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A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 January 2017) | Viewed by 98115

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Lesley MacDonald-Wicks

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School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
Interests: diet; dietary patterns; food; nutrients; risk of stroke; risk of second stroke; stroke prevention
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue will welcome research and systematic reviews of the literature surrounding the impact of food and diet on the prevention and treatment of mental illness. This could include mental illness and also could include mental health and wellbeing. The focus of the research should be on using individual nutrients, food groups or broad dietary strategies in the prevention, treatment or management of mental health including anxiety and stress. This Special Issue will prioritise research focusing on nutrients, whole foods and diet rather than bioactive substances, non-nutritive supplements/approaches and complimentary medicine.

Dr. Lesley MacDonald-Wicks
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

Mental Health
Mental Illness
Diet
Nutrition

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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620 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differences in Dietary Preferences, Personality and Mental Health in Australian Adults with and without Food Addiction

by Tracy Burrows, Leanne Hides, Robyn Brown, Christopher V Dayas and Frances Kay-Lambkin

Nutrients 2017, 9(3), 285; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu9030285 - 15 Mar 2017

Cited by 69 | Viewed by 9419

Abstract

Increased obesity rates, an evolving food supply and the overconsumption of energy dense foods has led to an increase in research exploring addictive eating behaviours. This study aimed to investigate food addiction in a sample of Australian adults using the revised Yale Food Addiction Survey (YFAS) 2.0 tool and how it is associated with dietary intake, personality traits and mental health issues. Australian adults were invited to complete an online survey that collected information including: demographics, dietary intake, depression, anxiety, stress and personality dimensions including impulsivity, sensation seeking, hopelessness and anxiety sensitivity. A total of 1344 individuals were recruited with the samples comprising 75.7% female, mean age 39.8 ± 13.1 years (range 18–91 years) and body mass index BMI 27.7 ± 9.5. Food addiction was identified in 22.2% of participants using the YFAS 2.0 tool, which classified the severity of food addiction as “mild” in 0.7% of cases, “moderate” in 2.6% and “severe” in 18.9% of cases. Predictors of severe food addiction were female gender (odds ratio (OR) 3.65 95% CI 1.86–7.11) and higher levels of soft drink OR 1.36 (1.07–1.72), confectionary consumption and anxiety sensitivity 1.16 (1.07–1.26). Overall people with “severe” (OR 13.2, 5.8–29.8) or extremely severe depressive symptoms (OR 15.6, range 7.1–34.3) had the highest odds of having severe food addiction. The only variable that reduced the odds of having severe food addiction was vegetable intake. The current study highlights that addictive food behaviours are associated with a complex pattern of poor dietary choices and a clustering with mental health issues, particularly depression. Full article

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

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251 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Food Insecurity, Poor Diet Quality, and Suboptimal Intakes of Folate and Iron Are Independently Associated with Perceived Mental Health in Canadian Adults

by Karen M. Davison, Lovedeep Gondara and Bonnie J. Kaplan

Nutrients 2017, 9(3), 274; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu9030274 - 14 Mar 2017

Cited by 53 | Viewed by 12336

Abstract

Background: To address nutrition-related population mental health data gaps, we examined relationships among food insecurity, diet quality, and perceived mental health. Methods: Stratified and logistic regression analyses of respondents aged 19–70 years from the Canadian Community Health Survey, Cycle 2.2 were conducted (n = 15,546). Measures included the Household Food Security Survey Module, diet quality (i.e., comparisons to the Dietary Reference Intakes, Healthy Eating Index), perceived mental health (poor versus good), sociodemographics, and smoking. Results: In this sample, 6.9% were food insecure and 4.5% reported poor mental health. Stratified analysis of food security and mental health status by age/gender found associations for poor diet quality, protein, fat, fibre, and several micronutrients (p-values < 0.05); those who were food insecure tended to have higher suboptimal intakes (p-values < 0.05). After adjustment for covariates, associations in relation to mental health emerged for food insecurity (OR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.45–1.71), poor diet quality (1.61, 95% CI 1.34–1.81), and suboptimal intakes of folate (OR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.17–1.90) and iron (OR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.23–1.88). Conclusions: Population approaches that improve food security and intakes of high quality diets may protect people from poor mental health. Full article

