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Mediterranean diet could help prevent depression

7 October 2009

A possible link with depression is an interesting find. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and determine exactly how a Mediterranean diet may protect you from depression.

Dr Paula Franklin, director of healthcare development at Bupa

Sticking to a Mediterranean diet can lower your chances of developing depression, new research suggests.

Scientists studied over 10,000 Spanish university graduates, who had not previously been diagnosed with depression, for just less than four and a half years. They looked at the relationship between how closely people followed the Mediterranean diet and the incidence of depression.

A questionnaire was used to assess how closely participants followed the principles of the Mediterranean diet. This included eating large amounts of fruit, vegetables, nuts, cereal, legumes and fish, drinking moderate amounts of alcohol and a low intake of meat and dairy products.

The scientists found that the more closely subjects stuck to the principal elements of a Mediterranean diet, the lower the likelihood of them developing depression.

The researchers took many other factors into account, including sex, age, body mass index, physical activity levels, smoking, calorie intake and employment status.

Dr Paula Franklin, director of healthcare development at Bupa, commented: "Following a Mediterranean diet has already been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer. A possible link with depression is an interesting find. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and determine exactly how a Mediterranean diet may protect you from depression.

"To stay healthy, mentally and physically, try to eat a balanced diet including plenty of fruit and vegetables. You should also keep a healthy weight and exercise regularly."

Key facts
  • A traditional Mediterranean diet contains lots of fruit, vegetables, bread and cereals (mainly wholegrain), nuts, beans and seeds.
  • Dairy products, fish and poultry are eaten in low to moderate amounts, and little red meat is eaten.
  • The main source of fat in a Mediterranean diet is olive oil.
  • A Mediterranean diet includes a low to moderate amount of wine.

Related information

Read the study

Almudena Sánchez-Villegas, Miguel Delgado-Rodríguez, Alvaro Alonso et al. Association of the Mediterranean Dietary Pattern With the Incidence of Depression. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2009;66(10):1090-1098. http://archpsyc.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/66/10/1090?home

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