1
|
Saintila J, Carranza-Cubas SP, Serpa-Barrientos A, Carranza Esteban RF, Cunza-Aranzábal DF, Calizaya-Milla YE. Depression, Anxiety, Emotional Eating, and Body Mass Index among Self-Reported Vegetarians and Non-Vegetarians: A Cross-Sectional Study in Peruvian Adults. Nutrients 2024; 16:1663. [PMID: 38892596 PMCID: PMC11174459 DOI: 10.3390/nu16111663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Vegetarianism is commonly associated with various health benefits. However, the association between this dietary regimen and aspects of mental health remains ambiguous. This study compared the symptoms of depression and anxiety, emotional eating (EmE), and body mass index (BMI) in Peruvian vegetarian and non-vegetarian adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 768 Peruvian adults, of whom 284 (37%) were vegetarians and 484 (63%) were non-vegetarians. The Depression Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-2 (GAD-2), and an EmE questionnaire were applied; additionally, the BMI was calculated. Simple and multiple linear regression and Poisson regression models with robust variance were used to evaluate the association between depression, anxiety, EmE, and BMI with dietary patterns. Results: The vegetarians (Adjusted Prevalence Ratio [PR] = 0.24, 95% CI 0.16-0.31; p < 0.001) reported more depressive symptoms than the non-vegetarians. This trend persisted for anxiety, with an adjusted PR of 0.17 (95% CI: 0.01-0.29; p = 0.012). However, the vegetarians (adjusted PR = -0.38, 95% CI: -0.61--0.14; p < 0.001) reported lower EmE scores compared to the non-vegetarians. Likewise, the vegetarians had a lower mean BMI than the non-vegetarians (B = -0.16, 95% CI: -0.21--0.08; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Vegetarian diets are associated with increased symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as lower EmE and BMI scores. Further longitudinal studies are needed to elucidate these associations and determine causality and the underlying mechanisms involved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Renzo Felipe Carranza Esteban
- Grupo de Investigación Avances en Investigación Psicológica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima 15024, Peru;
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Reist ME, Bleidorn W, Milfont TL, Hopwood CJ. Meta-analysis of personality trait differences between omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans. Appetite 2023; 191:107085. [PMID: 37827200 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2023.107085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Vegetarian and vegan diets have been increasing in the Western world. Recent research has focused on personality trait differences between dietary groups, in part because personality traits are broad characteristics that can integrate findings about different factors that motivate vegetarian or vegan diets. Previous research on personality predictors of vegetarian and vegan (veg*n) diet, however, has yielded inconsistent results. The goal of this study was to integrate the existing results of Big Five personality differences between veg*ns and omnivores as well as between vegetarians and vegans. To this end, we meta-analyzed data from 15 studies and N = 69,576 individuals from several countries. Results indicated that veg*ns were significantly higher in Openness (d = 0.40) and Agreeableness (d = 0.17) than omnivores, while vegans were significantly higher in Openness (d = 0.14) than vegetarians. This work isolates Openness and Agreeableness as important trait predictors of plant-based diets and sets the stage for future work on the factors that motivate vegetarian or vegan diet. Personality traits can provide an integrative framework for conceptualizing dietary preferences, be used to make predictions about the sources, course and correlates of dietary choices, and potentially be useful for advocates and policymakers seeking to tailor meat-reduction interventions.
Collapse
|
3
|
Jelicich R, Braun V. "Your Diet Defines Who You Are, Especially as a Man": Masculinity in Online Media Focused on Healthy Eating for Men. Am J Mens Health 2023; 17:15579883231213588. [PMID: 38130065 DOI: 10.1177/15579883231213588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In contexts marked by neoliberal ideology and a claimed "crisis" in men's health, men are responsibilized to be/come healthy. Eating has long been a gendered practice in Western cultures, and recent cultural shifts have produced ways of eating that are both masculinized and (claimed) healthy. Online healthy eating advice, which encourages and supports men to eat healthily, is an important information source. However, such information draws on, reproduces, and/or disrupts existing meanings about men and eating. To understand contemporary representations of men and healthy eating, we examined 30 online media articles oriented specifically to this topic. Using reflexive thematic analysis from a social constructionist position, we developed two themes: A lad's looks and lifestyle and Mind over matter: The masculine mindset. These themes together told an overarching story that healthy eating is effectively sold to men by drawing on traditional or hegemonic ideals of masculinity and effectively evoking access to an enhanced masculinity through healthy eating. While these representational practices may sell healthy eating to men, with likely positive health benefits, they also reinforce hegemonic ideals of masculinity which can be problematic from a health perspective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruby Jelicich
- School of Psychology, Waipapa Taumata Rau/University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Virginia Braun
- School of Psychology, Waipapa Taumata Rau/University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Muacevic A, Adler JR, Khandelwal K, Ghosh T, Kochhar KP. The Influence of Gender on Food Consumption Patterns Among National-Level Adolescent Cyclists. Cureus 2023; 15:e33576. [PMID: 36779145 PMCID: PMC9909241 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.33576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objective Adolescents in general make poor food choices due to a lack of awareness, social pressure, and other factors, leading to a faulty lifestyle. On the other hand, the adolescent athletic population is associated with a healthy eating pattern. In light of this, this study aimed to evaluate the eating behavior of adolescent cyclists competing at the national level. Methods A total of 50 national-level adolescent cyclists (26 males and 24 females) were assessed for eating behavior, daily food consumption patterns, and eating habits around exercise time by using a pre-tested validated questionnaire, Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and 24-hour Food Recall. Results The majority (82%) of the cyclists were non-vegetarians, followed by lacto-vegetarians (14%) and lacto-ovo vegetarians (14%). Of note, 72% of the cyclists consumed four meals consisting of breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner daily, while 28% skipped at least one of the meals. The preference for takeaways (52%) surpassed dine-outs (34%) and home-cooked (14%) food. Pre-training snack was consumed by 37% and post-training snack by 47%. Cyclists daily consumed breakfast cereals (76%), bread (94%), pulses (92%), fruits (100%), vegetables (62%), milk (84%), milk products (90%), egg (82%), poultry, fish, and meat (74%), dry fruits, nuts, and seeds (78%), and saturated fats (100%). Junk foods (94%) and sweetened beverages (70%) were consumed at least once a week. No significant difference was observed in eating behavior and daily food consumption pattern between male and female cyclists. Conclusion The eating behavior of adolescent cyclists was inclined towards the consumption of saturated fats, junk food, and sweetened beverages. Male and female athletes have similar food habits. There is a need for the implementation of behavior change-oriented nutrition strategies to inculcate healthy eating habits among adolescent cyclists.
Collapse
|
5
|
Bègue L, Shankland R. Is vegetarianism related to anxiety and depression? A cross-sectional survey in a French sample. JOURNAL OF HEALTH, POPULATION AND NUTRITION 2022; 41:18. [PMID: 35534854 PMCID: PMC9087979 DOI: 10.1186/s41043-022-00300-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The relationship between vegetarianism and mental health is controversial. The aim of the present study is to examine the cross-sectional association between anxiety, depression, and vegetarianism in a French sample while controlling for potential confounders. Design Self-reported questionnaire data were obtained from a large cross-sectional sample. Participants and setting We included an online sample of 6578 participants aged 18–90, 70.8% females.
Results Analyses of variance with age, gender, body mass index (BMI), educational level, monthly income, and city size as covariates showed that vegetarians and non-vegetarians did not appear to have significantly different levels of anxiety or depression. Conclusion Our findings do not suggest a link between plant-based diet and anxiety or depression, either before or after adjustment for relevant factors.
