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New study finks link between fruit, vegetables, and depression

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Observational studies have been investigating a possible link between fruit and vegetable consumption with depression.

The results of these studies have been mixed, however, a new systematic review was performed using 27 publications to determine if there is a link.

There could be a variety of reasons why fruits and vegetables could be decreasing depression, however, the mechanism is not currently known.

The results of this comprehensive systematic review were published in the British Journal of Nutrition.

Here are the details of the study

Data from 27 publications (sixteen cross-sectional, nine cohort and two case–control studies) on fruit, vegetables and/or total fruit and vegetable consumption in relation to depression were included in the systematic review.

Here are more research studies that have evaluated plant extracts in clinical trials for improving mental health.

Here are the main results

– With every 100 gram increase of vegetables a 3% reduced risk of depression in cohort studies.

– With every 100 gram increase of vegetables a 5% reduced risk of depression in cross-sectional studies.

 

Another important factor for reducing the risk of depression is adequate sleep.  You can read about studies performed with plant extracts including valerian, lemon balm and more here for improving sleep. 

Here are the comments by the authors

In this meta-analysis on eighteen studies, we found that high consumption of fruit, vegetables and total fruit and vegetables was significantly associated with reduced risk of depression.

and

This meta-analysis of observational studies provides further evidence that fruit and vegetables intake was protectively associated with depression.

and

The findings support the current recommendation of increasing fruit and vegetable intake to improve mental health.

Many studies have evaluated plant extracts for improving mood – you can read them here. 

Take away message

The results of this study are based on observational studies suggesting that increased fruit and vegetable intake can decrease the risk of depression.  These studies are different than double blind randomized placebo-controlled studies and have limitations.  For example, there could be other factors contributing to depression or lack thereof in these studies.

However, given that 27 human studies were analyzed the evidence suggests that recommending fruits and vegetables in the mental health population is a good idea.

 

Reference

Saghafian et al. Fruit and vegetable consumption and risk of depression: accumulative evidence from an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological studies. British Journal of Nutrition, Volume 119, Issue 10,  2018 , pp. 1087-1101

 

Jeremy Johnson, PharmD, PhD
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Categories: Plant Medicine