an addictive disorder, and that FA is linked to parental history of problematic alcohol use and to problematic substance use. Finally, the authors conclude that recognizing FA as an addictive disorder is important for the future of clinical diagnosis and management. [NPID: Substance use, alcohol, cannabis, vape, food addiction, obesity, diet]
CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership
2018
The Western diet-microbiome-host interaction and its role in metabolic disease
Although the Western diet-like dietary pattern is strongly linked with obesity and metabolic diseases, Zinöcker & Lindseth (2018) point out the uncertainty over the biological mechanisms involved in this interaction. The Western diet may promote inflammation, as the ultra-processed foods (common feature of the Western diet) creates an attractive gut environment for microbes that induce various forms of inflammatory disease. Looking at food patterns, whole foods appear to be present in diets associated with a low level of diet-related disease. This review supports further analysis of how ultra-processing alters the properties of whole foods and how these foods affect the gut microbiome. In addition to nutritional research, food production industries should also consider the implications of microbiome’s role in disease development. The goal should be to achieve health in the “super-organism” of man and microbes. Finally, stronger regulation of potentially hazardous components of food products may be warranted. [NPID: diet, disease, mental health, obesity, metabolic diseases, Western-style diet, WS diet, inflammation, ultra-processed foods, microbes, gut-brain axis, gut microbiome, microbes]
2019
The Mediterranean Diet and 2-Year change in cognitive function by status of type 2 diabetes and glycemic control
This 2019 study utilized the data of the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study to determine the relationship between diet quality and 2-year changes in cognitive function. The aim was to specifically inspect the association between the Mediterranean diet score (MeDS) with the 2-year difference in cognitive function, comparing those with and without type 2 diabetes, and those with controlled and uncontrolled blood glucose levels. Comparisons were also made with other diet quality scores such as Healthy Eating Index, Alternate Healthy Eating Index, and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension scores. Mediterranean diet score (MeDS) was the only diet quality score that was positively associated with 2-year alterations in cognition in type 2 diabetes but was not in non-diabetics. Similar results were recorded for other cognitive tests (Mini-Mental State Examination, word recognition, digit span, and clock drawing tests). The results also remained consistent for individuals under glycemic control at baseline and either improved or kept stable over the 2 years, but this was not the case for individuals with uncontrolled or poor/declined glycemic control. Other findings include the link between all diet quality scores with higher 2-year memory function in adults without type 2 diabetes. Mattei et al. thus deduce from this study that adhering to a Mediterranean diet and effectively managing type 2 diabetes may support optimal cognitive function. [NPID: diet, disease, mental health, diet quality, cognition, Mediterranean diet, Med diet, blood glucose levels, DASH, diabetes, type 2 diabetes, word recognition]
CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership
2019
Identification of psychological factors associated with adherence to self-care behaviors amongst patients with type 1 Diabetes
In this 2019 study, a group of patients with type 1 diabetes was assessed on emotional state, beliefs, concerns regarding the illness, and other personality, clinical, and sociodemographic variables. The aim of the study was to identify the factors that influence the diabetics’ adherence to self-care behaviors. Among the 428 patients questioned, 60.1% reported difficulty following the treatment recommendations for their disease. The basis for their non-compliance includes mood (25.2%), lack of motivation (13.4%), work (12%), and economic difficulties (3.8%), while 5.7% had other personal reasons. The following variables were found to predict adherence to self-care behaviors: motivation; training in diabetes management; importance the patient attributed to the disease; and self-efficacy. Variables associated with low adherence include depression and anxiety, which were both prevalent in this study group. In conclusion, motivation, training in diabetes management, beliefs regarding the disease, and self-efficacy were the main contributors to adherence to self-care behaviors among patients with type 1 diabetes, while anxiety and depression were linked with lower adherence. In order to increase patient involvement in self-care, Alvarado-Martel et al. suggest the implementation of strategies designed to stimulate discussion of beliefs about the disease, encourage self-efficacy, and elevate motivation levels. [NPID: diet, disease, mental health, personality, sociodemographic variables, self-care, motivation, lack of motivation, mood, economic difficulties, diabetes, diabetes management, self-efficacy, type 1 diabetes, anxiety, depression]