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

231 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Association between Dietary Quality and Dietary Guideline Adherence with Mental Health Outcomes in Adults: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

by Amy P. Meegan, Ivan J. Perry and Catherine M. Phillips

Nutrients 2017, 9(3), 238; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu9030238 - 05 Mar 2017

Cited by 39 | Viewed by 9602

Abstract

The prevalence of adverse mental health outcomes in adults is increasing. Although beneficial effects of selected micronutrients and foods on mental health have been reported, they do not reflect the impact of the habitual diet on mental health. Therefore, our objective is to examine potential associations between dietary quality, dietary composition and compliance with food pyramid recommendations with depressive symptoms, anxiety and well-being (assessed using CES-D, HADS-A and WHO-5 screening tools) in a cross-sectional sample of 2047 middle-aged adults. Diet was assessed using a self-completed FFQ. Chi-square tests, t-tests and logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the associations between dietary components and mental health outcomes. Dietary quality, but not dietary composition or guideline adherence, was associated with well-being. Those with high dietary quality were more likely to report well-being (OR =1.67, 95% CI 1.15–2.44, p = 0.007) relative to those with low dietary quality. This remained significant among females (OR = 1.92, (95% CI 1.14–3.23, p = 0.014) and non-obese individuals (OR = 2.03, 95% CI 1.28–3.20, p = 0.003). No associations between any dietary measures with anxiety or depressive symptoms were observed. These novel results highlight the importance of dietary quality in maintaining optimal psychological well-being. Better understanding of the relationship between dietary quality and mental health may provide insight into potential therapeutic or intervention strategies to improve mental health and well-being. Full article

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

232 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Social Dysfunction and Diet Outcomes in People with Psychosis

by Doreen Mucheru, Mary-Claire Hanlon, Linda E. Campbell, Mark McEvoy and Lesley MacDonald-Wicks

Nutrients 2017, 9(1), 80; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu9010080 - 19 Jan 2017

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 7348

Abstract

This analysis aimed to examine the association of social dysfunction with food security status, fruit intake, vegetable intake, meal frequency and breakfast consumption in people with psychosis from the Hunter New England (HNE) catchment site of the Survey of High Impact Psychosis (SHIP). Social dysfunction and dietary information were collected using standardised tools. Independent binary logistic regressions were used to examine the association between social dysfunction and food security status, fruit intake, vegetable intake, meal frequency and breakfast consumption. Although social dysfunction did not have a statistically significant association with most diet variables, participants with obvious to severe social dysfunction were 0.872 (95% CI (0.778, 0.976)) less likely to eat breakfast than those with no social dysfunction p < 0.05. Participants with social dysfunction were therefore, 13% less likely to have breakfast. This paper highlights high rates of social dysfunction, significant food insecurity, and intakes of fruits and vegetables below recommendations in people with psychosis. In light of this, a greater focus needs to be given to dietary behaviours and social dysfunction in lifestyle interventions delivered to people with psychosis. Well-designed observational research is also needed to further examine the relationship between social dysfunction and dietary behaviour in people with psychosis. Full article

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

512 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Household Food Insecurity Is Associated with Adverse Mental Health Indicators and Lower Quality of Life among Koreans: Results from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2012–2013

by Hye-Kyung Chung, Oh Yoen Kim, So Young Kwak, Yoonsu Cho, Kyong Won Lee and Min-Jeong Shin

Nutrients 2016, 8(12), 819; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu8120819 - 16 Dec 2016