Collapse
|
6
|
Mroz G, Painter J. One person's meat is another's poison: representations of the meat-health nexus in UK news media. Health Promot Int 2022; 37:6631487. [PMID: 35788304 PMCID: PMC9255944 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daac072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Mainstream media play a central role in shaping the ways diet and nutrition are discussed in the public sphere, yet few studies have explored its depictions of the meat-health nexus. Focusing on eight of the most popular news online sites consumed by lower-income groups in the UK—the demographic most likely to eat meat, according to a survey conducted for this study—we carried out content analysis of 128 articles. We found, first, a multiplicity of pro- and anti-meat narratives across all news outlets; second, that the dominant recommendation, found in 40% of our sample, was to eat less or no red meat; and third, that a balanced or neutral sentiment was present in over half of our sample, with a ratio of 3:2 (anti-versus pro-meat) in remaining articles. We found that the editorial leaning of a news outlet was not closely correlated with its overall sentiment towards meat consumption; all were neutral or slightly anti-meat, with the exception of LAD Bible, the only clearly pro-meat outlet. Qualitative analysis uncovered three key themes: the risk of red meat on colorectal cancer, uncertainty around plant-based options, and individual dietary choice. We use case studies guided by these themes to highlight some of the shortcomings of health communication and provide recommendations, with a focus on improved dialogue between journalists and researchers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gilly Mroz
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - James Painter
- Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,School of Geography, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Xie Y, Ma Y, Cai L, Jiang S, Li C. Reconsidering Meat Intake and Human Health: A Review of Current Research. Mol Nutr Food Res 2022; 66:e2101066. [PMID: 35199948 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202101066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Meat consumption is gradually increasing and its impact on health has attracted widespread attention, resulting in epidemiological studies proposing a reduction in meat and processed meat intake. This review briefly summarizes recent advances in understanding the effects of meat or processed meat on human health, as well as the underlying mechanisms. Meat consumption varies widely among individuals, populations, and regions, with higher consumption in developed countries than in developing countries. However, increasing meat consumption may not be the main cause of increasing incidence of chronic disease, since the development of chronic disease is a complex physiological process that involves many factors, including excessive total energy intake and changes in food digestion processes, gut microbiota composition, and liver metabolism. In comparison, unhealthy dietary habits and a sedentary lifestyle with decreasing energy expenditure are factors more worthy of reflection. Meat and meat products provide high-value protein and many key essential micronutrients. In short, as long as excessive intake and overprocessing of meats are avoided, meat remains an indispensable source of nutrition for human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunting Xie
- Key Laboratory of Meat Processing and Quality Control, MOE, Key Laboratory of Meat Processing, MARA, Jiangsu Innovative Center of Meat Production, Processing and Quality Control, College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yafang Ma
- Key Laboratory of Meat Processing and Quality Control, MOE, Key Laboratory of Meat Processing, MARA, Jiangsu Innovative Center of Meat Production, Processing and Quality Control, College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Linlin Cai
- Key Laboratory of Meat Processing and Quality Control, MOE, Key Laboratory of Meat Processing, MARA, Jiangsu Innovative Center of Meat Production, Processing and Quality Control, College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Shuai Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Meat Processing and Quality Control, MOE, Key Laboratory of Meat Processing, MARA, Jiangsu Innovative Center of Meat Production, Processing and Quality Control, College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Chunbao Li
- Key Laboratory of Meat Processing and Quality Control, MOE, Key Laboratory of Meat Processing, MARA, Jiangsu Innovative Center of Meat Production, Processing and Quality Control, College of Food Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Physical activity time and lifestyle correlates of cardiovascular disease status in older adults in Accra. J Public Health (Oxf) 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10389-022-01712-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Aim
The maintenance of physical activity (PA) over the life course is considered a hallmark for ageing well, but individuals who practice PA also often pursue lifestyles (e.g., smoking) that may inhibit the medicinal impact of PA on them. PA is said to protect against cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), but the literature has little to say about the impact of PA on the risk of CVDs when it is associated with lifestyle factors, comorbidities, and personal characteristics. This study aimed to assess the association between PA time and CVDs, with relevant lifestyle factors, comorbidities, and personal characteristics treated as covariates.
Subject and methods
The study’s population was retired and working older people aged 60 years or more in Accra, Ghana. A total of 686 individuals responded to self-reported questionnaires. Pearson’s chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used to present findings.
Results
The study found that the risk of having one or more CVDs increases as time spent in moderate and vigorous PA increases, whereas individuals who drank alcohol a few days a week or most days a week are respectively 2 (OR = 2.415; p = 0.037) and 22 (OR = 21.933; p = 0.000) times more likely to have one or more CVDs compared to those who never drank alcohol.
Conclusion
Health education should not only encourage PA maintenance but should also make individuals aware of the need to avoid unhealthy behaviours to maximize the positive effect of PA on health.
Collapse
|
9
|
Li T, Luo Y, Meng Y, Yue J, Nie M, Fan L, Tong C. Sexual Activity and Related Factors of Older Women in Hunan, China: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Sex Med 2022; 19:302-310. [PMID: 34973899 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexuality has an important impact on people's physical and mental health, but current research on the sexual activity of older Chinese women has many limitations and more detailed studies are needed. AIM The objective was to determine the prevalence of sexual activity and related factors in women aged 55 to 85 years in Hunan, China. METHODS Based on the data from the Hunan Provincial Women Health Needs Survey in 2018, we conducted a secondary analysis of 2,401 older women aged 55 and above. The dependent variable was sexual activity, and independent variables included sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, reproductive and chronic medical history, and psychological characteristics. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 26.0. Chi-square test was used to assess the association between categorical variables, and binary logistic regression was used to examine factors related to sexual activity. OUTCOMES Sexual activity and related factors. RESULTS The prevalence of sexual activity among older women was 12.5% (301/2401) in the past month. Having a partner (OR = 1.484; 95% CI, 1.048-2.101; P = .026), jogging (OR = 2.061; 95% CI, 1.391-3.054; P < .001), dancing (OR = 1.477; 95% CI, 1.106-1.974; P = .008), vegetarian-based diet (OR = 2.197; 95% CI, 1.334-3.618; P = .002), meat-based diet (OR = 2.196; 95% CI, 1.144-4.216; P = .018) were positively associated with being sexually active. Whereas, aging (OR = 0.781; 95% CI, 0.647-0.942; P = .010), living in the urban (OR = 0.628; 95% CI, 0.488-0.808; P < .001), hypertension (OR = 0.702; 95% CI, 0.520-0.949; P = .021), and anxiety (OR = 0.680; 95% CI, 0.475-0.972; P = .034) were negatively associated with being sexually active. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Health care workers need to be aware that older women still have sexual activity and understand the needs of older women for sex education, take the initiative to discuss safe sex with them, and solve their sexual problems. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS This is one of the largest studies to determine the prevalence of sexual activity among older women in China and its related factors. In addition, new factors such as exercise types and eating habits related to sexual activity were discovered. The limitation of this study is that it did not use a specific questionnaire to assess the sexual activity and did not consider physical tenderness other than sexual intercourse. CONCLUSIONS Some older women still have had sexual activity in the past month and factors such as lifestyles that can be changed and chronic diseases that can be self-managed were found to predict sexual activity. Li T, LuoY, Meng Y, et al. Sexual Activity and Related Factors of Older Women in Hunan, China: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Sex Med 2022;19:302-310.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Li
- Xiangya Nursing School of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan province, China
| | - Yang Luo
- Xiangya Nursing School of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan province, China.
