Nutrients

Research

17 pages, 395 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adherence to MIND Diet and Risk of Recurrent Depressive Symptoms: Prospective Whitehall II Cohort Study

by Husnain Arshad, Daisy Recchia, Jenny Head, Kathleen Holton, Joanna Norton, Mika Kivimaki and Tasnime N. Akbaraly

Nutrients 2024, 16(23), 4062; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16234062 (registering DOI) - 26 Nov 2024

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study examined the association between adherence to the Mediterranean dietary approaches to stop hypertension Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet, its components, and recurrent depressive symptoms (DepSs). Methods: The analyses included 4824 participants (73% men, mean age = 61; SD = [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: This study examined the association between adherence to the Mediterranean dietary approaches to stop hypertension Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet, its components, and recurrent depressive symptoms (DepSs). Methods: The analyses included 4824 participants (73% men, mean age = 61; SD = 5.9) from the British Whitehall II cohort study. The MIND diet scores were derived from a validated 127-item food frequency questionnaire in 2002–2004. DepSs were assessed by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (score ≥ 16) or by use of antidepressant drugs, and recurrence was defined as having DepSs in at least two of the four repeated measurements in the 2002–2004, 2007–2009, 2012–2013, and 2015–2016 follow-up phases. Results: Recurrent DepSs were observed in 13.3% of the participants over 13 years of follow-up. After adjusting for potential confounders, participants in the highest tertile of the MIND diet score (where a higher score represents a higher diet quality) had 26% lower odds of experiencing recurrent DepSs (OR = 0.74; 95% CI 0.58–0.93) compared to those in the lowest tertile. In mutually adjusted analyses of 14 MIND diet components in relation to recurrent DepSs, independent associations were observed for green leafy vegetables (OR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.45–0.78), other vegetables (OR = 0.43, 95% CI:0.24–0.77), and berries (OR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.61–0.89). Conclusions: In this British prospective cohort, good adherence to the MIND diet, particularly to the recommendations for vegetables and berries, was associated with a lower risk of recurrent depressive symptoms, independent of socio-economic, health behavior, and health status factors, including baseline cognitive impairment and antecedents of DepSs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Intervention in Mental Health)

12 pages, 451 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Culinary Medicine Cooking Workshops as Add-On Therapy for Inpatients with Depression and Eating Disorders

by Sabrina Mörkl, Attila Varnagy, Jolana Wagner-Skacel, Theresa Lahousen, Daniel Brodtrager, Karl Sallmutter, Susanne A. Bengesser, Annamaria Painold, Martin Narrath, Lisa Pieter, Mary I. Butler, Annabel Mueller-Stierlin, Eva Z. Reininghaus, Sonja Lackner and Sandra Holasek

Nutrients 2024, 16(22), 3973; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16223973 - 20 Nov 2024

Viewed by 671

Abstract

Background: Culinary medicine integrates healthy eating with positive food experiences, offering a holistic approach to treating mental health disorders, such as depression and eating disorders, where disruptions in eating habits and mood are common. While traditional psychiatric treatments focus on medication and psychotherapy, [...] Read more.

Background: Culinary medicine integrates healthy eating with positive food experiences, offering a holistic approach to treating mental health disorders, such as depression and eating disorders, where disruptions in eating habits and mood are common. While traditional psychiatric treatments focus on medication and psychotherapy, culinary workshops provide a novel intervention for inpatient care. This study evaluated the effectiveness of culinary medicine cooking workshops as a supplementary treatment for psychiatric inpatients with depression and eating disorders. Methods: We assessed the feasibility of five cooking workshops led by a professional chef and nutritional therapist in 39 psychiatric inpatients (depression, n = 29; eating disorders, n = 10). Participants completed questionnaires on dietary habits, mood, and workshop feedback before and after the intervention. Results: The workshops were highly accepted, with 90% of participants reporting they would recommend them for recovery. Significant improvements were observed in mood (p < 0.001), sadness (p < 0.001), hopelessness (p = 0.002), and tiredness (p = 0.003) across the overall group. Patients with depression showed improvements in nearly all mood subscales, while those with eating disorders improved in sadness (p = 0.029). Conclusions: Culinary medicine workshops are a promising tool for enhancing mood and reducing hopelessness and tiredness in inpatients with depression. They also promote sustainable lifestyle changes that may benefit long-term physical and mental health. Future studies should explore the long-term impact of these interventions on psychiatric disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Intervention in Mental Health)

