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BMC Psychiatry
Published in: BMC Psychiatry 1/2013

Open Access 01-12-2013 | Research article

The association between diet quality, dietary patterns and depression in adults: a systematic review

Authors: Shae E Quirk, Lana J Williams, Adrienne O’Neil, Julie A Pasco, Felice N Jacka, Siobhan Housden, Michael Berk, Sharon L Brennan

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2013

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Abstract

Background

Recent evidence suggests that diet modifies key biological factors associated with the development of depression; however, associations between diet quality and depression are not fully understood. We performed a systematic review to evaluate existing evidence regarding the association between diet quality and depression.

Method

A computer-aided literature search was conducted using Medline, CINAHL, and PsycINFO, January 1965 to October 2011, and a best-evidence analysis performed.

Results

Twenty-five studies from nine countries met eligibility criteria. Our best-evidence analyses found limited evidence to support an association between traditional diets (Mediterranean or Norwegian diets) and depression. We also observed a conflicting level of evidence for associations between (i) a traditional Japanese diet and depression, (ii) a “healthy” diet and depression, (iii) a Western diet and depression, and (iv) individuals with depression and the likelihood of eating a less healthy diet.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first review to synthesize and critically analyze evidence regarding diet quality, dietary patterns and depression. Further studies are urgently required to elucidate whether a true causal association exists.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
The association between diet quality, dietary patterns and depression in adults: a systematic review
Authors
Shae E Quirk
Lana J Williams
Adrienne O’Neil
Julie A Pasco
Felice N Jacka
Siobhan Housden
Michael Berk
Sharon L Brennan
Publication date
01-12-2013
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-13-175

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