Nutrients

Editorial

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7 pages, 240 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Is a Genetic Diathesis for Poor Nutrition Becoming More Crucial Due to the Uniformity of COVID Social Stress?

by M. Catherine DeSoto

Nutrients 2023, 15(4), 960; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15040960 - 15 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1226

Abstract

The important role of nutrition in proper neural functioning and mental health has seen wider acceptance, but is still sadly under recognized given the existent body of research. This Special Issue was designed to unite authoritative information on this topic in one volume. [...] Read more.

The important role of nutrition in proper neural functioning and mental health has seen wider acceptance, but is still sadly under recognized given the existent body of research. This Special Issue was designed to unite authoritative information on this topic in one volume. This editorial provides an overview of the issue, and suggests that the combination of social isolation, lack of exercise, and remaining indoors that overtook industrialized societies during 2020 are specific factors expected to change the Gene × Environment interactions for anxiety and depression. Importantly, the recent environmental changes may make biological diatheses for nutritional deficiencies even more problematic. The concept of G × E interaction is dissected to clarify a non-intuitive scenario: heritability may increase, even when a sharp increase in prevalence is entirely the result of an environmental change (e.g., COVID anxiety and isolation). Key research is highlighted, specific genetic examples are noted, and theoretical implications regarding natural selection are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Nutrition in Understanding Anxiety and Depression)

Research

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12 pages, 2085 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Altered Tryptophan Metabolism on the Kynurenine Pathway in Depressive Patients with Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth

by Cezary Chojnacki, Paulina Konrad, Aleksandra Błońska, Marta Medrek-Socha, Karolina Przybylowska-Sygut, Jan Chojnacki and Tomasz Poplawski

Nutrients 2022, 14(15), 3217; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14153217 - 06 Aug 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4513

Abstract

The causes of depression are diverse and are still not fully understood. Recently, an increasing role is attributed to nutritional and inflammatory factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate selected metabolites of the tryptophan kynurenine pathway in depressive patients with small [...] Read more.

The causes of depression are diverse and are still not fully understood. Recently, an increasing role is attributed to nutritional and inflammatory factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate selected metabolites of the tryptophan kynurenine pathway in depressive patients with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). The study involved 40 healthy people (controls) and 40 patients with predominant small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO-D). The lactulose hydrogen breath test (LHBT) was performed to diagnose SIBO. The severity of symptoms was assessed using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS–IBS) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). The concentration of tryptophan (TRP), kynurenine (KYN), kynurenic acid (KYNA), and quinolinic acid (QA) in urine was determined using an LC–MS/MS method, before and after cyclic treatment with an antibiotic drug, rifaximin, for three months. The number of intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) in the duodenum and small intestinal mucosa, fecal calprotectin (FC) and serum level of C-reactive protein (CRP) were also determined. In patients with SIBO, a higher level of KYN and QA were found as compared to the control group. These two groups also differed in KYN/TRP (higher in SIBO) and KYNA/KYN ratios (lower in SIBO). A positive correlation was found between HAM-D and the number of IELs and the level of FC. Treatment with rifaximin improves the kynurenic pathway, as well as abdominal and mental complaints. Therefore, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth can be a cause of abdominal symptoms, but also mental disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Nutrition in Understanding Anxiety and Depression)

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15 pages, 915 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mediterranean Diet Reduces Social Isolation and Anxiety in Adult Female Nonhuman Primates

by Corbin S. C. Johnson, Brett M. Frye, Thomas C. Register, Noah Snyder-Mackler and Carol A. Shively

Nutrients 2022, 14(14), 2852; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14142852 - 12 Jul 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2915

Abstract

Dietary composition is associated with the differential prevalence of psychiatric disorders; the Western diet confers increased risk, while the Mediterranean diet appears to reduce risk. In nonhuman primates, anxiety-like behaviors and social isolation have been linked to both Western diet consumption and increased [...] Read more.

