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Adolescents who follow the MIND diet experience lower rates of depressive symptoms and clinical depression, with effects independent of BMI, waist-to-height ratio, and genetics.
A new study spotlights the potential mental health benefits of the Mediterranean Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet in adolescents, showing that higher adherence to this dietary pattern is linked with a lower risk of depressive symptoms over time. With youth depression on the rise, researchers are increasingly focusing on modifiable lifestyle factors that could aid in preventing and managing mental health conditions.
Hence, this study, based on data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study (a prospective cohort of over 10,000 children across the United States), examined whether adherence to the MIND diet—a regimen rich in brain-healthy foods such as leafy greens, berries, whole grains, nuts, and fish—could safeguard against depressive symptoms in adolescents. The study analyzed data from 8,459 kids (mean age 10.9 years, 52.3% male), tracking their dietary habits and mental health over time. MIND diet adherence was assessed using the Child Nutrition Assessment or the Block Kids Food Screener.
Depressive symptoms were measured annually using the Child Behavior Checklist's depression subscale. Researchers used regression analyses and cross-lagged panel modeling to explore the long-term relationship between diet and depression. To ensure robust results, additional analyses accounted for polygenic risk scores for depression and changes in body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio, helping to determine whether genetic predisposition or weight changes influenced the outcomes.
Key findings:
The findings suggest that promoting the MIND diet could be a valuable strategy for minimizing depression risk in adolescents. Given the diet's emphasis on nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory foods, it may support brain health and emotional resilience during critical developmental years. With adolescent depression becoming a growing public health crisis, incorporating dietary interventions into mental health strategies could yield a cost-effective, non-pharmacological approach to prevention.
Journal of Affective Disorders
Adherence to the Mediterranean Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet and trajectories of depressive symptomatology in youth
Yiwei Pu et al.
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