| | - Yanting Meng
- Xiangya Nursing School of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan province, China
| | - Jing Yue
- Xiangya Nursing School of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan province, China
| | - Ming Nie
- Xiangya Nursing School of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan province, China
| | - Ling Fan
- Xiangya Nursing School of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan province, China
| | - Chenxi Tong
- Xiangya Nursing School of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan province, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gajski G, Gerić M, Jakaša I, Peremin I, Domijan AM, Vučić Lovrenčić M, Kežić S, Bituh M, Moraes de Andrade V. Inflammatory, oxidative and DNA damage status in vegetarians: is the future of human diet green? Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2021:1-33. [PMID: 34634971 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2021.1986464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The health benefit of a vegetarian diet is still under debate as it may result in a higher intake of some beneficial micronutrients, while others may be reduced, thus influencing various metabolic pathways and health-related biomarkers. This scoping review discusses inflammatory, oxidative and DNA damage status in vegetarians and vegans compared to omnivores. Most of the reviewed studies indicated favorable effects of a vegetarian diet on oxidative status compared to omnivores but did not clearly associate particular dietary habits to genome damage. The evidence on the effect of vegetarian diet on the inflammatory and immunological biomarkers is poor, which could at least partly be explained by methodological constraints such as small sample size, short duration of vegetarianism and inconsistent definitions of the omnivorous diet. The only inflammatory biomarker that seems to be associated with the vegetarian diet was inflammatory mediator C-reactive protein, which in several studies showed lower values in vegetarians as compared to omnivores. There were very few studies on immunological markers and the results on the difference between vegetarians and omnivores were inconclusive. Although several biomarkers involved in oxidative stress and inflammation showed a beneficial association with the vegetarian diet, further research in well-defined and sufficiently sized cohorts is needed to provide more evidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Goran Gajski
- Mutagenesis Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marko Gerić
- Mutagenesis Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivone Jakaša
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Laboratory for Analytical Chemistry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ines Peremin
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Laboratory for Analytical Chemistry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana-Marija Domijan
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Sanja Kežić
- Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martina Bituh
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Food Quality Control, Laboratory for Food Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vanessa Moraes de Andrade
- Health Sciences Unit, Translational Biomedicine Laboratory, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Criciúma, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Rossa-Roccor V, Richardson CG, Murphy RA, Gadermann AM. The association between diet and mental health and wellbeing in young adults within a biopsychosocial framework. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252358. [PMID: 34081708 PMCID: PMC8174719 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Predominantly plant-based diets can co-benefit human physical health and the planet. Young adults appear to be on the forefront of the shift to plant-based diets. However, little is known about the relationship between plant-based diets and mental health in this population even though mental health disorders contribute substantially to the global burden of disease, particularly among this age group. Design In this cross-sectional study we utilize a biopsychosocial framework to assess the association between dietary intake and mental health and wellbeing. Mental health was assessed using self-reported measures of anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9) and quality of life (single-item). Dietary intake in the prior month was assessed using a dietary screener (DSQ) and participants were asked to self-identify a diet preference (e.g., vegan). Setting and participants 339 university undergraduate students. Results A principal component analysis of dietary intake found three dominant dietary patterns (plant-based, animal-based, and ‘junk foods’); 28.1% (n = 95) of participants self-identified as pescatarian, vegetarian, vegan, other. The association between dietary patterns, diet preference and mental health was assessed through regression analysis. After controlling for covariables, we found a significant positive association between the junk food component and depression (z-score β = .21, p≤.001; adj. R2 = .39) and anxiety (z-score β = .14; p≤.001; adj. R2 = .32) while no association was found between plant-based, animal-based or self-identified diet preference and the mental health measures. Conclusions We did not find a negative association between predominantly plant-based diet patterns and mental health and wellbeing. It is important to consider dietary composition and to conceptualize diet as a health behaviour that is embedded in a biopsychosocial framework.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Verena Rossa-Roccor
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Chris G. Richardson
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, Providence Health Care Research Institute, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Rachel A. Murphy
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Cancer Control Research, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Anne M. Gadermann
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, Providence Health Care Research Institute, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Human Early Learning Partnership, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Mussap M, Noto A, Piras C, Atzori L, Fanos V. Slotting metabolomics into routine precision medicine. EXPERT REVIEW OF PRECISION MEDICINE AND DRUG DEVELOPMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/23808993.2021.1911639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michele Mussap
- Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Antonio Noto
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Cristina Piras
- Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Luigi Atzori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Vassilios Fanos
- Department of Surgical Science, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Iguacel I, Huybrechts I, Moreno LA, Michels N. Vegetarianism and veganism compared with mental health and cognitive outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Rev 2021; 79:361-381. [PMID: 32483598 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuaa030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Vegetarian and vegan diets are increasing in popularity. Although they provide beneficial health effects, they may also lead to nutritional deficiencies. Cognitive impairment and mental health disorders have a high economic burden. OBJECTIVE A meta-analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between vegan or vegetarian diets and cognitive and mental health. DATA SOURCES PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Proquest databases were examined from inception to July 2018. STUDY SELECTION Original observational or interventional human studies of vegan/vegetarian diets were selected independently by 2 authors. DATA EXTRACTION Raw means and standard deviations were used as continuous outcomes, while numbers of events were used as categorical outcomes. RESULTS Of 1249 publications identified, 13 were included, with 17 809 individuals in total. No significant association was found between diet and the continuous depression score, stress, well-being, or cognitive impairment. Vegans/vegetarians were at increased risk for depression (odds ratio = 2.142; 95%CI, 1.105-4.148) and had lower anxiety scores (mean difference = -0.847; 95%CI, -1.677 to -0.018). Heterogeneity was large, and thus subgroup analyses showed numerous differences. CONCLUSIONS Vegan or vegetarian diets were related to a higher risk of depression and lower anxiety scores, but no differences for other outcomes were found. Subgroup analyses of anxiety showed a higher risk of anxiety, mainly in participants under 26 years of age and in studies with a higher quality. More studies with better overall quality are needed to make clear positive or negative associations. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO registration no. CRD42018097204.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Iguacel
- GENUD (Growth, Exercise, NUtrition and Development) Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences , University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBERObn (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Inge Huybrechts
- Department of Public Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organization, Lyon, France
| | - Luis A Moreno
- GENUD (Growth, Exercise, NUtrition and Development) Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain; the Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBERObn (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición) , Zaragoza, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hessler-Kaufmann JB, Meule A, Holzapfel C, Brandl B, Greetfeld M, Skurk T, Schlegl S, Hauner H, Voderholzer U. Orthorexic tendencies moderate the relationship between semi-vegetarianism and depressive symptoms. Eat Weight Disord 2021; 26:623-628. [PMID: 32319025 PMCID: PMC7946657 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-020-00901-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Vegetarianism and semi-vegetarianism (i.e., overly vegetarian diet with rare consumption of meat) have been repeatedly linked with depression. As the nature of this association is unclear, we explored whether orthorexic (i.e., pathologically healthful eating) tendencies and ecological/ethical motives to follow a vegetarian diet may moderate the relationship between (semi-)vegetarian diets and depressive symptoms. METHODS Five-hundred eleven adults (63.4% females; 71.2% omnivores, 19.2% semi-vegetarians, 9.6% vegetarians) completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) questionnaire-measuring depressive symptoms-and the Düsseldorf Orthorexia Scale (DOS)-measuring orthorexic tendencies. Based on respective questions, participants were categorized as omnivores, semi-vegetarians, and vegetarians (including vegans) and were asked to indicate whether they chose their diet based on ecological/ethical motives. Moderation analyses were carried out with PROCESS. RESULTS Adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index, there was a statistically significant interaction effect between diet (omnivore vs. semi-vegetarianism vs. vegetarianism) and DOS scores when predicting PHQ depression scores. At low or medium DOS scores, diets did not differ in PHQ depression scores (all ps > 0.05). At high DOS scores, however, semi-vegetarians had higher PHQ depression scores than both omnivores (p = 0.002) and vegetarians (p < 0.001). The interaction between diet and ecological/ethical eating motives when predicting PHQ depression scores was not statistically significant (p = 0.41). CONCLUSION Semi-vegetarians with strong orthorexic tendencies show more depressive symptoms than omnivores and vegetarians. The complex nature of the relationship between vegetarianism and depression requires further investigation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III, case-control analytic studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Baltasar Hessler-Kaufmann
- Schoen Clinic Roseneck, Am Roseneck 6, 83209, Prien am Chiemsee, Germany. .,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
| | - Adrian Meule
- Schoen Clinic Roseneck, Am Roseneck 6, 83209, Prien am Chiemsee, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christina Holzapfel
- Institute for Nutritional Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Beate Brandl
- ZIEL-Institute for Food and Health, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Martin Greetfeld
- Schoen Clinic Roseneck, Am Roseneck 6, 83209, Prien am Chiemsee, Germany
| | - Thomas Skurk
- ZIEL-Institute for Food and Health, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Sandra Schlegl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Hans Hauner
- Institute for Nutritional Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Chair of Nutritional Medicine, Else Kröner-Fresenius Center for Nutritional Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Ulrich Voderholzer
- Schoen Clinic Roseneck, Am Roseneck 6, 83209, Prien am Chiemsee, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Khanna P, Aeri BT. Association of Quantity and Quality of Protein Intake with Depression and Anxiety Symptoms among Adolescent Boys and Girls (13-15 Years) Studying in Public Schools of Delhi. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 2021; 66:S141-S148. [PMID: 33612584 DOI: 10.3177/jnsv.66.s141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Data on prevalence of mental health disorders indicates that 4.5% and 3% of the Indian population is suffering from depression and anxiety respectively. Research suggest that a poor quality diet (lacking in macro and micronutrients) may lead to deficiencies that are associated with depression and anxiety disorders. The present research was designed to study the prevalence & association of depression & anxiety with protein intake among adolescent boys and girls (aged 13-15 y) studying in public schools of Delhi. 546 adolescents participated in this cross-sectional study (selected from public schools in Delhi). For the assessment of depression and anxiety symptoms and dietary micronutrient deficiencies Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL; administered to the parents) and 24 h recall and food frequency questionnaire (administered to the subjects) were used respectively. Adolescent Micronutrient Quality Index (AMQI) was further used to assess the protein quality of the diets. Prevalence of depression and anxiety were 33.5% and 27.47% respectively. Assessment of diets through AMQI revealed that low intake of protein rich foods like milk and legumes was significantly associated with higher mean scores of depression (p<0.001) and anxiety symptoms (p<0.001). In the multivariate analysis for depression and anxiety symptoms, it was observed that males who were not consuming milk for breakfast had higher odds of getting depressed (OR: 0.28; 95%CI: 0.10-0.77; p=0.0177) and anxious (OR: 0.28; 95%CI: 0.10-0.77; p=0.0177) and females had higher odds of getting depressed (OR: NE; 95%CI: NE; p≤0.0177). This study highlights the association of mental health with quality and quantity of protein consumed by adolescents. It will also serve as a strategic tool for mental health prevention and management policies designed for adolescents. It also adds to the growing body of research in the area of nutritional psychiatry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Khanna
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Institute of Home Economics, University of Delhi
| | - Bani Tamber Aeri
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Institute of Home Economics, University of Delhi
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Pathological Preoccupation with Healthy Eating (Orthorexia Nervosa) in a Spanish Sample with Vegetarian, Vegan, and Non-Vegetarian Dietary Patterns. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12123907. [PMID: 33371252 PMCID: PMC7766281 DOI: 10.3390/nu12123907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Orthorexia nervosa (ON) has been defined as an obsessive and pathological attitude towards healthy nutrition. The aim of this study was to compare individuals who followed a vegan, vegetarian, and omnivore diet in terms of ON behaviors and to examine their prime motivations, attitudes, and behaviors towards food. The Spanish version of the ORTO-15 test — ORTO-11-ES — and the Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ-SP) were used with a demographic questionnaire in an online survey disseminated among the social networks of different vegetarian associations and the general population. Of 466 individuals, 55% followed an omnivore diet, 23.5% were vegetarian and 21.7% were vegan. Results revealed relationships between type of diet and FCQ-SP dimensions for: health and natural content (H = 8.7, p < 0.05), sensory appeal (H = 11.4, p < 0.01), weight control (H = 40.4, p < 0.01), and familiarity (H = 37.3, p < 0.01). Our results confirm the findings of recent studies showing that individuals who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet are more likely to develop a pathological preoccupation with healthy eating versus omnivores. Further studies are required to determine the potential lines of action for the prevention of ON.