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 7370

Abstract

Food insecurity is an ongoing public health issue and contributes to mental health status. We investigated whether food insecurity is associated with inadequate nutrient intake and whether it affects mental health indicators (perceived stress/experience of depressive symptom/suicidal ideation) and quality of life (QOL) among Koreans (n = 5862, 20–64 years) using data from the Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (2012–2013). Household food security status was categorized as “food-secure household”, “food-insecure household without hunger”, and “food-insecure household with hunger”. Data on food insecurity, sociodemographic factors, nutrient intake, mental health indicators, and QOL were used. A logistic regression model was conducted to determine odds ratios (ORs) for psychological health. A greater proportion of food-insecure participants were nutritionally deficient compared with expectations of the 2015 Korean Dietary Reference Intakes. These deficiencies were generally higher in both “food-insecure household” groups. Both “food-insecure household” groups, particularly the “food-insecure household with hunger” group showed significantly adverse mental health status (ORs: 1.52–3.83) and lower QOL (ORs: 1.49–3.92) than did the “food-secure household” group before and after adjusting for sex, age, education, household income, smoking/alcohol consumption, physical activity, marital status, and receiving food assistance. In conclusion, food insecurity may be significantly associated with adverse mental health indicators and decreased QOL in young/middle-aged Koreans. Full article

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

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233 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Health Behaviours in Childhood on Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder in Adolescence

by Xiuyun Wu, Arto Ohinmaa and Paul J. Veugelers

Nutrients 2016, 8(12), 788; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu8120788 - 02 Dec 2016

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 6934

Abstract

Attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents is a global public health burden. Identification of health-related behavioral risk factors including diet quality and physical and sedentary activities for ADHD is important for prioritizing behavioral intervention strategies to improve mental health. This study aimed to examine the association of diet quality, physical activity, and sedentary behaviours in childhood with ADHD throughout adolescence. We linked data from grade five students aged primarily 10 and 11 years old who participated in a population-based lifestyle survey in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia with their administrative health care data. We applied negative binomial regression methods to examine the associations between health behaviours and ADHD. Of the 4875 students, 9.7% had one or more diagnoses of ADHD between the ages of 10/11 and 18 years. The number of primary diagnoses with ADHD was statistically significantly lower among students with better diet quality, higher levels of physical activity, and those that spent less time playing computers and video games (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that health promotion programs aiming to improve children’s diets and active lifestyles may also reduce the public health burden of ADHD. Full article

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

225 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Effects of Walnut Consumption on Mood in Young Adults—A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Peter Pribis

Nutrients 2016, 8(11), 668; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu8110668 - 25 Oct 2016

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 17487

Abstract

Walnuts contain a number of potentially neuroprotective compounds like vitamin E, folate, melatonin, several antioxidative polyphenols and significant amounts of ω-3 fatty acids. The present study sought to determine the effect of walnuts on mood in healthy volunteers. Sixty-four college students were randomly assigned to two treatment sequences in a crossover fashion: walnut–placebo or placebo–walnut. At baseline mood was assessed using Profiles of Mood States (POMS). Data was collected again after eight weeks of intervention. After six-weeks of washout, the intervention groups followed the diets in reverse order. Data was collected once more at the end of the eight-week intervention period. No significant changes in mood were observed in the analyses with both genders combined and in females. However, we have observed a significant medium effect size improvement in the Total Mood Disturbance score (−27.49%, p = 0.043, Cohen’s d = 0.708) in males. In non-depressed healthy young males, walnuts seem to have the ability to improve mood. Full article

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

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247 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association of MTHFR, SLC19A1 Genetic Polymorphism, Serum Folate, Vitamin B₁₂ and Hcy Status with Cognitive Functions in Chinese Adults

by Can Cai, Rong Xiao, Nicholas Van Halm-Lutterodt, Jie Zhen, Xiaochen Huang, Yao Xu, Shuying Chen and Linhong Yuan

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 665; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu8100665 - 24 Oct 2016

