Dietary Patterns and Their Association with Anxiety Symptoms among Older Adults: The ATTICA Study

Far-Infrared Therapy Based on Graphene Ameliorates High-Fat Diet-Induced Anxiety-Like Behavior in Obese Mice via Alleviating Intestinal Barrier Damage and Neuroinflammation

The consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) has been implicated in the etiology of obesity and various neuropsychiatric disturbances, including anxiety and depression. Compelling evidence suggests that far-infrared ray (FIR) possesses beneficial effects on emotional disorders. However, the efficacy of FIR therapy in addressing HFD-induced anxiety and the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Here, we postulate that FIR emitted from a graphene-based therapeutic device may mitigate HFD-induced anxiety behaviors. The graphene-FIR modify the gut microbiota in HFD-mice, particularly by an enriched abundance of beneficial bacteria Clostridiaceae and Erysipelotrichaceae, coupled with a diminution of harmful bacteria Lachnospiraceae, Anaerovoracaceae, Holdemania and Marvinbryantia. Graphene-FIR also improved intestinal barrier function, as evidenced by the augmented expression of the tight junction protein occludin and G protein-coupled receptor 43 (GPR43). In serum level, we observed the decreased free fatty acids (FFA), lipopolysaccharides (LPS), diamine oxidase (DAO) and D-lactate, and increased the glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) levels in graphene-FIR mice. Simultaneously, inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α manifested a decrease subsequent to graphene-FIR treatment in both peripheral and central system. Notably, graphene-FIR inhibited over expression of astrocytes and microglia. We further noticed that the elevated the BDNF and decreased TLR4 and NF-κB expression in graphene-FIR group. Overall, our study reveals that graphene-FIR rescued HFD-induced anxiety via improving the intestine permeability and the integrity of blood-brain barrier, and reduced inflammatory response by down regulating TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory pathway.

High-fat diet consumption promotes adolescent neurobehavioral abnormalities and hippocampal structural alterations via microglial overactivation accompanied by an elevated serum free fatty acid concentration

Mounting evidence suggests that high-fat diet (HFD) consumption increases the risk for depression, but the neurophysiological mechanisms involved remain to be elucidated. Here, we demonstrated that HFD feeding of C57BL/6J mice during the adolescent period (from 4 to 8 weeks of age) resulted in increased depression- and anxiety-like behaviors concurrent with changes in neuronal and myelin structure in the hippocampus. Additionally, we showed that hippocampal microglia in HFD-fed mice assumed a hyperactive state concomitant with increased PSD95-positive and myelin basic protein (MBP)-positive inclusions, implicating microglia in hippocampal structural alterations induced by HFD consumption. Along with increased levels of serum free fatty acids (FFAs), abnormal deposition of lipid droplets and increased levels of HIF-1α protein (a transcription factor that has been reported to facilitate cellular lipid accumulation) within hippocampal microglia were observed in HFD-fed mice. The use of minocycline, a pharmacological suppressor of microglial overactivation, effectively attenuated neurobehavioral abnormalities and hippocampal structural alterations but barely altered lipid droplet accumulation in the hippocampal microglia of HFD-fed mice. Coadministration of triacsin C abolished the increases in lipid droplet formation, phagocytic activity, and ROS levels in primary microglia treated with serum from HFD-fed mice. In conclusion, our studies demonstrate that the adverse influence of early-life HFD consumption on behavior and hippocampal structure is attributed at least in part to microglial overactivation that is accompanied by an elevated serum FFA concentration and microglial aberrations represent a potential preventive and therapeutic target for HFD-related emotional disorders.

SuperAgers and centenarians, dynamics of healthy ageing with cognitive resilience