Collapse
|
17
|
Do vegetarians feel bad? Examining the association between eating vegetarian and subjective well-being in two representative samples. Food Qual Prefer 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2020.104018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
18
|
Dorard G, Mathieu S. Vegetarian and omnivorous diets: A cross-sectional study of motivation, eating disorders, and body shape perception. Appetite 2020; 156:104972. [PMID: 32987136 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2020.104972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Vegetarianism, which is increasingly widespread in Western societies, is underpinned by various motivations (ethical, environmental, health concerns …) and the question of its association with eating disorders continues to divide the literature. This cross-sectional study aimed to explore and compare eating motives/attitudes and bodily preoccupations of vegetarian and omnivorous participants from the general population. Forty-nine vegetarians and 52 omnivores, aged between 18 and 70 years, completed a battery of questionnaires including sociodemographic characteristics, Body Mass Indexes (BMI - current, ideal, lifetime lowest, and lifetime highest), the Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ), the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), and the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ). Compared to omnivores, vegetarians reported lower current (p = .017), ideal (p = .009), and lifetime lowest (p = .005) BMIs, more motivations related to health (p = .001) and natural content (p < .0001), but less weight control motivations (p = .015). While no differences were observed in EAT-26 scores, vegetarians had lower BSQ total scores (p = .043), and lower scores on the Body Dissatisfaction related to Lower body parts (p = .025) and Unsuited Cognitions and Behaviors (p = .015) subscales compared to omnivores. Separate gender comparisons revealed that these differences existed only among women. Hierarchical regressions revealed that the natural content motivation was the strongest positive statistical predictor of the vegetarian group (Expβ = 1.18, p = .002), while the weight control motivation was a negative statistical predictor (Expβ = .710, p = .023). Results demonstrated that vegetarians expressed motivation for a healthy and natural diet, and were less concerned about controlling their weight than the omnivores. Vegetarian women had lower BMIs but expressed fewer psychological concerns associated with eating disorders than omnivorous women. Vegetarian diets appeared to be associated with health benefits and less body and weight concerns, particularly among women in the general population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Géraldine Dorard
- Université de Paris, LPPS, F-92100, Boulogne-Billancourt, France.
| | - Sasha Mathieu
- Université de Paris, LPPS, F-92100, Boulogne-Billancourt, France.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
|
20
|
Health-Related Quality of Life, Blood Pressure, and Biochemical and Anthropometric Profile in Vegetarians and Nonvegetarians. J Nutr Metab 2020; 2020:3629742. [PMID: 32724673 PMCID: PMC7364203 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3629742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have been carried out which mainly focus on the analysis of the lipid profile in vegetarians and nonvegetarians. However, few studies have been undertaken in this population oriented to quality of life and health. This study aimed to compare health-related quality of life, blood pressure, and biochemical and anthropometric profile in vegetarians and nonvegetarians. The study included 149 participants out of an initial sample of 162: 62 vegetarians and 87 nonvegetarians. Health-related quality of life was assessed with the SF-12 Health Questionnaire version 2 and was related with the lipid profile, glucose, blood pressure, anthropometric measures, and sociodemographic characteristics. Vegetarians presented better Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), as well as higher LDL levels. No significant differences in HDL and TG concentrations were found. Serum glucose concentrations were significantly lower among vegetarians. Nonvegetarian males had higher diastolic pressure levels. Vegetarian women had significantly higher levels of systolic pressure. As for the physical health and mental health components of quality of life, no significant differences were found in vegetarian and nonvegetarian women and men. In conclusion, vegetarians presented a better anthropometric profile, lower glycaemia, and higher LDL levels but no significant differences in health-related quality of life compared with nonvegetarians.
Collapse
|
21
|
Sampa MB, Hoque MR, Hossain MN. Impacts of Anthropometric, Biochemical, Socio-demographic, and Dietary Habits Factors on the Health Status of Urban Corporate People in a Developing Country. Healthcare (Basel) 2020; 8:E188. [PMID: 32605101 PMCID: PMC7551820 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare8030188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This study focused on urban corporate people and applied multinomial logistic regression (MLR) to identify the impact of anthropometric, biochemical, socio-demographic and dietary habit factors on health status. Health status is categorized into four levels: healthy, caution, affected, and emergent. A cross-sectional study, based on convenience sampling method, was conducted to select 271 employees from 18 institutions under the Grameen Bank Complex, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Biochemical measurements such as blood uric acid are highly significant variables in the MLR model. When holding other factors as constants, with a one-unit increase in blood uric acid, a person is 11.02 times more likely to be "emergent" compared to "caution". The odds are also higher, at 1.82, for the blood uric acid to be "affected" compared "caution". The results of this study can help to prevent a large proportion of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by reducing the most significant risk factor: blood uric acid. This study can contribute to the establishment of combined actions to improve disease management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masuda Begum Sampa
- Advanced Information Technology, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Md. Rakibul Hoque
- School of Business, Emporia State University, Emporia, KS 66801, USA;
| | - Md. Nazmul Hossain
- Faculty of Business Studies, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh;
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
|
23
|
Paslakis G, Richardson C, Nöhre M, Brähler E, Holzapfel C, Hilbert A, de Zwaan M. Prevalence and psychopathology of vegetarians and vegans - Results from a representative survey in Germany. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6840. [PMID: 32321977 PMCID: PMC7176641 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63910-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of, and attitudes toward, vegetarianism and veganism. We also assessed the association between vegetarianism/veganism and eating disorder, depressive, and somatic symptoms. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey in adults in Germany that was representative in terms of age, gender, and educational level was carried out. Data from 2449 adults (53.5% females) were included. Mean age was 49.6 (SD 17.1) years. A total of 5.4% of participants reported following a vegetarian or vegan diet. While the majority of participants agreed that vegetarian diets are healthy and harmless (56.1%), only 34.8% believed this to be true of vegan diets. The majority of participants also believed that a vegetarian (58.7%) or vegan (74.7%) diet can lead to nutritional deficiency. Female gender, younger age, higher education, lower body mass index (BMI), and higher depressive and eating disorder symptoms were found to be associated with vegetarianism/veganism. We did not find increased physical complaints in the group of vegetarians/vegans. Our results point toward a moderate prevalence of vegetarianism/veganism among the general population. Our findings suggest that health care professionals should keep eating disorder pathology, affective status in mind when dealing with individuals who choose a vegetarian/vegan dietary pattern.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Paslakis
- Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Mariel Nöhre
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Elmar Brähler
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center AdiposityDiseases, Behavioral Medicine Research Unit, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christina Holzapfel
- Institute for Nutritional Medicine, Else Kroener-Fresenius-Centre for Nutritional Medicine, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Anja Hilbert
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center AdiposityDiseases, Behavioral Medicine Research Unit, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martina de Zwaan
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Dobersek U, Wy G, Adkins J, Altmeyer S, Krout K, Lavie CJ, Archer E. Meat and mental health: a systematic review of meat abstention and depression, anxiety, and related phenomena. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2020; 61:622-635. [PMID: 32308009 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2020.1741505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To examine the relation between the consumption or avoidance of meat and psychological health and well-being.Methods: A systematic search of online databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus, Medline, and Cochrane Library) was conducted for primary research examining psychological health in meat-consumers and meat-abstainers. Inclusion criteria were the provision of a clear distinction between meat-consumers and meat-abstainers, and data on factors related to psychological health. Studies examining meat consumption as a continuous or multi-level variable were excluded. Summary data were compiled, and qualitative analyses of methodologic rigor were conducted. The main outcome was the disparity in the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and related conditions in meat-consumers versus meat-abstainers. Secondary outcomes included mood and self-harm behaviors.Results: Eighteen studies met the inclusion/exclusion criteria; representing 160,257 participants (85,843 females and 73,232 males) with 149,559 meat-consumers and 8584 meat-abstainers (11 to 96 years) from multiple geographic regions. Analysis of methodologic rigor revealed that the studies ranged from low to severe risk of bias with high to very low confidence in results. Eleven of the 18 studies demonstrated that meat-abstention was associated with poorer psychological health, four studies were equivocal, and three showed that meat-abstainers had better outcomes. The most rigorous studies demonstrated that the prevalence or risk of depression and/or anxiety were significantly greater in participants who avoided meat consumption.Conclusion: Studies examining the relation between the consumption or avoidance of meat and psychological health varied substantially in methodologic rigor, validity of interpretation, and confidence in results. The majority of studies, and especially the higher quality studies, showed that those who avoided meat consumption had significantly higher rates or risk of depression, anxiety, and/or self-harm behaviors. There was mixed evidence for temporal relations, but study designs and a lack of rigor precluded inferences of causal relations. Our study does not support meat avoidance as a strategy to benefit psychological health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Urska Dobersek
