A Pilot Study of the Relationship between Diet and Mental Health in Community Dwelling Japanese Women

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid in Stress and Depressive Disorders through the Gut-Brain Axis

Research conducted on individuals with depression reveals that major depressive disorders (MDDs) coincide with diminished levels of the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, as well as modifications in the subunit composition of the primary receptors (GABAA receptors) responsible for mediating GABAergic inhibition. Furthermore, there is substantial evidence supporting the significant role of GABA in regulating stress within the brain, which is a pivotal vulnerability factor in mood disorders. GABA is readily available and approved as a food supplement in many countries. Although there is substantial evidence indicating that orally ingested GABA may affect GABA receptors in peripheral tissues, there is comparatively less evidence supporting its direct action within the brain. Emerging evidence highlights that oral GABA intake may exert beneficial effects on the brain and psyche through the gut-brain axis. While GABA enjoys wide consumer acceptance in Eastern Asian markets, with many consumers reporting favorable effects on stress regulation, mood, and sleep, rigorous independent research is still largely lacking. Basic research, coupled with initial clinical findings, makes GABA an intriguing neuro-nutritional compound deserving of clinical studies in individuals with depression and other psychological problems.

Association of energy adjusts nutrient-rich foods on mental health among obese and overweight women: a cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

Mental health and obesity have a bilateral relationship with each other. No study has been done on the association between mental health and the ENRF9.3 index so far. Therefore, for the first time, the present study investigated the relationship between the ENRF9.3 index and mental health in overweight and obese women.

METHODS

In the current cross-sectional study, 124 overweight and obese women were selected. Food intakes in the last year were collected with 147 items semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Then, the ENRF9.3 index score was calculated for all individuals. Mental health was assessed with 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) questionnaire.

RESULTS

In the present study, the total DASS score was marginally significant (P = 0.05), however, after the adjustment, it became insignificant (P > 0.05). After adjusting confounders stress also became significant (P = 0.04). No significant relationship was observed between depression and anxiety, even after adjustment (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The present study showed that a nutritious diet is not associated with overall mental health score, among subgroups of the DASS total score. The relationship was seen only for the stress subgroup.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III: Evidence obtained from cohort or case-control analytic studies.

Seasonal Changes in Continuous Sedentary Behavior in Community-Dwelling Japanese Adults: A Pilot Study

Background: Sedentary behavior (SB) is associated with adverse health outcomes. The aim of this study was to clarify seasonal changes in SB including continuous SB (CSB) in community-dwelling Japanese adults. Methods: In this secondary analysis, a total of 65 community-dwelling Japanese adults (7 men and 58 women, 69 (50-78) years) were enrolled. SB (%), including CSB (≥30 min) as well as physical activity, were evaluated using a tri-accelerometer. The differences in these parameters between baseline (summer) and follow-up (winter) were examined. Results: %CSB and %SB at baseline were 20.5 (4.0-60.9) and 54.0 ± 11.5, respectively. CSB was significantly increased (6.6%), and SB was also increased (5.1%) at follow-up compared with baseline. In addition, there were positive relationships between changes in CSB and SB, and body weight and body mass index. Conclusions: These results suggest that there were significant seasonal changes in CSB and SB in community-dwelling Japanese adults.