Graceful healthy ageing and extended longevity is the most desired goal for human race. The process of ageing is inevitable and has a profound impact on the gradual deterioration of our physiology and health since it triggers the onset of many chronic conditions like dementia, osteoporosis, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. However, some people who lived/live more than 100 years called 'Centenarians" and how do they achieve their extended lifespans are not completely understood. Studying these unknown factors of longevity is important not only to establish a longer human lifespan but also to manage and treat people with shortened lifespans suffering from age-related morbidities. Furthermore, older adults who maintain strong cognitive function are referred to as "SuperAgers" and may be resistant to risk factors linked to cognitive decline. Investigating the mechanisms underlying their cognitive resilience may contribute to the development of therapeutic strategies that support the preservation of cognitive function as people age. The key to a long, physically, and cognitively healthy life has been a mystery to scientists for ages. Developments in the medical sciences helps us to a better understanding of human physiological function and greater access to medical care has led us to an increase in life expectancy. Moreover, inheriting favorable genetic traits and adopting a healthy lifestyle play pivotal roles in promoting longer and healthier lives. Engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking contribute to overall well-being. The synergy between positive lifestyle choices, access to education, socio-economic factors, environmental determinants and genetic supremacy enhances the potential for a longer and healthier life. Our article aims to examine the factors associated with healthy ageing, particularly focusing on cognitive health in centenarians. We will also be discussing different aspects of ageing including genomic instability, metabolic burden, oxidative stress and inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, immunosenescence, and sarcopenia.

The association of major dietary patterns with odds and severity of anxiety disorders: a case-control study

Background: In the present study, we explored the association between major dietary patterns, odds, and severity of anxiety disorders, which has not been clarified to date.Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 85 patients who were group-matched by gender with 170 healthy subjects. Dietary intakes were evaluated applying a 147-item validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Anthropometric data collection was accomplished based on precise clinical assessments. Major dietary patterns were identified using principal component analysis (PCA). Multivariate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to investigate the association of the identified dietary patterns with anxiety disorders. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between the GAD-7 score and major dietary pattern scores.Results: Three major dietary patterns were derived through PCA labeled as 'healthy', 'Western', and 'Mixed'. Those in the top tertile of the healthy dietary pattern were less likely to have anxiety disorders (OR =   0.26; 95%CI: 0.10, 0.66), while no significant relationship was found between Western and mixed dietary patterns and the odds of anxiety disorders. The severity of anxiety disorders, assessed by the GAD-7 score, was reduced by higher adherence to healthy dietary pattern (P = 0.003), and increased by greater adherence to mixed (P = 0.002) and Western (P = 0.001) dietary patterns.Conclusion: We provided evidence demonstrating an inverse association of healthy dietary pattern with odds, and severity of anxiety disorders. Also, higher adherence to Western and mixed dietary patterns resulted in greater GAD-7 scores.

Prolonged Early Exposure to a High-Fat Diet Augments the Adverse Effects on Neurobehavior and Hippocampal Neuroplasticity: Involvement of Microglial Insulin Signaling

High-fat diet (HFD) consumption may contribute to the high prevalence of cognitive-emotional issues in modern society. Mice fed a HFD for a prolonged period develop more severe neurobehavioral disturbances when first exposed to a HFD in the juvenile period than in adulthood, suggesting an initial age-related difference in the detrimental effects of long-term HFD feeding. However, the mechanism underlying this difference remains unclear. Here, male C57BL/6J mice initially aged 4 (IA4W) or 8 (IA8W) weeks were fed a control diet (CD) or HFD for 6 months and then subjected to metabolic, neurobehavioral, and histomorphological examinations. Although the detrimental effects of long-term HFD feeding on metabolism and neurobehavior were observed in mice of both ages, IA4W-HFD mice showed significant cognitive inflexibility accompanied by significantly greater levels of anxiety-like behavior than age-matched controls. Hippocampal neuroplasticity and microglial phenotype were altered by HFD feeding, whereas significant morphological alterations were more frequently observed in IA4W-HFD mice than in IA8W-HFD mice. Additionally, significantly increased hippocampal microglial engulfment of postsynaptic proteins and elevated phospho-insulin-receptor levels were observed in IA4W-HFD, but not in IA8W-HFD, mice. These findings suggest that aberrant microglia-related histomorphological changes in the hippocampus underlie the exacerbated detrimental neurobehavioral effects of prolonged early HFD exposure and indicate that enhanced insulin signaling might drive microglial dysfunction after prolonged early HFD exposure.

Relationship between nutritional status and anxiety and depression in hospitalized diabetic patients in Turkey

BACKGROUND

Anxiety and depression often coexist in patients with chronic diseases. We evaluated the nutritional status of diabetic patients and its relationship with anxiety and depression.

METHODS

Demographic, diabetic information (disease duration, treatment, hospitalization) information and anthropometric measurements (weight, height, waist, and hip circumference) were recorded. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to assess anxiety and depression. 24-h food records were obtained to determine daily energy and nutrient intake.