Dietary composition is associated with the differential prevalence of psychiatric disorders; the Western diet confers increased risk, while the Mediterranean diet appears to reduce risk. In nonhuman primates, anxiety-like behaviors and social isolation have been linked to both Western diet consumption and increased inflammatory disease risk, and recent evidence suggests that diet composition may affect immune system function in part through its effects on behavior. This is particularly important in the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic in which social isolation has been associated with disease. Here, we examined the effects of Western- and Mediterranean-like diets on social behavior in a randomized, 34-month preclinical trial in middle-aged female cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis). Diet induced rapid and persistent changes in a suite of behaviors. After just three months of experimental diet consumption, a composite measure of diet-altered behavior (DAB) significantly differed between the two diets (p = 0.014) and remained different throughout the 24-month experimental observation period (p = 2.2 × 10⁻⁸). Monkeys fed the Western diet spent more time alone (FDR = 4.4 × 10⁻⁵) and displayed more anxiety behavior (FDR = 0.048), whereas monkeys fed the Mediterranean diet spent more time resting (FDR = 0.0013), attentive (FDR = 0.017), and in body contact with groupmates (FDR = 4.1 × 10⁻⁸). These differences were largely due to changes in behavior of animals fed the Mediterranean diet, while Western-diet-fed-animals exhibited similar behaviors compared to the eight-month baseline period, during which all monkeys consumed a common laboratory diet. These observations provide experimental support in a nonhuman primate model, demonstrating a potential therapeutic benefit of the Mediterranean diet consumption to reduce social isolation and anxiety and thus mitigate social isolation-associated disorders that often accompany illness and disability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Nutrition in Understanding Anxiety and Depression)

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15 pages, 894 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Associations of Suspected COVID-19 Symptoms with Anxiety and Depression as Modified by Hemodialysis Dietary Knowledge: A Multi-Dialysis Center Study

by Loan T. Dang, Thuc C. Luong, Dung H. Nguyen, Trung A. Hoang, Hoai T. Nguyen, Hoang C. Nguyen, Thai H. Duong, Tu T. Tran, Linh V. Pham, Tuan V. Ngo, Hoi T. Nguyen, Nga T. Trieu, Thinh V. Do, Manh V. Trinh, Tung H. Ha, Dung T. Phan, Binh N. Do, Shwu-Huey Yang, Tsae-Jyy Wang and Tuyen Van Duong

Nutrients 2022, 14(12), 2364; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14122364 - 07 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3156

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential to evaluate hemodialysis patients’ dietary knowledge, especially among those with COVID-19 related symptoms, in order to identify appropriate strategies in managing their mental health. The study’s purposes were to test the psychometric properties of the hemodialysis [...] Read more.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential to evaluate hemodialysis patients’ dietary knowledge, especially among those with COVID-19 related symptoms, in order to identify appropriate strategies in managing their mental health. The study’s purposes were to test the psychometric properties of the hemodialysis dietary knowledge (HDK) scale, and to investigate the modifying impact of HDK on the associations of suspected COVID-19 symptoms (S-COVID-19-S) with anxiety and depression among hemodialysis patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2020 to March 2021 at eight hospitals across Vietnam. Data of 875 hemodialysis patients were analyzed, including socio-demographic, anxiety (the generalized anxiety disorder scale, GAD-7), depression (the patient health questionnaire, PHQ-9), S-COVID-19-S, HDK, health literacy, and digital healthy diet literacy. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and logistic regression models were used to analyze the data. The HDK scale demonstrates the satisfactory construct validity with good model fit (Goodness of Fit Index, GFI = 0.96; Adjusted Goodness of Fit Index, AGFI = 0.90; Standardized Root Mean Square Residual, SRMR = 0.05; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation, RMSEA = 0.09; Normed Fit Index, NFI = 0.96; Comparative Fit Index, CFI = 0.96, and Parsimony goodness of Fit Index, PGFI = 0.43), criterion validity (as correlated with HL (r = 0.22, p < 0.01) and DDL (r = 0.19, p < 0.01), and reliability (Cronbach alpha = 0.70)). In the multivariate analysis, S-COVID-19-S was associated with a higher likelihood of anxiety (odds ratio, OR, 20.76; 95% confidence interval, 95%CI, 8.85, 48.70; p < 0.001) and depression (OR, 12.95; 95%CI, 6.67, 25.14, p < 0.001). A higher HDK score was associated with a lower likelihood of anxiety (OR, 0.70; 95%CI, 0.64, 0.77; p < 0.001) and depression (OR, 0.72; 95%CI, 0.66, 0.79; p < 0.001). In the interaction analysis, the negative impacts of S-COVID-19-S on anxiety and depression were mitigated by higher HDK scores (p < 0.001). In conclusion, HDK is a valid and reliable tool to measure dietary knowledge in hemodialysis patients. Higher HDK scores potentially protect patients with S-COVID-19-S from anxiety and depression during the pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Nutrition in Understanding Anxiety and Depression)