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 6452

Abstract

Background/Aim: Studies have indicated a relationship between either gene polymorphism or in vivo B vitamins’ nutritional status with cognition in the elderly. However, the combined effects of MTHFR and SLC19A1gene polymorphism with serum folate and vitamin B₁₂ levels on cognition in Chinese adult population remain unclear. Methods: Demographic information of 426 Chinese adults aged from 55 to 90 were collected by a well designed self-administered questionnaire. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment test was utilized to evaluate the cognition status of the participants. MTHFR and SLC19A1 genotyping was analyzed using polymerase chain reaction-ligase detection reaction (PCR- LDR) method. Serum folate, vitamin B₁₂ and homocysteine (Hcy) levels were detected by commercial assay kits. Pearson’s correlation was used for data analyses and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Serum Hcylevels demonstrated a negative correlation with serum folate (r = −0.301) and vitamin B₁₂ (r = −0.292) levels. The negative correlation found between serum Hcy levels and attention ability was observed in all 426 studied subjects (r = −0.122). Subjects with MTHFR 677 T/T and 1298 A/A genotypes demonstrated a higher serum Hcy levels (p < 0.05). Carriers of MTHFR (1298 A/C + C/C and 1793 G/A) and SLC19A1 80 G/G genotypes showed lower abstraction and delayed memory ability, respectively (p < 0.05). Subjects with MTHFR 1793 G/A genotype along with low serum folate concentration demonstrated the lowest name and orientation abilities. The effects of MTHFR 1793 G/A genotype on cognitive performance were dependent on the status of serum vitamin B₁₂. Conclusion: Cognition of adults was associated with MTHFR, SLC19A1 gene polymorphism and serum Hcy levels. This study clearly establishes a combined effect of MTHFR gene polymorphism and serum B vitamins levels on cognition in Chinese adults. Full article

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

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Open AccessArticle

Is Hypovitaminosis D Associated with Stress Perception in the Elderly? A Nationwide Representative Study in Korea

by Mieun Gwon, Young Jin Tak, Yun Jin Kim, Sang Yeoup Lee, Jeong Gyu Lee, Dong Wook Jeong, Yu Hyeon Yi, Seung Hoon Lee, Hye Rim Hwang and Youngin Lee

Nutrients 2016, 8(10), 647; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu8100647 - 19 Oct 2016

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5523

Abstract

Hypovitaminosis D and stress are common problems among the elderly. The aim of this cross-sectional nationally representative study was to evaluate the association between hypovitaminosis D and stress perception using large-scale nationally representative data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2012–2013). In our study, a total of 1393 elders (≥65 years old) were included to evaluate the association between hypovitaminosis D and stress perception. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were determined using radioimmunoassay, and perceived stress status was assessed by a self-reporting questionnaire. The association between hypovitaminosis D and stress perception according to sex was examined using logistic regression analysis. After multivariate adjustment for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors and comorbidities, hypovitaminosis D was significantly associated with perceived stress (odds ratio, 2.73; 95% confidence interval, 1.10–6.77; p = 0.029) among women; however, this association was not significant among men. Hypovitaminosis D was a risk factor for higher stress perception in older Korean women. Even though the role of vitamin D in stress perception is still unclear, we suggest screening for hypovitaminosis D among the elderly. Full article

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

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Review

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632 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Relationship between Fatty Acids and Different Depression-Related Brain Regions, and Their Potential Role as Biomarkers of Response to Antidepressants

by Maria Fernanda Fernandes, David M. Mutch and Francesco Leri

Nutrients 2017, 9(3), 298; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nu9030298 - 17 Mar 2017

Cited by 54 | Viewed by 13817

Abstract

Depression is a complex disorder influenced by a variety of biological and environmental factors. Due to significant heterogeneity, there are remarkable differences in how patients respond to treatment. A primary objective of psychiatric research is to identify biological markers that could be used to better predict and enhance responses to antidepressant treatments. Diet impacts various aspects of health, including depression. The fatty acid composition of the Western diet, which has a high ratio of n-6:n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, is associated with increased incidence of depression. The brain is rich in lipids, and dietary fatty acids act within specific brain regions to regulate processes that impact emotional behavior. This manuscript reviews existing evidence demonstrating brain region-specific fatty acid profiles, and posits that specific fatty acids may serve as predictive biomarkers of response to antidepressants. Furthermore, increasing blood levels of certain fats, such as n-3s, via dietary intervention may serve as an adjunct to improve the efficacy of antidepressants. Notably, most of the existing research regarding fats and depression-related brain regions has focused on n-3s, as compared to n-6s, monounsaturated, and saturated fats. This review article will help guide future work investigating the relationships between fatty acids, brain regions, and antidepressant efficacy. Full article

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

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