RESULTS

In this study of 222 patients, the rates of anxiety, depression and anxious depression were 23.8%, 21.6%, 12.2%, respectively. Those who skipped medication/insulin doses and did not exercise regularly had significantly higher anxiety and depression scores. Anxiety and depression scores were positively correlated with disease duration, waist circumference, waist/hip, and waist/height. Being married, engaging in regular exercise, and increased vitamin B₆ consumption were inversely related to anxiety and depression. According to food records, patients with anxiety and depression have a higher proportion of energy from dietary carbohydrates. Anxiety and depression scores were negatively related to dietary energy, protein, fat, some vitamin (retinol, group B, C, and D), and mineral (K, Mg, P, Fe, Zn, Cu) intake.

CONCLUSIONS

Maintaining healthy body weight, compliance with medication/insulin treatment, and regular exercise may help in the prevention of anxiety and depression in hospitalized diabetic patients. Alternatively, anxiety and depression may adversely affect body weight, compliance with treatment, and engaging in regular exercise. Prospective studies are needed to determine the direction of causality.

Effectiveness of a Two-Year Multicomponent Intervention for the Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Older People

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a two-year intervention based on the Mediterranean diet for the treatment of overweight and obesity in a sample of 51 older people from the Mediterranean city of Alicante (Spain). We also examined the effects of the intervention on psychological well-being. The participants were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. The experimental group received group nutritional education sessions, an individualized dietary-nutritional treatment based on a Mediterranean diet, and a physical activity program; the control group received Mediterranean nutritional education in a written format. The experimental group showed a greater loss in weight (p = 0.017) and percentage of fat mass (p = 0.049), and a greater reduction in body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.014) and waist circumference (p = 0.010). Both groups improved their depression scores using the PHQ-9; however, no significant improvement was seen in adherence to the Mediterranean diet (PREDIMED) and anxiety level (GAD-7). These results suggest that a two-year intervention based on the Mediterranean diet allows an older population with overweight or obesity to achieve greater weight loss and a greater decrease in BMI, waist circumference, and fat mass percentage. In relation to psychological well-being, depression levels improved at the end of said intervention.

Global Self-Esteem, Physical Activity, and Body Composition Changes Following a 12-Week Dietary and Physical Activity Intervention in Older Women

Older adults show lower physical activity. These changes altogether promote the development of overweight, obesity, and other chronic diseases. These factors substantially influence the quality of life and self-esteem of older adults. This phenomenon is especially visible after the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES

Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of a 12-week reductive diet and a 12-week physical activity plan for older adults on the global self-esteem of lifestyle in 60-70-year-old women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Our participants were 600 women with increased body mass (BMI > 25 kg/m²) aged 60-70 years. After the initial evaluation, the participants were randomly divided into three groups: CG-control group (n =200); DI-dietary group (n =200) that committed to a 12-week reductive diet; PA-physical activity group (n =200) that committed to a 12-week physical activity plan. The global self-esteem score (using the SES Rosenberg scale) and the anthropometric measurements were collected before and after the 12-week study. In the statistical analysis of data, the significance level was assumed to be 0.05.

RESULTS

The global self-esteem score for all groups before the study started was 30-31 points, which corresponded to average self-esteem. After a 12-week dietary or physical activity intervention, the score in the DI group was 33, which corresponded with high self-esteem. In the CG group, the self-esteem score remained unchanged (30 points). The average body mass loss was 0.5 kg/m² for CG, 1.92 kg/m² for DI, and 1.10 kg/m² for the PA group. The average waist-hip ratio (WHR) change for CG, DI, and PA was 1 cm, 1 cm, and 2 cm, respectively. A decrease in body mass and body composition indicators (BMI and WHR) corresponded to participants' global self-esteem increase (p <0.05); the greater the decrease noted for BMI and WHR, the greater the global self-esteem score that was achieved. In the CG group, a negative correlation between global self-esteem and BMI value (p <0.05) was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

A 12-week reductive diet and a 12-week regular physical activity plan lowered participants' body mass. Adipose tissue content was reflected by decreased BMI and WHR indicators of participants from the DI and PA groups and was accompanied by higher global self-esteem scores.

