Processed foods linked to high risk of depression

A study in the British Journal of Psychiatry suggests that high consumption of processed foods may increase risk of depression.

The study, led by Archana Singh-Manoux from University College in London, and colleagues, found people who mostly used a diet full of processed foods were more likely to suffer depression.

For the study, the researchers analyzed data from 3,486 people at an average age of 55 years who participated in the Whitehall II Study. The participants were surveyed for their dietary habits at the start of the study and five years later for their experience in depression.

Basically the study subjects either used a diet full of whole foods like fruit, vegetables, and fish or a diet high in processed meat, chocolate, sweetened desserts, fried foods, refined cereals and high-fat dairy.

The researchers found those who followed the diet with high amounts of processed foods were more likely than those who used the whole foods diet to experience depression.

The association remained significant after other potential risks were included in the analysis.

Singh-Manoux proposed that a couple of mechanisms may be involved. Folate in vegetables may help alleviate depression symptoms as research has found that a lack of this nutrient may affect neurological functions.

Omega-3 fatty acids in fish may also have something to do with low risk of depression because research suggests that high fish intake could reduce depression incidence.

Another possible explanation is that people who used more whole foods in their diets may follow a generally more healthy lifestyle, including doing  more outdoor activities and getting higher exposure to sunshine.

Low levels of vitamin D, produced when the skin is exposed to sunlight, have been linked to depression risk, according to Dr. John Cannell, a vitamin D expert and director of the Vitamin D Council.

By David Liu and editing by Sheilah Downey