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Indiana, Evansville, Indiana, USA
| | - Gabrielle Wy
- Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Joshua Adkins
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Indiana, Evansville, Indiana, USA
| | - Sydney Altmeyer
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Indiana, Evansville, Indiana, USA
| | - Kaitlin Krout
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Indiana, Evansville, Indiana, USA
| | - Carl J Lavie
- John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute, Ochsner Clinical School, The University of Queensland School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Edward Archer
- Research and Development, EvolvingFX, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Bakian AV, Huber RS, Scholl L, Renshaw PF, Kondo D. Dietary creatine intake and depression risk among U.S. adults. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:52. [PMID: 32066709 PMCID: PMC7026167 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-0741-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Creatine monohydrate is actively being researched for its antidepressant effects, yet little is known about the link between dietary creatine and depression risk. This study examines the association between dietary creatine and depression in U.S. adults, using data from the 2005 to 2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Patient health questionnaire, dietary creatine intake and covariates were obtained on 22,692 NHANES participants ≥20 years of age. Depression prevalence was calculated within quartiles of dietary creatine intake. Adjusted logistic regression models were formulated to determine the relationship between dietary creatine intake and depression risk. Additional covariates included income to poverty ratio, race/ethnicity, sex, age, education level, body mass index, healthcare access, smoking status, physical activity, and antidepressant/anxiolytic medication use. Models were further stratified by sex, age group, and antidepressant/anxiolytic medication use. Depression prevalence was 10.23/100 persons (95% CI: 8.64-11.83) among NHANES participants in the lowest quartile of dietary creatine intake compared with 5.98/100 persons (95% CI: 4.97-6.98) among participants in the highest quartile (p < 0.001). An inverse association was measured between dietary creatine and depression (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.52-0.88). Dietary creatine's negative association with depression was strongest in females (AOR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.40-0.98), participants aged 20-39 years (AOR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.34-0.79) and participants not taking antidepressant/anxiolytic medication (AOR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.43-0.77). Study results indicate a significant negative relationship between dietary creatine and depression in a nationally representative adult cohort. Further research is warranted to investigate the role creatine plays in depression, particularly among women and across the lifespan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda V. Bakian
- grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Rebekah S. Huber
- grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Lindsay Scholl
- grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Perry F. Renshaw
- grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT USA ,The Rocky Mountain Veterans Integrated Service Network 19 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Centers of Excellence, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Douglas Kondo
- grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT USA ,The Rocky Mountain Veterans Integrated Service Network 19 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Centers of Excellence, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Lang RD, Jennings MC, Lam C, Yeh HC, Zhu C, Kumra T. Community Culinary Workshops as a Nutrition Curriculum in a Preventive Medicine Residency Program. MEDEDPORTAL : THE JOURNAL OF TEACHING AND LEARNING RESOURCES 2019; 15:10859. [PMID: 32051842 PMCID: PMC7010195 DOI: 10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Obesity and diabetes are common diagnoses in the primary care population, especially in urban settings. Physicians providing preventive culinary and nutrition education to patients may be able to uniquely address these medical issues; however, culinary and nutrition education among medical residency programs is insufficient. METHODS We describe a pilot of a novel interactive approach to culinary and nutrition education focused on preventive medicine residents who were trained to provide culinary and nutrition skills to community members in three separate workshops. We developed and implemented a series of three culinary education workshops with 11, eight, and nine preventive medicine residents in each respective workshop. A total of 16 residents were invited to participate. A physician-chef facilitated each workshop with the residents within a community church kitchen and meeting area. We evaluated self-reported data on confidence level with culinary education and resident attitudes toward effects of culinary education on patient behaviors, as well as frequency of home-cooked meals and personal cooking competency, as indicators of resident proficiency. RESULTS A significant increase was noted in self-reported cooking competency after culinary workshops when evaluating change from the first workshop to the final workshop ( p = .038). Increases in home-cooking frequency and belief that lifestyle medicine impacts patient behavior were also observed but did not achieve statistical significance. DISCUSSION Culinary workshops are a useful tool to enhance nutrition education in a residency curriculum and may be an effective way to improve resident perceptions regarding the impact of nutrition education in the community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan D. Lang
- Instructor, Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health
| | - Mary Carol Jennings
- Assistant Scientist, Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health
| | - Clarence Lam
- Assistant Scientist, Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health
| | - Hsin-Chieh Yeh
- Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Colin Zhu
- Physician Chef-Consultant, Independent Practice
| | - Tina Kumra
- Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
- Corresponding author:
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Leroy F, Cofnas N. Should dietary guidelines recommend low red meat intake? Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2019; 60:2763-2772. [DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2019.1657063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Leroy
- Research Group of Industrial Microbiology and Food Biotechnology (IMDO), Faculty of Sciences and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, Brussels, B-1050, Belgium
| | - Nathan Cofnas
- Balliol College, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3BJ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Wu XY, Zhuang LH, Li W, Guo HW, Zhang JH, Zhao YK, Hu JW, Gao QQ, Luo S, Ohinmaa A, Veugelers PJ. The influence of diet quality and dietary behavior on health-related quality of life in the general population of children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Qual Life Res 2019; 28:1989-2015. [PMID: 30875010 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-019-02162-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The association between diet quality, dietary behavior and health-related quality of life has been mostly examined in children and adolescents with specific chronic diseases. No systematic review has synthesized the influence of diet quality and dietary behavior on health-related quality of life in the general population of children and adolescents. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the primary studies that evaluated the association between diet quality, dietary behavior and health-related quality of life in the general population of children and adolescents and to synthesize the findings for the association. METHODS A computer search in the databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE and PSYCINFO was performed to retrieve English language studies that were published from 1946 up to April 8, 2018. We also screened the PubMed-related articles and the reference lists of the existing relevant literature to identify other eligible studies. We synthesized the association between diet quality, dietary behavior and health-related quality of life using both a qualitative method and meta-analysis. We reported the review following up the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. RESULTS Seventeen studies were included in the synthesis including twelve cross-sectional studies and five longitudinal studies. We found that diet quality and dietary behavior were associated with health-related quality of life in children and adolescents. The positive effect of healthy diets on health-related quality of life was observed for multiple domains of health-related quality of life, including physical, school and emotional functioning, and psychosocial quality of life. We observed a dose-response relationship between the diet exposure and health-related quality of life, where an unhealthy dietary behavior or lower diet quality was associated with decreased health-related quality of life among children and adolescents. CONCLUSION The findings of the systematic review suggest the importance of promoting healthy diets and nutrition for good health-related quality of life among children and adolescents. Future research is needed to strengthen the evidence for prospective relationships and for the dose-response effect between diet quality, dietary behavior and health-related quality of life among children and adolescents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiu Yun Wu
- School of Public Health and Management, Weifang Medical University, 7166 Baotong West Street, 261053, Weifang, Shandong, China.
| | - Li Hui Zhuang
- School of Public Health and Management, Weifang Medical University, 7166 Baotong West Street, 261053, Weifang, Shandong, China.