The relationship between the Mediterranean diet and Axis I disorders: A systematic review of observational studies

Axis I disorders are one of the major health burdens worldwide. Evidence suggests that Mediterranean diet has key biological factors associated with reducing the progression of these disorders. This systematic review aimed to clarify the relationship between Mediterranean diet and Axis I disorders. PubMed and Scopus databases were searched from January 2016 up to June 2021. Those observational studies in English language that assessed the relationship between Mediterranean diet and Axis I disorders (such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, schizophrenia, etc.) were included in this review. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the quality of studies. Thirty-six studies (15 cohorts, 19 cross-sectional, and 2 case-control) met the inclusion criteria. The results revealed that more than two-thirds of the studies (25 studies, 69.44%) had significant protective relationship between receiving Mediterranean diet and reducing the symptoms or incidence of Axis I disorders. Most studies were performed on depression (29 studies measured depression at least as one of the Axis I disorders), of which 72.41% reported an inverse relationship. There were also 9 studies on anxiety (studies that measured anxiety at least as one of the Axis I disorders), that 77.77% of them observed protective association. Moreover, majority of the studies (25 studies, 69.44%) had high quality, of which 76% found an inverse relationship. In conclusion, it seems that the Mediterranean diet can reduce the symptoms or the occurrence of Axis I disorders (especially depression and anxiety). However, more extensive review studies, particularly with interventional designs, are necessary to prove the result.

Nutrition availability for those incarcerated in jail: Implications for mental health

PURPOSE

Using a seven-day cycle menu and commissary items at a rural county jail, this study aims to describe provisions of micronutrients known to be associated with mental health disorders and if they meet dietary guidelines.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH

The nutritional content of a seven-day cycle menu and four available commissary food packs were evaluated using NutritionCalc® Plus software (McGraw-Hill Education version 5.0.19) and compared to Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI).

FINDINGS

Menu mean values of Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C and zinc met DRI recommendations. However, Vitamin D (for men and women), magnesium (for men only) and omega-3s (for men only) did not meet the DRI recommendations.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE

As deficits of Vitamin D, magnesium and omega-3s are known to exacerbate bipolar disorder, anxiety and depression, small changes to food would increase the offerings and potential intake of nutrients that may improve mental health.

High-Fat Diet Consumption in Adolescence Induces Emotional Behavior Alterations and Hippocampal Neurogenesis Deficits Accompanied by Excessive Microglial Activation

Adolescence is a developmental epoch characterized by massive neural circuit remodeling; thus, the brain is particularly vulnerable to environmental influences during this period. Excessive high-fat diet (HFD) consumption, which is very common among adolescents, has long been recognized as a potent risk factor for multiple mood disorders, including depression and anxiety. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the influences of HFD consumption in adolescence on emotional health are far from clear. In the present study, C57BL/6 mice were fed a control diet (CD) or HFD for about 4 weeks from postnatal day (P) 28 to P60, spanning most of the adolescence period, and then subjected to behavioral assessments and histological examinations. HFD mice exhibited elevated levels of depression and anxiety, decreased hippocampal neurogenesis, and excessive microglial activation in the ventral hippocampus. Furthermore, in HFD-fed mice, microglia showed increased DCX⁺ inclusions, suggesting aberrant microglial engulfment of newborn neurons in HFD-fed adolescents. To our knowledge, this is the first observation suggesting that the negative effects of HFD consumption in adolescence on emotion and neuroplasticity may be attributed at least in part to aberrant microglial engulfment of nascent neurons, extending our understanding of the mechanism underlying HFD-related affective disorders in young people.

Psychological distress resulting from the COVID-19 confinement is associated with unhealthy dietary changes in two Italian population-based cohorts

Purpose

To examine the relationship between psychological distress resulting from the COVID-19 lockdown and dietary changes.

Methods

Cross-sectional analysis from 2 retrospective Italian cohorts recruited from May to September 2020: (1) The Moli-LOCK cohort consists of 1401 participants from the Moli-sani Study (n = 24,325) who were administered a telephone-based questionnaire to assess lifestyles and psychological factors during confinement; (2) the ALT RISCOVID-19 is a web-based survey of 1340 individuals distributed throughout Italy who self-responded to the same questionnaire using Google® forms.

Psychological distress was measured by assessments of depression (PHQ-9 and depressive items from the Screening Questionnaire for Disaster Mental Health- SQD-D), anxiety (GAD-7), stress (PSS-4), and post-traumatic stress disorder (SQD-P). Diet quality was assessed either as changes in consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) or adherence to Mediterranean diet (MD).