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12 pages, 836 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Educational Nutrition Workshops: Impact on Nutritional Status in Organized Living Beneficiaries with Severe Mental Disorders and Their Caregivers

by Lidija Šoher, Milica Cvijetić Stokanović, Sara Prša and Daniela Čačić Kenjerić

Nutrients 2024, 16(22), 3922; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16223922 - 17 Nov 2024

Viewed by 430

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Individuals with severe mental disorders often face challenges in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including proper dietary habits. Educational nutrition workshops, as a form of nutritional intervention, may play an important role in improving their nutritional status. This study aims to assess the [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Individuals with severe mental disorders often face challenges in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including proper dietary habits. Educational nutrition workshops, as a form of nutritional intervention, may play an important role in improving their nutritional status. This study aims to assess the impact of nutritional workshops on the dietary habits and nutritional status of individuals with severe mental disorders and their caregivers. Methods: This study involved 65 participants, namely 46 individuals with mental disorders living in organized settings (beneficiaries) and 19 caregivers. The nutritional intervention consisted of two cycles of workshops, encompassing a total of four educational workshops. Results: Results before and after the intervention showed positive changes in nutritional status and dietary intake. Beneficiaries lost on average 3.5 kg of body weight, while body fat decreased by 3.5% and visceral fat by 1.9 points. In the group of caregivers, body fat decreased by 3.2%. Energy intake (p < 0.05), total fat (p < 0.01), saturated fatty acid (p < 0.05), polyunsaturated fatty acid (p < 0.05), and sodium (p < 0.05) intake decreased in beneficiaries compared to intake before workshops, while dietary fiber (p < 0.05), vitamin C (p < 0.05), and fruit (p < 0.01) intake increased. In caregivers, the decrease in carbohydrate (p < 0.05), total sugar (p < 0.01), and dietary fiber (p < 0.05) intake was recorded. Conclusion: This study provides a strong foundation for future research and the implementation of educational programs as part of comprehensive care for individuals with severe mental disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Intervention in Mental Health)

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13 pages, 2768 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differential Alterations of Expression of the Serotoninergic System Genes and Mood-Related Behavior by Consumption of Aspartame or Potassium Acesulfame in Rats

by José Jaime Martínez-Magaña, Alma Delia Genis-Mendoza, Ileana Gallegos-Silva, María Lilia López-Narváez, Isela Esther Juárez-Rojop, Juan C. Diaz-Zagoya, Carlos Alfonso Tovilla-Zárate, Thelma Beatriz González-Castro, Humberto Nicolini and Anayelly Solis-Medina

Nutrients 2024, 16(4), 490; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16040490 - 8 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2712

Abstract

The use of aspartame (ASP) and potassium acesulfame (ACK) to reduce weight gain is growing; however, contradictory effects in body mass index control and neurobiological alterations resulting from artificial sweeteners consumption have been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the [...] Read more.