| | - Wei Li
- School of Public Health and Management, Weifang Medical University, 7166 Baotong West Street, 261053, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Hong Wei Guo
- School of Public Health and Management, Weifang Medical University, 7166 Baotong West Street, 261053, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Jian Hua Zhang
- School of Public Health and Management, Weifang Medical University, 7166 Baotong West Street, 261053, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Yan Kui Zhao
- School of Public Health and Management, Weifang Medical University, 7166 Baotong West Street, 261053, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Jin Wei Hu
- School of Public Health and Management, Weifang Medical University, 7166 Baotong West Street, 261053, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Qian Qian Gao
- School of Public Health and Management, Weifang Medical University, 7166 Baotong West Street, 261053, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Sheng Luo
- School of Public Health and Management, Weifang Medical University, 7166 Baotong West Street, 261053, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Arto Ohinmaa
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 350 University Terrace, 8303 - 112 Street, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2T4, Canada
| | - Paul J Veugelers
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 350 University Terrace, 8303 - 112 Street, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2T4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Lavallee K, Zhang XC, Michalak J, Schneider S, Margraf J. Vegetarian diet and mental health: Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses in culturally diverse samples. J Affect Disord 2019; 248:147-154. [PMID: 30731282 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vegetarianism is linked with better physical health, but also to increased anxiety and depression. The aim of the present study is to examine the relationship between vegetarianism and both positive and negative mental health, across cultures and over time. METHOD Self-report questionnaire data were obtained from a large-scale multi-national cross-sectional sample including 2007 representative adult members of the German population, 3020 representative adults from Russia, and 3038 representative adults from the USA. Participants for the longitudinal analyses include university students from Germany (1608) and China (12,744). Statistical models included multiple linear regression, longitudinal linear models and longitudinal logistic models. RESULTS Vegetarianism diet is not reliably related to positive or negative mental health in US and Russian representative samples or in German representative or student samples. Vegetarianism is related to slight increases over time in anxiety and depression in Chinese students. CONCLUSIONS Vegetarianism is not associated with mental health in the US, Russia, or Germany, but is associated with anxiety and depression in China in this study. Future studies should examine the nuances of vegetarianism in more detail and their links with mental health, including dietary composition and cultural beliefs and economic circumstances. Future researchers in this area may also want to consider the effects of experimental manipulation of diet on mental health outcomes over time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Lavallee
- Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Xiao Chi Zhang
- Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Silvia Schneider
- Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jürgen Margraf
- Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, Bochum, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Health Status of Female and Male Vegetarian and Vegan Endurance Runners Compared to Omnivores-Results from the NURMI Study (Step 2). Nutrients 2018; 11:nu11010029. [PMID: 30583521 PMCID: PMC6356807 DOI: 10.3390/nu11010029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Health effects of vegetarian and vegan diets are well known. However, data is sparse in terms of their appropriateness for the special nutritional demands of endurance runners. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the health status of vegetarian (VER) and vegan endurance runners (VGR) and compare it to omnivorous endurance runners (OR). A total of 245 female and male recreational runners completed an online survey. Health status was assessed by measuring health-related indicators (body weight, mental health, chronic diseases, and hypersensitivity reactions, medication intake) and health-related behavior (smoking habits, supplement intake, food choice, healthcare utilization). Data analysis was performed by using non-parametric ANOVA and MANOVA. There were 109 OR, 45 VER and 91 VGR. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were determined for the following findings: (i) body weight for VER and VGR was less than for OR, (ii) VGR had highest food choice scores, and (iii) VGR reported the lowest prevalences of allergies. There was no association (p > 0.05) between diet and mental health, medication intake, smoking habits, supplement intake, and healthcare utilization. These findings support the notion that adhering to vegetarian kinds of diet, in particular to a vegan diet, is associated with a good health status and, thus, at least an equal alternative to an omnivorous diet for endurance runners.
Collapse
|
31
|
Intensity-Specific Differential Leukocyte DNA Methylation in Physical (In)Activity: An Exploratory Approach. Twin Res Hum Genet 2018; 21:101-111. [PMID: 29582722 DOI: 10.1017/thg.2018.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this exploratory study was to investigate how sedentary behavior (SB) and physical activity (PA) influence DNA methylation at a global, gene-specific, and health-related pathway level. SB, light PA (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) were assessed objectively for 41 Flemish men using the SenseWear Pro 3 Armband. CpG site-specific methylation in leukocytes was determined using the Illumina HumanMethylation 450 BeadChip. Correlations were calculated between time spent on the three PA intensity levels and global DNA methylation, using a z-score-based method to determine global DNA methylation levels. To determine whether CpG site-specific methylation can be predicted by these three PA intensity levels, linear regression analyses were performed. Based on the significantly associated CpG sites at α = 0.005, lists were created including all genes with a promoter region overlapping these CpG sites. A biological pathway analysis determined to what extent these genes are overrepresented within several pathways. No significant associations were observed between global DNA methylation and SB (r = 0.084), LPA (r = -0.168), or MVPA (r = -0.125), although the direction of the correlation coefficients is opposite to what is generally reported in literature. SB has a different impact on global and gene-specific methylation than PA, but also LPA and MVPA affect separate genes and pathways. Furthermore, the function of a pathway seems to determine its association with SB, LPA, or MVPA. Multiple PA intensity levels, including SB, should be taken into account in future studies investigating the effect of physical (in)activity on human health through epigenetic mechanisms.
Collapse
|
32
|
Lynch H, Johnston C, Wharton C. Plant-Based Diets: Considerations for Environmental Impact, Protein Quality, and Exercise Performance. Nutrients 2018; 10:E1841. [PMID: 30513704 PMCID: PMC6316289 DOI: 10.3390/nu10121841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant-based diets provide well-established physical and environmental health benefits. These benefits stem in part from the degree of restriction of animal-derived foods. Historically, meat and other animal-derived proteins have been viewed as an integral component of athletes' diets, leading some to question the adequacy of vegetarian or vegan diets for supporting athletic performance. The purpose of this review is to examine the impact of plant-based diets on human physical health, environmental sustainability, and exercise performance capacity. Based on currently available literature, it is unlikely that plant-based diets provide advantages, but do not suffer from disadvantages, compared to omnivorous diets for strength, anaerobic, or aerobic exercise performance. However, plant-based diets typically reduce the risk of developing numerous chronic diseases over the lifespan and require fewer natural resources for production compared to meat-containing diets. As such, plant-based diets appear to be viable options for adequately supporting athletic performance while concurrently contributing to overall physical and environmental health. Given the sparse literature comparing omnivore, vegetarian, and vegan athletes, particularly at the elite level, further research is warranted to ascertain differences that might appear at the highest levels of training and athletic performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Lynch
- Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, CA 92106, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Nezlek JB, Forestell CA, Newman DB. Relationships between vegetarian dietary habits and daily well-being. Ecol Food Nutr 2018; 57:425-438. [DOI: 10.1080/03670244.2018.1536657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- John B. Nezlek
- Institute of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Psychology, College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, USA
| | | | - David B. Newman
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Analysis of health-related biomarkers between vegetarians and non-vegetarians: A multi-biomarker approach. J Funct Foods 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2018.07.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
|
35
|
Senghor B, Sokhna C, Ruimy R, Lagier JC. Gut microbiota diversity according to dietary habits and geographical provenance. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humic.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
|
36
|
Forestell CA, Nezlek JB. Vegetarianism, depression, and the five factor model of personality. Ecol Food Nutr 2018; 57:246-259. [DOI: 10.1080/03670244.2018.1455675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A. Forestell
- Department of Psychological Sciences, The College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, USA
| | - John B. Nezlek
- Department of Psychological Sciences, The College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, USA
- Institute of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Poznań, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Damayanthi HDWT, Moy FM, Abdullah KL, Dharmaratne SD. Health related quality of life and its associated factors among community-dwelling older people in Sri Lanka: A cross-sectional study. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2018; 76:215-220. [PMID: 29567617 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2018.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Population ageing has become a public health issue as it is associated with increased morbidity, institutionalization and death. These may directly affect health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of older people. PURPOSE The aim of the study was to investigate HRQOL and its associated factors among community-dwelling older people in Kandy district, Sri Lanka. METHOD This cross-sectional survey involved 1300 older people. The Euro 5D-3L, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, body mass index, handgrip strength were used to measure HRQOL, physical activity and nutritional status of older people respectively. Factors associated with health-related quality of life were identified through complex sample logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Majority of older people (81.9%) reported poor health-related quality of life. Middle old (aOR: 12.06, 95% CI: 5.76, 25.23), very old (aOR: 174.74, 95% CI: 39.74, 768.38), vegetarian diets (aOR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.14, 3.96), under-nutrition (aOR: 3.41, 95% CI: 1.65, 7.04) and over-nutrition (aOR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.04, 3.28) were significantly associated with poor HRQOL. Using dentures (aOR: 0.05, 95% CI: 0.28, 0.90) was found as a protective factor for poor HRQOL. CONCLUSIONS HRQOL was poor among community-dwelling older people in Kandy district. Nutrition-related factors need to be further investigated to improve HRQOL among older people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hewaratne Dassanayakege Wimala Thushari Damayanthi
- Department of Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Department of Nursing, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
| | - Foong Ming Moy
- Julius Centre University of Malaya, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Khatijah Lim Abdullah
- Department of Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
O'Keefe JH, DiNicolantonio JJ, Sigurdsson AF, Ros E. Evidence, Not Evangelism, for Dietary Recommendations. Mayo Clin Proc 2018; 93:138-144. [PMID: 29406200 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James H O'Keefe
- Mid America Heart Institute, Saint Luke's Hospital, Kansas City, MO.