Results

In ALT RISCOVID-19, increased UPF intake was directly associated with depression (both PHQ-9 and SQD-D; p < 0.0001), anxiety (p < 0.0001), stress (p = 0.001) and SQD-P (p = 0.001); similar results were obtained in the Moli-LOCK cohort except for perceived stress. When psychometric scales were analysed simultaneously, only depression (SQD-D) remained associated with UPF (both cohorts). In both cohorts, psychological distress poorly influenced changes toward an MD, except for depression (SQD-D) that resulted inversely associated in the ALT RISCOVID-19 participants (β = − 0.16; 95% CI − 0.26, − 0.06).

Conclusions

Psychological distress from the COVID-19 confinement is directly associated with unhealthy dietary modifications in two Italian cohorts. In view of possible future restrictive measures to contain pandemic, public health actions are warranted to mitigate the impact of psychological distress on diet quality.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00394-021-02752-4.

Assessment of Spanish Food Consumption Patterns during COVID-19 Home Confinement

People's eating habits and lifestyle can have a negative impact on health. In situations of difficulty or socioeconomic crisis, these habits tend to be modified, leading to unhealthy dietary patterns that result in an increase of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Previous studies have indicated that, due to the state of alarm imposed in Spain to combat the spread of COVID-19, an increase in the purchase of non-core products occurred, along with a decrease in the daily physical activity of the population. This could be a risk factor for COVID-19 infection. The objective of this observational study was to analyze the dietary pattern of the Spanish population during home confinement and to compare it with the pattern of habitual consumption collected in the last National Health Survey, analyzing the possible changes. More than half of the respondents in the sample increased their consumption of sweets and snacks during confinement, while the consumption of fresh products decreased. Most claimed to be emotionally hungry, leading to an increase in their daily energy intake. The stress and anxiety generated by confinement could be the cause of the increased consumption of products rich in sugars and saturated fats, which are associated with greater stress and anxiety.

Analyzing the link between anxiety and eating behavior as a potential pathway to eating-related health outcomes

Anxiety is a widespread phenomenon that affects various behaviors. We want to analyze in how far anxiety is connected to eating behaviors since this is one potential pathway to understanding eating-related health outcomes like obesity or eating disorders. We used data from the population-based LIFE-Adult-Study (n = 5019) to analyze the connection between anxiety (GAD-7) and the three dimensions of eating behaviors (FEV)—Cognitive Restraint, Disinhibition, and Hunger—while controlling for sociodemographic variables, smoking, physical activity, personality, and social support. Multivariate regression analyses showed significant positive associations between anxiety and Disinhibition as well as Hunger, but not between anxiety and Cognitive Restraint. Interventions that help individuals to better regulate and cope with anxiety, could be one potential pathway to reducing eating disorders and obesity in the population.

A Comparison of Sugar Intake between Individuals with High and Low Trait Anxiety: Results from the NutriNet-Santé Study

(1) Background: Dietary carbohydrates are likely correlated with mental health in general, and with anxiety in particular. Our aim was to investigate the cross-sectional relationship between trait anxiety and carbohydrate (especially sugar) intake in a large sample derived from the general French population. (2) Methods: The analyses included 20,231 non-diabetic adults enrolled in the NutriNet-Santé e-cohort, who had completed the trait anxiety subscale of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (T-STAI, 2013–2016) and who were subsequently divided into high and low trait anxiety groups (T-STAI cut-off of 40 points). Sugar-rich food and macronutrient intake was calculated from ≥3 self-administered 24-h dietary records. The association between trait anxiety and carbohydrate intake was evaluated by ANCOVA according to age category (<45 and ≥45 years). (3) Results: In the full sample, 7942 (39.3%) individuals fell into the high trait anxiety category. They were more likely to be women (82.2% versus 69.2%; p < 0.0001) and younger (mean age 51.6 versus 55.1 years; p < 0.0001) compared to the low trait anxiety group. In fully-adjusted models, high-anxiety individuals aged under 45 years had significantly higher mean consumption of added simple sugars (43.9 versus 42.3 g/d; p < 0.0007), whereas those aged over 45 years with high trait anxiety had significantly lower mean consumption of fruit (214.0 versus 219.5 g/d; p < 0.02) compared to their low-anxiety counterparts. (4) Conclusions: This cross-sectional study revealed modest age-specific associations between anxiety status and sugar intake among adults. Prospective studies with representative samples are needed to explore potential bi-directionality of the observed associations.