2019
Preceding psychological factors and calorie intake in patients with type 2 diabetes: investigation by ecological momentary assessment
In this 2019 study, nine outpatients with type 2 diabetes were given personal digital assistants for 6 months to record their psychological stress, anxiety, and depressive mood, as well as food and drink they consumed. The objective was to determine whether preceding psychological factors influence calorie intake within 5 hours. In past studies, questionnaires were used to obtain data, but they include recall bias. The personal digital assistant provides a means to record subjective symptoms and behaviors in participants’ daily lives. Higher psychological stress correlated with higher calorie intake from snacks within the following 5-hour time period. Whereas psychological stress, anxiety, and depressive mood were inversely associated with calorie consumption from regular meals. In summary, psychological factors were shown to affect the number of calories type 2 diabetic patients consume. [NPID: diet, disease, mental health, psychological stress, anxiety, depression, stress, type 2 diabetes, diabetes]
CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership
2017
Association between Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) and risk of prediabetes: A case-control study
In this 2017 study, 214 patients with prediabetes and 200 control subjects were randomly selected from a clinic in Iran, and assessed on the level of inflammation induced by their diet. Food frequency questionnaires obtained dietary data while dietary inflammatory index (DII) was used to examine dietary inflammation. The purpose of this study was to examine whether this dietary inflammatory index (DII) can predict the risk of prediabetes. Compared to participants calculated to be in the 1st tertile for dietary inflammation, those in the top tertile (with higher inflammatory potential) were found to have significantly higher fasting plasma glucose, oral glucose tolerance, haemoglobin A1C (measures average blood sugar level over past 3 months), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride, and body fat, as well as lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and lean body mass. After adjustments were made to the analysis model, the most pro-inflammatory DII group were found to be 19 times more likely to develop prediabetes, compared with subjects with the lowest inflammatory potential group. Vahid et al. concluded that the participants who consumed a more pro-inflammatory diet were at increased risk of prediabetes compared with those who consumed a more anti-inflammatory diet. [NPID: diet, disease, mental health, Iran, inflammation, dietary inflammatory index, DII, plasma glucose, oral glucose tolerance, hemoglobin A1c, blood sugar, low-density lipoprotein, LDL, triglycerides, body fat, HDL, lean body mass, prediabetes, anti-inflammatory diet]
2018
Whole fruits and fruit fiber emerging health effects
Although the evidence for the health benefits of consuming adequate levels of whole fruits has been growing, Dreher (2018) emphasizes that less than 10% of most Western populations manage to eat sufficient levels of whole fruits and dietary fiber. The purpose of this study was to present these health benefits associated with the adequate intake of whole fruits throughout the human life cycle. Consuming recommended levels reduces/prevents gastrointestinal issues (e.g. constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases, and diverticular disease), promotes long-term weight management, and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, following this recommendation can protect against colorectal and lung cancers, improve odds of successful aging, reduce the severity of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, enhance mental well-being, and contribute to higher bone mineral density. Thus, low consumption of whole fruits may represent a more serious global population health threat than previously thought. [NPID: diet, disease, mental health, fruits, fiber, Western-style diet, WS diet, gastrointestinal issues, constipation, IBS, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease, weight management, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, well-being]
CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership
2015
Increased intake of foods with high nutrient density can help to break the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition and obesity
Troesch et al. (2015) organized a workshop held in Groningen (The Netherlands) to discuss the general population’s nutritional situation and the role of diet in their lives during critical periods. Nutrition is widely known to influence the risk and the time of onset of many common non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Even in wealthy countries, people find it difficult to eat adequate amounts of nutrients, which results in obesity and suboptimal nutrient status. The provision of information about nutrition density (referring to micronutrient content relative to energy in foods/diets) may help the general public identify foods with low calorie to nutrient ratios, leading to reduced incidence of obesity. The author suggests that researchers, the food industry and governments should team up to develop affordable and appealing nutrient-rich food products. Combined with increased physical activity, we may be able to achieve optimal health throughout our life cycles. [NPID: diet, disease, mental health, The Netherlands, Groningen, NCDs, non-communicable disease, obesity, nutrient deficiencies, public health]