| | | | - Axel F Sigurdsson
- Department of Cardiology, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Emilio Ros
- Lipid Clinic, Endocrinology and Nutrition Service, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi Sunyer, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona and CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Vidacek NŠ, Nanic L, Ravlic S, Sopta M, Geric M, Gajski G, Garaj-Vrhovac V, Rubelj I. Telomeres, Nutrition, and Longevity: Can We Really Navigate Our Aging? J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2017; 73:39-47. [PMID: 28510637 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glx082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomeres are dynamic chromosome-end structures that serve as guardians of genome stability. They are known to be one of the major determinants of aging and longevity in higher mammals. Studies have demonstrated a direct correlation between telomere length and life expectancy, stress, DNA damage, and onset of aging-related diseases. This review discusses the most important factors that influence our telomeres. Various genetic and environmental factors such as diet, physical activity, obesity, and stress are known to influence health and longevity as well as telomere dynamics. Individuals currently have the opportunity to modulate the dynamics of their aging and health span, monitor these processes, and even make future projections by following their telomere dynamics. As telomeres react to positive as well as negative health factors, we should be able to directly influence our telomere metabolism, slow their deterioration, and diminish our aging and perhaps extend our life and health span.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucia Nanic
- Department of Molecular Biology, Ruder Boškovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sanda Ravlic
- Department of Molecular Biology, Ruder Boškovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mary Sopta
- Department of Molecular Biology, Ruder Boškovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marko Geric
- Mutagenesis Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Goran Gajski
- Mutagenesis Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vera Garaj-Vrhovac
- Mutagenesis Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivica Rubelj
- Department of Molecular Biology, Ruder Boškovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Wołowiec P, Chojnacka K, Loster BW, Mikulewicz M. Do Dietary Habits Influence Trace Elements Release from Fixed Orthodontic Appliances? Biol Trace Elem Res 2017; 180:214-222. [PMID: 28396985 PMCID: PMC5662677 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-017-1011-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The objective was to investigate the effect of dietary habits on the release of Cr and Ni ions from orthodontic appliances by hair mineral analysis. Patients (N = 47) underwent electronic questionnaire survey to investigate the effect of dietary habits on Cr and Ni levels in hair. The research was carried out on hair sampled at the beginning and in the 4th, 8th, and 12th months of the treatment. The content of Cr and Ni in the collected samples was determined by ICP-OES. The study showed that consumption of acidic dietary products may have the effect on increasing the release of Cr and Ni ions from orthodontic appliances. The release of Cr from orthodontic appliances in patients who consumed fruit juice, coffee, yoghurt, and vinegar was higher. The coefficients enabling comparison of metal ions release pattern at a given sampling points were defined. The comparison of the coefficients yielded the information on the possible magnification of metal ions released as the result of the additional factor consumption of acidic food or drink that intensifies metal ions release. The following magnification pattern was found for chromium: coffee (7.57 times) > yoghurt (2.53) > juice (1.86) > vinegar (1.08), and for nickel: vinegar (2.2) > coffee (1.22) > juice (1.05). Yoghurt did not intensify the release of nickel. Concluding, orthodontic patients should avoid drinking/eating coffee, yoghurt, fruit juices, and vinegar.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Wołowiec
- Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Technology, ul. Smoluchowskiego 25, 50-372 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Chojnacka
- Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Technology, ul. Smoluchowskiego 25, 50-372 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Bartłomiej W. Loster
- Department of Orthodontics, Dental Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, ul. Montelupich 4/108, 30-383 Kraków, Poland
| | - Marcin Mikulewicz
- Department of Dentofacial Orthopaedics and Orthodontics, Division of Facial Abnormalities, Medical University of Wrocław, ul. Krakowska 26, 50-425 Wrocław, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Meesters ANR, Maukonen M, Partonen T, Männistö S, Gordijn MCM, Meesters Y. Is There a Relationship between Vegetarianism and Seasonal Affective Disorder? A Pilot Study. Neuropsychobiology 2017. [PMID: 28637035 DOI: 10.1159/000477247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Seasonal patterns of food intake are found in healthy individuals and particularly in patients with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). One nutritional choice is a vegetarian diet. METHODS In a Finnish population study, FINRISK 2012, information about diet and SAD was collected. In a Dutch outpatient clinic, SAD patients were asked if they were vegetarian. RESULTS The percentage of SAD patients among Finnish vegetarians was 4 times higher than in the normal population. The percentage of vegetarians among the SAD patients in a Dutch outpatient clinic was 3 times higher than in the normal population. In the Dutch population, the seasonal loss of energy, in particular, is related to vegetarianism. CONCLUSION These findings suggest a possible link between vegetarianism and SAD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alie N R Meesters
- Department of Behavioural Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Schmid A, Gille D, Piccinali P, Bütikofer U, Chollet M, Altintzoglou T, Honkanen P, Walther B, Stoffers H. Factors predicting meat and meat products consumption among middle-aged and elderly people: evidence from a consumer survey in Switzerland. Food Nutr Res 2017; 61:1308111. [PMID: 28469547 PMCID: PMC5404422 DOI: 10.1080/16546628.2017.1308111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 10/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: An adequate diet contributes to health and wellbeing in older age. This is nowadays more important than ever since in industrialised countries the elderly population is growing continually. However, information regarding the consumption behaviour of older persons in Switzerland is limited. Objective: The objective of this investigation was to explore how middle-aged and elderly Swiss view animal products in relation to diet and health, and what factors predict consumption frequency. Design: A representative consumer survey among 632 people over the age of 50 years, living in the German-, French- and Italian-speaking regions of Switzerland was conducted. Results: This paper presents the results related to meat and meat products consumption. Most participants consumed meat and meat products regularly. The majority of participants with low meat intake indicated that eating small amounts would be enough. Respondents judged fresh meat (except pork) to be healthier than meat products, and poultry to be the healthiest meat. Overall meat consumption frequency was predicted by language region, gender, household size, and BMI. Furthermore, participants' opinion about healthiness, taste and safety of meat but not their adherence to the Swiss food pyramid was found to be correlated to the consumption frequency of individual types of meat. Conclusion: Several factors have an impact on consumption frequency of meat and meat products in the middle-aged and elderly Swiss population and the importance varies according to the individual types of meat and meat products. The results show that the traditional food pyramid is not one of these factors for which reason new tools must be explored to support elderly people in regard to a healthy dietary behaviour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Pirjo Honkanen
- Nofima - Norwegian Institute for Food, Fisheries and Aquaculture Research, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Shin SM. The Association between Sleep Duration and Overweight in a School-Age Population in Seoul. J Obes Metab Syndr 2017; 26:45-51. [PMID: 31089493 PMCID: PMC6484922 DOI: 10.7570/jomes.2017.26.1.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Revised: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to investigate the association between body mass index standard deviation scores and sleep duration in a school-age population in Seoul. Methods By using the secondary data of a sample survey (n=25,182) of the Student Health Examination in 2010, the proportions of those who were overweight (World Health Organization definition of body mass index >1.0 standard deviation score) were identified. The association of overweight with sleep duration was also explored after adjusting for age and for meat and vegetable intake, by using multiple logistic and linear regression analysis. Results Only 23.2% of participants slept 8 hours or more per day. The proportions of overweight participants were 34.2% of boys and 19.5% of girls. Significant odds ratios for overweight according to sleep duration (based on ≥8 sleeping hours) were 1.28 (for less than 6 hours), 1.31 (for 6–7 hours), and 1.28 (for 7–8 hours) in boys; and 1.19 (for 6–7 hours) and 1.17 (for 7–8 hours) in girls. Furthermore, significant regression coefficients for standard deviation scores (based on ≥8 sleeping hours) were 0.218 for less than 6 hours, 0.149 for 6–7 hours, and 0.099 for 7–8 hours in boys, and 0.137, 0.101, and 0.079 in girls, respectively. Conclusion To prevent and manage overweight, it is necessary to develop a school health policy for ensuring optimal sleep duration in school-age population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sun Mi Shin