The Association of Healthy Aging with Multimorbidity: IKARIA Study

The aim of this study was to evaluate several sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical characteristics of the IKARIA study participants and to find healthy aging trajectories of multimorbidity of Ikarian islanders. During 2009, 1410 people (aged 30+) from Ikaria Island, Greece, were voluntarily enrolled in the IKARIA study. Multimorbidity was defined as the combination of at least two of the following chronic diseases: hypertension; hypercholesterolemia; diabetes; obesity; cancer; CVD; osteoporosis; thyroid, renal, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A healthy aging index (HAI) ranging from 0 to 100 was constructed using 4 attributes, i.e., depression symptomatology, cognitive function, mobility, and socializing. The prevalence of multimorbidity was 51% among men and 65.5% among women, while the average number of comorbidities was 1.7 ± 1.4 for men and 2.2 ± 1.4 for women. The most prevalent chronic diseases among men with multimorbidity were hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity while among women they were hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and thyroid disease. Multimorbidity was correlated with HAI (Spearman’s rho = −0.127, p < 0.001) and for every 10-unit increase in HAI, participants had 20% lower odds of being multimorbid. Multimorbidity in relation to HAI revealed a different trend across aging among men and women, coinciding only in the seventh decade of life. Aging is usually accompanied by chronic diseases, but multimorbidity seems to also be common among younger adults. However, healthy aging is a lifelong process that may lead to limited co-morbidities across the lifespan.

Dietary Habit Is Associated with Depression and Intelligence: An Observational and Genome-Wide Environmental Interaction Analysis in the UK Biobank Cohort

Dietary habits have considerable impact on brain development and mental health. Despite long-standing interest in the association of dietary habits with mental health, few population-based studies of dietary habits have assessed depression and fluid intelligence. Our aim is to investigate the association of dietary habits with depression and fluid intelligence. In total, 814 independent loci were utilized to calculate the individual polygenic risk score (PRS) for 143 dietary habit-related traits. The individual genotype data were obtained from the UK Biobank cohort. Regression analyses were then conducted to evaluate the association of dietary habits with depression and fluid intelligence, respectively. PLINK 2.0 was utilized to detect the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) × dietary habit interaction effect on the risks of depression and fluid intelligence. We detected 22 common dietary habit-related traits shared by depression and fluid intelligence, such as red wine glasses per month, and overall alcohol intake. For interaction analysis, we detected that OLFM1 interacted with champagne/white wine in depression, while SYNPO2 interacted with coffee type in fluid intelligence. Our study results provide novel useful information for understanding how eating habits affect the fluid intelligence and depression.

Multinational dietary changes and anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic-findings from Israel

BACKGROUND

Increased anxiety was frequently reported during the 2020 global COVID-19 pandemic. An association between anxiety and increased body weight has been documented. Identifying associations between diet quality and anxiety may facilitate the development of preventive dietary policy, particularly relevant since obesity appears to increase the risk of adverse COVID-19 outcomes. In this study we aim to examine associations between changes in diet pattern and body weight and anxiety levels during the COVID-19 pandemic among Israeli respondents to an international online survey.

METHODS

Conducted between March 30-April 252,020, this was cross-sectional, international and online study. The questionnaire was developed and tested in Hebrew and translated into six other languages: English, Arabic, Spanish, French, Italian, and Russian. The survey was conducted on a Google Survey platform, the link to which was posted on several social media platforms. Adults aged 18 or older who saw and responded to the link on a social media site comprised the study population.