2015
An overview of the nutrition transition in West Africa: implications for non-communicable diseases
This 2015 review provides an insight into the more recent nutritional developments in West Africa. While undernutrition remains a big problem, dietary patterns have changed as urbanisation increased and technology improved. There is evidence that intake of fruits and vegetables is low universally in West Africa, and obesity is becoming more prevalent. Most of the countries in Western Africa are at the early stages of nutrition transition but countries such as Cape Verde, Ghana and Senegal are at the latter stages. In the big cities, kids eat as much as 7 times more candies, ice cream and sweetened beverages as fruits and vegetables. In addition to the rise in adult obesity rates (115% in 15 years since 2004), there has been an increase in incidence of hypertension (high blood pressure) in countries such as Burkina Faso and Cape Verde. It has been reported to be more common in the cities. Furthermore, the prevalence of diabetes ranges from 2.5 - 7.9% but it is as high as 17.9% in Dakar, Senegal. And it is not only people in the high socioeconomic classes that are affected by these nutritional factors. In cities such as Accra and Ouagadougout, at least 19% of adults from the poorest households are overweight, while 19-28 % have hypertension. The cooperation of governments, partners, private sector and civil society is needed to regulate the food and drink industry and to promote healthy eating to the public. [NPID: diet, disease, mental health, West Africa, malnutrition, FV intake, fruits, vegetables, obesity, Cape verde, Ghana, Senegal, hypertension, high blood pressure, Burkina Faso, high socioeconomic class, Affra, Ouagadougout, poor, overweight, public health]
CNP Research Summary can be found in the CNP Library Membership
2019
The relationship between psychological states and health perception in individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease
Since inadequate health perceptions may lead to non-adherence to healthy behaviors, this 2019 study investigated the relationship between health perceptions and psychological states (depressive symptoms and anxiety). The sample (828 adults with 2 or more cardiovascular disease risk factors) rated their perceived health from excellent to poor, and their 10-year cardiovascular disease risk scores were calculated. Lee et al. determined how consistent the subjects’ perceived health ratings were with their risk scores. The objective of the study was to find out whether their psychological states are associated with the level of consistency between health perception and estimated risk for cardiovascular disease. Health perceptions were found to be congruent in around 55% of the sample population, pessimistically biased in 12%, and optimistically biased in ~33%. Depressive symptoms strongly correlated with pessimistic bias. A disconnect between individual health perceptions and their cardiovascular disease risks was linked with depressive symptoms. Since health perception is affected by signs of depression, clinicians may be advised to consider the depressive symptoms when encouraging individuals to make changes to their lifestyle choice. [NPID: diet, disease, mental health, health perception, psychological stress, depression, anxiety, cardiovascular disease, pessimistic, pessimism]
2017
Dietary patterns and mental health after myocardial infarction
The aim of this 2017 study was to examine the relationship between dietary patterns and mental health among elderly patients with a history of myocardial infarction (heart attack). The diets of 2171 adults (aged between 60 and 80 years) were evaluated with a food frequency questionnaire and 2 different assessment scores (the Dutch Healthy Nutrient and Food Score [DHNaFS] and the Dutch Undesirable Nutrient and Food Score [DUNaFS]). One of the dietary assessment scores (DHNaFS) was associated with fewer depressive symptoms and higher dispositional optimism. In fact, the consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, and low fat-dairy were particularly linked with fewer depressive signs and greater optimism. A similar interaction was found between the average DHNaFS score over the preceding 41 months with depression and optimism. Rius-Ottenheim et al. concluded that a healthy dietary pattern, especially a diet high in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, fish and low-fat dairy, was related to fewer depressive symptoms and higher optimism. The findings may be explained by more optimistic participants making healthier food choices, signifying the possible need for further studies to confirm the direction of causality of this relationship. [NPID: diet, disease, mental health, heart attack, myocardial infarction, depression, optimism]