- Department of Nursing, Joongbu University, Geumsan, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to determine whether isoflavones affect depressive symptoms in women. METHODS Literature searches were conducted to identify clinical and epidemiologic studies that evaluated the impact of soy intake and isoflavone exposure on depressive symptoms. References from identified studies were also evaluated to identify eligible studies. RESULTS Only limited epidemiologic research has evaluated the impact of soy or isoflavone intake on depression although several studies from China and Japan did find soy product intake was inversely related to risk of depression. Often times, soy was, however, evaluated only as a component of a summative dietary pattern (eg, a "Japanese" or "Healthy" diet). Of the 20 intervention studies identified, roughly half found statistically significant reductions in depressive symptoms in response to isoflavones although several had design weakness. Of those studies reporting a lack of antidepressant effects of isoflavones, design limitations likely contributed to the lack of efficacy. In all but two trials, assessment of depression was, however, a secondary outcome. It is notable that both trials in which depression was a primary outcome found isoflavones significantly improved symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Although the data are inconsistent and limited, the clinical and epidemiologic evidence suggests that isoflavones may offer a safe, well-tolerated option for management of depression. Furthermore, the intervention doses used in the clinical studies fall well within the dietary range. The extant literature reveals key design features for future studies, which based upon the results of this review, are clearly warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Messina
- 1Nutrition Matters, Inc, Pittsfield, MA 2University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
| | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Kasielski M, Eusebio MO, Pietruczuk M, Nowak D. The relationship between peripheral blood mononuclear cells telomere length and diet - unexpected effect of red meat. Nutr J 2016; 15:68. [PMID: 27418163 PMCID: PMC4944490 DOI: 10.1186/s12937-016-0189-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Repeated nucleotide sequences combined with proteins called telomeres cover chromosome ends and dictate cells lifespan. Many factors can modify telomere length, among them are: nutrition and smoking habits, physical activities and socioeconomic status measured by education level. The aim of the study was to determine the influence of above mentioned factors on peripheral blood mononuclear cells telomere length. METHODS Study included 28 subjects (seven male and 21 female, age 18-65 years.), smokers and non-smokers without any serious health problems in past and present. Following a basic medical examination, patients completed the food frequency questionnaire with 17 foods and beverages most common groups and gave blood for testing. PBMC telomere length were measured with qualitative real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (rtPCR) method and expressed as a T/S ratio. RESULTS Among nine food types (cereal, fruits, vegetables, diary, red meat, poultry, fish, sweets and salty snacks) and eight beverages (juices, coffee, tea, mineral water, alcoholic- and sweetened carbonated beverages) only intake of red meat was related to T/S ratio. Individuals with increased consumption of red meat have had higher T/S ratio and the strongest significant differences were observed between consumer groups: "never" and "1-2 daily" (p = 0.02). Smoking habits, physical activity, LDL and HDL concentrations, and education level were not related to telomere length, directly or as a covariates. CONCLUSIONS Unexpected correlation of telomere length with the frequency of consumption of red meat indicates the need for further in-depth research and may undermine some accepted concepts of adverse effects of this diet on the health status and life longevity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marek Kasielski
- Bases of Clinical Medicine Teaching Center, Medical University of Lodz, Kopcinskiego Street 20, 90-153, Lodz, Poland.
| | - Makandjou-Ola Eusebio
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, II Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Kopcinskiego Street 22, 90-153, Lodz, Poland
| | - Mirosława Pietruczuk
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, II Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Kopcinskiego Street 22, 90-153, Lodz, Poland
| | - Dariusz Nowak
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka Street 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Rizzo G, Baroni L. Health and ecological implications of fish consumption: A deeper insight. MEDITERRANEAN JOURNAL OF NUTRITION AND METABOLISM 2016. [DOI: 10.3233/mnm-160054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Rizzo
- Nutrition Ecology International Center (NEIC), Torino, Italy
| | - Luciana Baroni
- Primary Care Unit, Northern District, U.L.S.S. No. 9, Treviso, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Maksimović MŽ, Gudelj Rakić JM, Vlajinac HD, Vasiljević ND, Marinković JM. Relationship between health behaviour and body mass index in the Serbian adult population: data from National Health Survey 2013. Int J Public Health 2015; 61:57-68. [DOI: 10.1007/s00038-015-0765-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Revised: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
|
48
|
Mustieles V, Olea N, Sanchez MJ, Fernandez MF. Controversial Messages on Cancer. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2015; 16:6171-2. [PMID: 26320515 DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2015.16.14.6171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
A direct connection between certain lifestyle factors and an increased risk of cancer has already been established. Despite well-documented associations, controversial messages on causes of cancer often appear without taking into consideration their impact on the general population. While mainstream coverage of cancer research is clearly welcome, consideration must be given to the risk of transmitting provocative messages with serious negative consequences for cancer research and public health. We must avoid becoming a breeding ground for the misinterpretation of scientific information. Polemical results can stimulate scientific research and progress, but controversial messages encourage confusion and impotence in an increasingly disoriented population. The correct communication of health messages is at least as important as research on risk factors.
Collapse
|
49
|
Missbach B, Hinterbuchinger B, Dreiseitl V, Zellhofer S, Kurz C, König J. When Eating Right, Is Measured Wrong! A Validation and Critical Examination of the ORTO-15 Questionnaire in German. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0135772. [PMID: 26280449 PMCID: PMC4539204 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The characteristic trait of individuals developing a pathological obsession and preoccupation with healthy foods and a restrictive and avoidant eating behavior is described as orthorexia nervosa (ON). For ON, neither universal diagnosis criteria nor valid tools for large-scale epidemiologic assessment are available in the literature. The aim of the current study is to analyze the psychometric properties of a translated German version of the ORTO-15 questionnaire. The German version of the ORTO-15, a eating behavior and dieting habits questionnaire were completed by 1029 German-speaking participants (74.6% female) aged between 19 and 70 years (M = 31.21 ± 10.43 years). Our results showed that after confirmatory factor analysis, the best fitting model of the original version is a single-factor structure (9-item shortened version: ORTO-9-GE). The final model showed only moderate internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = .67), even after omitting 40% of the original question. A total of 69.1% participants showed orthorectic tendencies. Orthorectic tendencies are associated with special eating behavior features (dieting frequency, vegetarian and vegan diet). Education level did not influence ON tendency and nutritional students did not show higher ON tendency compared to students from other disciplines. This study is the first attempt to translate and to evaluate the psychometric properties of a German version of the ORTO-15 questionnaire. The ORTO-9-GE questionnaire, however, is only a mediocre tool for assessing orthorectic tendencies in individuals and shows moderate reliability and internal consistency. Our research suggests, that future studies are needed to provide more reliable and valid assessment tools to investigate orthorexia nervosa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Missbach
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Hinterbuchinger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Division of Social Psychiatry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Verena Dreiseitl
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Silvia Zellhofer
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carina Kurz
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jürgen König
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Natural environments, ancestral diets, and microbial ecology: is there a modern "paleo-deficit disorder"? Part II. J Physiol Anthropol 2015; 34:9. [PMID: 25889196 PMCID: PMC4353476 DOI: 10.1186/s40101-014-0040-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Famed microbiologist René J. Dubos (1901–1982) was an early pioneer in the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) construct. In the 1960s, he conducted groundbreaking research concerning the ways in which early-life experience with nutrition, microbiota, stress, and other environmental variables could influence later-life health outcomes. He recognized the co-evolutionary relationship between microbiota and the human host. Almost 2 decades before the hygiene hypothesis, he suggested that children in developed nations were becoming too sanitized (vs. our ancestral past) and that scientists should determine whether the childhood environment should be “dirtied up in a controlled manner.” He also argued that oft-celebrated growth chart increases via changes in the global food supply and dietary patterns should not be equated to quality of life and mental health. Here in the second part of our review, we reflect the words of Dubos off contemporary research findings in the areas of diet, the gut-brain-axis (microbiota and anxiety and depression) and microbial ecology. Finally, we argue, as Dubos did 40 years ago, that researchers should more closely examine the relevancy of silo-sequestered, reductionist findings in the larger picture of human quality of life. In the context of global climate change and the epidemiological transition, an allergy epidemic and psychosocial stress, our review suggests that discussions of natural environments, urbanization, biodiversity, microbiota, nutrition, and mental health, are often one in the same.
Collapse
|