RESULTS

Of the 3979 eligible respondents, 1895 indicated their current location as Israel. Most Israeli respondents completed the survey in Hebrew (83.2%) followed by Arabic (9.4%), though responses were recorded in all seven of the survey languages. The median age was 33 (IQ = 22) years, and 75.7% were female. Almost 60% indicated that their pre-pandemic diet was healthier than their current diet, and 25.2% indicated they had gained weight during the pandemic. The median Mediterranean diet score was 9 (IQ = 3). While the median General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) score was 5 (IQ = 8), only 37.3% of participants reported at least mild anxiety (a GAD-7 score of 5 or more), while 10.7% reported moderate anxiety or greater (a GAD-7 score of 10 or more). In a multivariate logistic regression model of at least mild anxiety, being male and completing the survey in Hebrew significantly reduced odds of at least mild anxiety, while a worsening of diet quality during the pandemic, weight gain, and isolation significantly increased odds of at least mild anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS

During the COVID pandemic, changes in nutrition quality and habits were associated with greater anxiety. These findings suggest the need for routine and continuous surveillance of the nutritional and psychological consequences of outbreaks as part of healthcare preparedness efforts. Organizations responsible for community-based health services (such as Israeli health plans) should adopt specific interventions to improve case finding and support individuals at increased risk of anxiety and declining nutrition status within primary healthcare settings. These interventions should include the provision of appropriate diagnostic instruments, training of medical staff, feedback to physicians and nurses, and raising awareness among the relevant patient population and their caregivers. Primary care physicians should refer people with high anxiety or substantial weight gain during the pandemic to appropriate mental health and dietetic treatment, as needed.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT04353934 .

Dietary changes and anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic: a multinational survey

Background/objectives

The 2020 global coronavirus pandemic is characterized by increased anxiety. Anxiety has been associated with poor diet quality and weight gain, which may lead to obesity, a risk factor for adverse COVID-19 outcomes. The present study was designed to examine associations between diet quality and anxiety levels during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Subjects/methods

This cross-sectional, international online study was conducted between March 30 and April 25, 2020 and available in seven languages: Arabic (7.6%), English (43.7%), French (0.8%), Hebrew (42.1%), Italian (3%), Russian (1.1%), and Spanish (1.6%). Diet quality was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Score (possible range: 0–17 points) and anxiety scored using the General Anxiety Disorder 7-point scale (GAD-7). The Google Survey platform was used to conduct the survey.

Results

A total of 3797 persons were included in the present analysis. More than 75% of respondents were female; most completed the survey in English or Hebrew. Median age was 31 (IQ = 18) years. Almost 60% indicated that their pre-pandemic diet was healthier than their current diet. The median Mediterranean diet score was 9 (IQ = 3). The majority (54%) of participants reported at least mild anxiety, while 25% reported moderate anxiety or more severe. In a logistic regression model of at least moderate anxiety, Mediterranean diet score (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.89–0.95, p < 0.0001) reduced odds of elevated anxiety, even after controlling for age, sex and other variables.

Conclusions

Though causality cannot be inferred, associations between diet quality and anxiety might suggest public health interventions including diet and stress control during future mass lockdowns.

Western Diet Consumption During Development: Setting the Stage for Neurocognitive Dysfunction

The dietary pattern in industrialized countries has changed substantially over the past century due to technological advances in agriculture, food processing, storage, marketing, and distribution practices. The availability of highly palatable, calorically dense foods that are shelf-stable has facilitated a food environment where overconsumption of foods that have a high percentage of calories derived from fat (particularly saturated fat) and sugar is extremely common in modern Westernized societies. In addition to being a predictor of obesity and metabolic dysfunction, consumption of a Western diet (WD) is related to poorer cognitive performance across the lifespan. In particular, WD consumption during critical early life stages of development has negative consequences on various cognitive abilities later in adulthood. This review highlights rodent model research identifying dietary, metabolic, and neurobiological mechanisms linking consumption of a WD during early life periods of development (gestation, lactation, juvenile and adolescence) with behavioral impairments in multiple cognitive domains, including anxiety-like behavior, learning and memory function, reward-motivated behavior, and social behavior. The literature supports a model in which early life WD consumption leads to long-lasting neurocognitive impairments that are largely dissociable from WD effects on obesity and metabolic dysfunction.