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Review

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14 pages, 690 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Role of Kiwifruit in Supporting Psychological Well-Being: A Rapid Review of the Literature

by Michael Billows, Naomi Kakoschke and Ian T. Zajac

Nutrients 2022, 14(21), 4657; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14214657 - 03 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4154

Abstract

Consumption of vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables is emerging as a recommendation for the prevention and treatment of depression and anxiety. This review sought to examine literature investigating the role of kiwifruit in supporting psychological well-being in adult populations through increased vitamin C intake. [...] Read more.

Consumption of vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables is emerging as a recommendation for the prevention and treatment of depression and anxiety. This review sought to examine literature investigating the role of kiwifruit in supporting psychological well-being in adult populations through increased vitamin C intake. The literature search using CINAHL, Embase and PubMed databases was restricted to English-language articles published from 2005 through July 2022. Inclusion criteria were randomized trials that delivered kiwifruit interventions to adult populations assessing psychological well-being. Studies were assessed for bias using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool for randomized controlled trials. The literature search identified two eligible trials involving 202 participants that delivered gold kiwifruit interventions and evaluated aspects of psychological well-being (e.g., mood disturbance, vitality, vigour, depression). Daily consumption of two gold kiwifruit was associated with significant reductions in mood disturbance and fatigue, and significant increases in well-being and vigour. Larger effects were observed in participants with higher baseline mood disturbance. Additional research involving a broader range of cohorts and isolating the effects of other micronutrients within gold kiwifruit implicated in the pathophysiology of depression is warranted. Overall, preliminary evidence suggests that daily consumption of two gold kiwifruit might improve psychological well-being in adult populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Nutrition in Understanding Anxiety and Depression)

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29 pages, 3997 KiB

Open AccessReview

Phenolic Acids as Antidepressant Agents

by Maria Lúcia da Silva Cordeiro, Verônica Giuliani de Queiroz Aquino Martins, Ariana Pereira da Silva, Hugo Alexandre Oliveira Rocha, Vanessa de Paula Soares Rachetti and Katia Castanho Scortecci

Nutrients 2022, 14(20), 4309; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14204309 - 14 Oct 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2797

Abstract

Depression is a psychiatric disorder affecting the lives of patients and their families worldwide. It is an important pathophysiology; however, the molecular pathways involved are not well understood. Pharmacological treatment may promote side effects or be ineffective. Consequently, efforts have been made to [...] Read more.

Depression is a psychiatric disorder affecting the lives of patients and their families worldwide. It is an important pathophysiology; however, the molecular pathways involved are not well understood. Pharmacological treatment may promote side effects or be ineffective. Consequently, efforts have been made to understand the molecular pathways in depressive patients and prevent their symptoms. In this context, animal models have suggested phytochemicals from medicinal plants, especially phenolic acids, as alternative treatments. These bioactive molecules are known for their antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities. They occur in some fruits, vegetables, and herbal plants. This review focused on phenolic acids and extracts from medicinal plants and their effects on depressive symptoms, as well as the molecular interactions and pathways implicated in these effects. Results from preclinical trials indicate the potential of phenolic acids to reduce depressive-like behaviour by regulating factors associated with oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, autophagy, and deregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, stimulating monoaminergic neurotransmission and neurogenesis, and modulating intestinal microbiota. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Nutrition in Understanding Anxiety and Depression)

