Research led by the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) at UNSW Sydney has utilized four major international twin studies to explore the impact of fruit and vegetable consumption on depressive symptoms in adults aged 45 and above. This study, which spans Australia, Denmark, Sweden, and the USA, involves 3,483 twins and tracks the association between dietary habits and depression over 11 years. Published in Scientific Reports, the research highlights a correlation between higher intakes of fruits and vegetables and reduced depression symptoms over time.
Dr Annabel Matison, the study's lead author, emphasized the value of increasing fruit and vegetable intake among adults over 45 to potentially mitigate depressive symptoms. The study addresses the significant health burden depressive disorders pose to individuals over 55, noting the difference in pro-inflammatory and oxidative stress markers between those with major depression and healthy individuals.
Dr Karen Mather, co-author and leader of CHeBA's Genomics and Epigenomics Group, pointed out the unique advantages of using a twin study design to overcome limitations seen in previous observational studies. Twin studies allow for a clearer understanding of the genetic and environmental influences on depression by comparing twins who share varying degrees of genetic similarity and the same early life socioeconomic status.
The research utilized data from the IGEMS consortium, including twin studies from Australia, Minnesota, Denmark, and Sweden. Participants were required to be over 45 at the start of the study and have data on their fruit and vegetable intake as well as depressive symptoms at baseline and follow-up. Despite finding a beneficial link between diet and depressive symptoms, the study noted that average consumption levels still fell below the recommended five servings per day, particularly in the Scandinavian cohorts.
Dr Matison also highlighted the potential role of dietary fiber, vitamins, micronutrients, and the gut microbiome in the observed relationship between fruit and vegetable intake and depression. She suggests healthcare providers should monitor and counsel patients on their dietary habits to improve mental health outcomes.
Source: UNSW