Use of an Animal Model to Evaluate Anxiolytic Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Tilia tomentosa Moench Bud Extracts

Anxiety disorders are common and complex psychiatric syndromes affecting a broad spectrum of patients. On top of that, we know that aging produces an increase in anxiety vulnerability and sedative consumption. Moreover, stress disorders frequently show a clear gender susceptibility. Currently, the approved pharmacological strategies have severe side effects such as hallucinations, addiction, suicide, insomnia, and loss of motor coordination. Dietary integration with supplements represents an intriguing strategy for improving the efficacy and the safety of synthetic anxiolytics. Accordingly, a recent article demonstrated that glyceric bud extracts from Tilia tomentosa Moench (TTBEs) exert effects that are consistent with anxiolytic activity. However, the effects of these compounds in vivo are unknown. To examine this question, we conducted behavioral analysis in mice. A total of 21 days of oral supplements (vehicle and TTBEs) were assessed by Light Dark and Hole Board tests in male and female mice (young, 3 months; old, 24 months). Interestingly, the principal component analysis revealed gender and age-specific behavioral modulations. Moreover, the diet integration with the botanicals did not modify the body weight gain and the daily intake of water. Our results support the use of TTBEs as dietary supplements for anxiolytic purposes and unveil age and gender-dependent responses.

Psychosocial Functioning, BMI, and Nutritional Behaviors in Women at Cardiovascular Risk

Psychosocial factors such as depression, anxiety, and stress are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Health behaviors may play a role in this relationship, as individuals experiencing elevated levels of anxiety, stress, and/or depression may be less likely to engage in risk-reducing behaviors such as diet and exercise. Some evidence suggests that this relationship is particularly relevant for women. This study explored the relationship between levels of anxiety, depression, stress, and specific nutritional behaviors in a sample of 187 women at cardiovascular risk. BMI was explored as a possible moderator of these relationships. Higher levels of depression in patients with high BMI was associated with increased fruit consumption, whereas this was not seen in highly depressed patients with normal BMI. The reverse pattern was seen for consumption of sweet drinks. Anxiety was found to have a complex relationship with consumption of sweetened drinks and white bread, with higher consumption at moderately elevated levels of anxiety and reduced consumption at the highest levels. Possible interpretations of these findings, as well as their implications for lifestyle interventions with this population are discussed. These findings suggest a number of questions for further research.

Exploration of mental health problems in association with health-promoting lifestyle profile in Iranian medical students: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to explore the relationship between mental health problems (MHPs) and health-promoting lifestyle (HPL) in the medical students.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was carried out on medical students in 2017 at Semnan University of Medical Sciences applying a stratified random sampling. The Symptom Checklist-25 and the HPL profile scales were used. Logistic regression models were used to analysis.

RESULTS

Of the participants, 84 were male and 148 were female. The mean age was 22.69 years (±2.42). Most students (95.3%) were single and 40.1% were in the preclinical stage. The mean MHP score was 44.14 (±13.99), and 3% were in the severe category. The mean HPL score was 104.88 (±16.84); 95.7% and 4.3% of them had average and satisfactory lifestyles, respectively. The MHP score of the female (P < 0.001), younger (P < 0.001), single (P = 0.045), preclinical (P < 0.001), and who were away from home (P = 0.009) were significantly higher. The HPL score of female (P < 0.001), older (P = 0.041), and married students (P = 0.028) were significantly higher. The female gender (odds ratio [OR] = 4.45, P < 0.001) and studying in the clinical level (OR = 0.30, P < 0.001) were the most important associated factors with MHP. Adjusting for them, there was a significant relationship between an increase in the HPL score and a decrease in the likelihood of MHP (OR = 0.96, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The mental health of medical students was shown to be in association with lifestyle independent of other important determinants, including gender and academic level. It seems that modifying the lifestyle to a healthier way can improve students' mental health.

Association between dietary energy density with mental health and sleep quality in women with overweight/obesity

Objective

Mental health, sleep quality, and dietary intake are interlinked. Impairment of mental health and low sleep quality may contribute to obesity through the consumption of diets high in energy density. Nevertheless, it is not clear whether dietary energy density (DED) influences mental health. This study aimed to examine the association of DED with mental health indices, including depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep quality in women with overweight/obesity.

Results

There was a decreasing trajectory in serum triglyceride across quartiles of DED (from Q1 to Q4) in the crude analysis and also after adjustment for age, BMI, and physical activity After adjustment for age, BMI, and physical activity, subjects in the highest quartile of DED had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure. DED was significantly associated with increased odds of stress in the crude (OR = 2.15, 95% CI 1.01–4.56, p = 0.04) and adjusted model for age, BMI, and physical activity (OR = 2.56, 95% CI 1.13–5.79, p = 0.02). No significant relationship was observed between DED and depression, anxiety and sleep quality. In conclusion, current study shows preliminary evidence of an association between DED and stress.