The use of aspartame (ASP) and potassium acesulfame (ACK) to reduce weight gain is growing; however, contradictory effects in body mass index control and neurobiological alterations resulting from artificial sweeteners consumption have been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the chronic consumption of ASP and ACK on mood-related behavior and the brain expression of serotonin genes in male Wistar rats. Mood-related behaviors were evaluated using the swim-forced test and defensive burying at two time points: 45 days (juvenile) and 95 days (adult) postweaning. Additionally, the mRNA expression of three serotoninergic genes (Slc6a4, Htr1a, and Htr2c) was measured in the brain areas (prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and hypothalamus) involved in controlling mood-related behaviors. In terms of mood-related behaviors, rats consuming ACK exhibited anxiety-like behavior only during the juvenile stage. In contrast, rats consuming ASP showed a reduction in depressive-like behavior during the juvenile stage but an increase in the adult stage. The expression of Slc6a4 mRNA increased in the hippocampus of rats consuming artificial sweeteners during the juvenile stage. In the adult stage, there was an upregulation in the relative expression of Slc6a4 and Htr1a in the hypothalamus, while Htr2c expression decreased in the hippocampus of rats consuming ASP. Chronic consumption of ASP and ACK appears to have differential effects during neurodevelopmental stages in mood-related behavior, potentially mediated by alterations in serotoninergic gene expression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Intervention in Mental Health)

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17 pages, 9220 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Novel Psychopharmacological Herbs Relieve Behavioral Abnormalities and Hippocampal Dysfunctions in an Animal Model of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

by Hee Ra Park, Mudan Cai and Eun Jin Yang

Nutrients 2023, 15(17), 3815; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15173815 - 31 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2002

Abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder caused by traumatic or frightening events, with intensified anxiety, fear memories, and cognitive impairment caused by a dysfunctional hippocampus. Owing to its complex phenotype, currently prescribed treatments for PTSD are limited. This study investigated the [...] Read more.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder caused by traumatic or frightening events, with intensified anxiety, fear memories, and cognitive impairment caused by a dysfunctional hippocampus. Owing to its complex phenotype, currently prescribed treatments for PTSD are limited. This study investigated the psychopharmacological effects of novel COMBINATION herbal medicines on the hippocampus of a PTSD murine model induced by combining single prolonged stress (SPS) and foot shock (FS). We designed a novel herbal formula extract (HFE) from Chaenomeles sinensis, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, and Atractylodes macrocephala. SPS+FS mice were administered HFE (500 and 1000 mg/kg) once daily for 14 days. The effects of HFE of HFE on the hippocampus were analyzed using behavioral tests, immunostaining, Golgi staining, and Western blotting. HFE alleviated anxiety-like behavior and fear response, improved short-term memory, and restored hippocampal dysfunction, including hippocampal neurogenesis alteration and aberrant migration and hyperactivation of dentate granule cells in SPS+FS mice. HFE increased phosphorylation of the Kv4.2 potassium channel, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and cAMP response element-binding protein, which were reduced in the hippocampus of SPS+FS mice. Therefore, our study suggests HFE as a potential therapeutic drug for PTSD by improving behavioral impairment and hippocampal dysfunction and regulating Kv4.2 potassium channel-related pathways in the hippocampus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Intervention in Mental Health)

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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

36 pages, 2882 KiB

Open AccessReview

Investigating the Impacts of Diet, Supplementation, Microbiota, Gut–Brain Axis on Schizophrenia: A Narrative Review

by Izabela Zajkowska, Patrycja Niczyporuk, Agata Urbaniak, Natalia Tomaszek, Stefan Modzelewski and Napoleon Waszkiewicz

Nutrients 2024, 16(14), 2228; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16142228 - 11 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2113

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a disease with a complex etiology that significantly impairs the functioning of patients. In recent years, there has been increasing focus on the importance of the gut microbiota in the context of the gut–brain axis. In our study, we analyzed data [...] Read more.