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29 pages, 2083 KiB

Open AccessReview

Biological Role of Nutrients, Food and Dietary Patterns in the Prevention and Clinical Management of Major Depressive Disorder

by Miguel A. Ortega, Óscar Fraile-Martínez, Cielo García-Montero, Miguel Angel Alvarez-Mon, Guillermo Lahera, Jorge Monserrat, Maria Llavero-Valero, Luis Gutiérrez-Rojas, Rosa Molina, Roberto Rodríguez-Jimenez, Javier Quintero and Melchor Alvarez De Mon

Nutrients 2022, 14(15), 3099; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14153099 - 28 Jul 2022

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 7966

Abstract

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a growing disabling condition affecting around 280 million people worldwide. This complex entity is the result of the interplay between biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, and compelling evidence suggests that MDD can be considered a disease that occurs [...] Read more.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a growing disabling condition affecting around 280 million people worldwide. This complex entity is the result of the interplay between biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, and compelling evidence suggests that MDD can be considered a disease that occurs as a consequence of an evolutionary mismatch and unhealthy lifestyle habits. In this context, diet is one of the core pillars of health, influencing multiple biological processes in the brain and the entire body. It seems that there is a bidirectional relationship between MDD and malnutrition, and depressed individuals often lack certain critical nutrients along with an aberrant dietary pattern. Thus, dietary interventions are one of the most promising tools to explore in the field of MDD, as there are a specific group of nutrients (i.e., omega 3, vitamins, polyphenols, and caffeine), foods (fish, nuts, seeds fruits, vegetables, coffee/tea, and fermented products) or dietary supplements (such as S-adenosylmethionine, acetyl carnitine, creatine, amino acids, etc.), which are being currently studied. Likewise, the entire nutritional context and the dietary pattern seem to be another potential area of study, and some strategies such as the Mediterranean diet have demonstrated some relevant benefits in patients with MDD; although, further efforts are still needed. In the present work, we will explore the state-of-the-art diet in the prevention and clinical support of MDD, focusing on the biological properties of its main nutrients, foods, and dietary patterns and their possible implications for these patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Nutrition in Understanding Anxiety and Depression)

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20 pages, 889 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Efficacy of S-Adenosyl Methionine and Probiotic Supplementation on Depression: A Synergistic Approach

by Hammad Ullah, Ayesha Khan, Kannan R. R. Rengasamy, Alessandro Di Minno, Roberto Sacchi and Maria Daglia

Nutrients 2022, 14(13), 2751; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14132751 - 01 Jul 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4943

Abstract

Depression is a common and serious health issue affecting around 280 million people around the world. Suicidal ideation more frequently occurs in people with moderate to severe depression. Psychotherapy and pharmacological drugs are the mainstay of available treatment options for depressive disorders. However, [...] Read more.

Depression is a common and serious health issue affecting around 280 million people around the world. Suicidal ideation more frequently occurs in people with moderate to severe depression. Psychotherapy and pharmacological drugs are the mainstay of available treatment options for depressive disorders. However, pharmacological options do not offer complete cure, especially in moderate to severe depression, and are often seen with a range of adverse events. S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) supplementation has been widely studied, and an impressive collection of literature published over the last few decades suggests its antidepressant efficacy. Probiotics have gained significant attention due to their wide array of clinical uses, and multiple studies have explored the link between probiotic species and mood disorders. Gut dysbiosis is one of the risk factors in depression by inducing systemic inflammation accompanied by an imbalance in neurotransmitter production. Thus, concomitant administration of probiotics may be an effective treatment strategy in patients with depressed mood, particularly in resistant cases, as these can aid in dysbiosis, possibly resulting in the attenuation of systemic inflammatory processes and the improvement of the therapeutic efficacy of SAMe. The current review highlights the therapeutic roles of SAMe and probiotics in depression, their mechanistic targets, and their possible synergistic effects and may help in the development of food supplements consisting of a combination of SAMe and probiotics with new dosage forms that may improve their bioavailability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Nutrition in Understanding Anxiety and Depression)

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