Schizophrenia is a disease with a complex etiology that significantly impairs the functioning of patients. In recent years, there has been increasing focus on the importance of the gut microbiota in the context of the gut–brain axis. In our study, we analyzed data on the gut–brain axis in relation to schizophrenia, as well as the impacts of eating habits, the use of various supplements, and diets on schizophrenia. Additionally, the study investigated the impact of antipsychotics on the development of metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity. There may be significant clinical benefits to be gained from therapies supported by supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and probiotics. The results suggest the need for a holistic approach to the treatment of schizophrenia, incorporating both drug therapy and dietary interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Intervention in Mental Health)

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18 pages, 371 KiB

Open AccessReview

Ultra-Processed Foods and Mental Health: Where Do Eating Disorders Fit into the Puzzle?

by David A. Wiss and Erica M. LaFata

Nutrients 2024, 16(12), 1955; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16121955 - 19 Jun 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4504

Abstract

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) like pastries, packaged snacks, fast foods, and sweetened beverages have become dominant in the modern food supply and are strongly associated with numerous public health concerns. While the physical health consequences of UPF intake have been well documented (e.g., increased [...] Read more.

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) like pastries, packaged snacks, fast foods, and sweetened beverages have become dominant in the modern food supply and are strongly associated with numerous public health concerns. While the physical health consequences of UPF intake have been well documented (e.g., increased risks of cardiometabolic conditions), less empirical discussion has emphasized the mental health consequences of chronic UPF consumption. Notably, the unique characteristics of UPFs (e.g., artificially high levels of reinforcing ingredients) influence biological processes (e.g., dopamine signaling) in a manner that may contribute to poorer psychological functioning for some individuals. Importantly, gold-standard behavioral lifestyle interventions and treatments specifically for disordered eating do not acknowledge the direct role that UPFs may play in sensitizing reward-related neural functioning, disrupting metabolic responses, and motivating subsequent UPF cravings and intake. The lack of consideration for the influences of UPFs on mental health is particularly problematic given the growing scientific support for the addictive properties of these foods and the utility of ultra-processed food addiction (UPFA) as a novel clinical phenotype endorsed by 14–20% of individuals across international samples. The overarching aim of the present review is to summarize the science of how UPFs may affect mental health, emphasizing contributing biological mechanisms. Specifically, the authors will (1) describe how corporate-sponsored research and financial agendas have contributed to contention and debate about the role of UPFs in health; (2) define UPFs and their nutritional characteristics; (3) review observed associations between UPF intake and mental health conditions, especially with depression; (4) outline the evidence for UPFA; and (5) describe nuanced treatment considerations for comorbid UPFA and eating disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Intervention in Mental Health)

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Other

Jump to: Research, Review

24 pages, 627 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

The Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis in Metabolic Syndrome and Sleep Disorders: A Systematic Review

by Adriano dos Santos and Serena Galiè

Nutrients 2024, 16(3), 390; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16030390 - 29 Jan 2024

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 8320

Abstract

Background: Over recent decades, a growing body of evidence has emerged linking the composition of the gut microbiota to sleep regulation. Interestingly, the prevalence of sleep disorders is commonly related to cardiometabolic comorbidities such as diabetes, impaired lipid metabolism, and metabolic syndrome (MetS). [...] Read more.

Background: Over recent decades, a growing body of evidence has emerged linking the composition of the gut microbiota to sleep regulation. Interestingly, the prevalence of sleep disorders is commonly related to cardiometabolic comorbidities such as diabetes, impaired lipid metabolism, and metabolic syndrome (MetS). In this complex scenario, the role of the gut–brain axis as the main communicating pathway between gut microbiota and sleep regulation pathways in the brain reveals some common host–microbial biomarkers in both sleep disturbances and MetS. As the biological mechanisms behind this complex interacting network of neuroendocrine, immune, and metabolic pathways are not fully understood yet, the present systematic review aims to describe common microbial features between these two unrelated chronic conditions. Results: This systematic review highlights a total of 36 articles associating the gut microbial signature with MetS or sleep disorders. Specific emphasis is given to studies evaluating the effect of dietary patterns, dietary supplementation, and probiotics on MetS or sleep disturbances. Conclusions: Dietary choices promote microbial composition and metabolites, causing both the amelioration and impairment of MetS and sleep homeostasis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Intervention in Mental Health)

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