Healthy diet, depression and quality of life: A narrative review of biological mechanisms and primary prevention opportunities

Abstract

Unipolar depressive disorder (UDD) affects more than 264 million people worldwide and was projected well before the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic to be the leading cause of disability-adjusted life years lost in 2030. It is imperative for leading economies to implement preventive strategies targeted towards UDD, given consistent policies are currently lacking. Recently established similarities between the aetiological hypotheses of depression and cardiometabolic diseases are shifting paradigms within this field. It is believed that dietary practices could potentially reduce the incidence of depression; similar to their effects on metabolism. Thus, the aim of this review was to compile current evidence on healthy dietary patterns as suitable contributors towards primary prevention strategies against UDD. Most of the well-known biological mechanisms behind depression have been positively associated with healthful diets and dietary patterns to varying degrees. Interestingly, a common factor of UDD is the production and overall effects of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and C-reactive protein. These compounds have been associated with depressive symptoms, disturbances in neuroendocrine function, leaky gut, monoamine activity and brain function, while also being key factors in the development of cardiometabolic diseases. The Mediterranean diet (MD) in particular, is well supported by first-level evidence regarding its preventive qualities against metabolic and cardiovascular diseases and thus considered a model for healthy eating by various organizations. In one of the few clinical trials investigating these associations, the PREDIMED trial, individuals with diabetes assigned to a MD supplemented with mixed tree nuts experienced a 41% relative risk reduction for developing depression. Lastly, there is a need to include health related quality of life as an indicator of physical and mental well-being, considering its putative associations with depression and suicide risk. Going forward, focusing on clinical trials, using precise nutritional assessments, and identifying nutritional biomarkers which may be related to depression are needed to fully support the implementation of dietary recommendations in the field of psychiatry.

Core Tip: Parallel biological mechanisms are being uncovered that link both depression and cardiometabolic diseases. Based on this evidence, it has been theorized that a healthful diet could improve the prognosis and prevent depression incidence, similar to its effects on cardiovascular risk. Current epidemiological studies support the link between healthy diets and better symptom management, biomarkers, and health related quality of life related to depression. However, additional longitudinal studies and dedicated clinical trials are needed to fully understand these initial findings. With greater evidence, healthy dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, could facilitate the management and reduce the risk of depression.

INTRODUCTION

More than 264 million people suffer from unipolar depressive disorder (UDD) worldwide, making it a leading cause of years of life lost as a result of disability[1]. In 2019, unipolar depressive disorder was ranked in 6^th place amongst the top causes of burden of disease for the age groups between 25-49 years[2]. Previous projections had already speculated that depressive disorders would be the leading cause of disability-adjusted life years lost by the year 2030[3]. These estimations will inevitably rise as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, requiring the implementation of public health policies to contain this expansive global health issue[4].

Current efforts to prevent mental illness, including depression focus on early diagnosis with prompt medical attention and treatment, in addition to sufficient drug availability[5]; in other words, secondary prevention. Despite moderate success in some countries, current research is offering both a better understanding of this condition and the rationale to apply new preventive strategies based on this knowledge. Examples of such research have been carried out by Sanchez-Villegas et al[6,7] in a population of southern Europeans. In this study sample, poor dietary and sedentary behaviors were associated with a higher incidence of mental illnesses (including UDD), which are also determinants typically associated with cardiometabolic health[8]. Due to common biological pathways, nutritional epidemiology now offers further insights in the field of mental illnesses[9].

Regardless of promising reports which support the possibility of improving mental health through nutrition, evidence remains limited[10]. Some of the findings refer to the importance of maternal and early-life nutrition for prevention, but also the role of diet as a determinant of adequate symptom management and enhanced anti-depressant drug efficacy. Such findings have led to an exponential growth and interest in the prevention of UDD through primary prevention strategies[11-13]. Nonetheless, the implementation of such strategies requires solid, reproducible evidence which can only be obtained from nutritional intervention trials.

In this narrative review we summarize the available evidence on the biological mechanisms common to UDD and cardiometabolic diseases, in support of the implementation of dietary interventions as plausible preventive measures for these diseases. For this purpose, we provide an overview of the aetiological hypotheses of depression with a particular interest in the role of diet on these pathways. Finally, current epidemiological evidence on the best known healthful dietary pattern, the Mediterranean diet (MD), will be presented in support of dietary interventions to reduce depression incidence and aid overall prognosis.

AETIOLOGICAL HYPOTHESES OF DEPRESSION

A wide array of determinants are involved in the aetiology of depression, including biological, psychological, and environmental factors[5]. It is not unlikely that these mechanisms coexist in varying degrees with plausible synergistic activity; adding complexity and variability to the causes and clinical manifestation of UDD. Among the most accepted pathways is the dysregulation of hormonal signaling involving the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, although monoamine activity, neurogenesis, neuronal activity and plasticity play fundamental roles in the aetiology of mental illnesses in general. Of note, oxidative stress and inflammation play a common role in most of these hypotheses[14].

Oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory state

Most of the associated biological mechanisms in depressive disorders are accompanied by the production and release of cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1b, IL-2, IL-6, interferon-γ (INT-γ) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. These disturbances have been confirmed in patients with UDD, among whom plasma levels of certain pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and C-reactive protein among others) are significantly higher than those of healthy individuals[15-17]. Furthermore, effective pharmacological treatment decrease cytokine concentrations, particularly IL-6, C-reactive protein and INT-γ[17,18]. The basis for this aetiological hypothesis is the damage to the blood brain barrier (BBB) caused by the convergence of oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory signals, which impede an adequate brain function[19]. These alterations are particularly noticeable in the BBB tight junction protein, claudin 5 (Cldn5), increasing cytokine permeability to the brain of mice[19,20]. Additionally, altered BBB function promotes the infiltration of various immune cells into the brain, endothelial damage through hdac1 expression, and direct damage to astrocytes, glial cells, and neurons[5,21,22]. Further release of peripheral cytokines originate in tissues such as the adipose tissue and gastrointestinal tract, resulting in vagal nerve stimulation, which also reinforces this pro-inflammatory state[19,23]. Each of these signals converge in the central nervous system (CNS) and result in altered receptor expression, neurogenesis and plasticity[5,19].

Given these connections, inflammatory cytokines have been proposed as biomarkers for depression in association with cardiovascular disease. These markers span various biological levels, including single-nucleotide polymorphisms identified in genome wide analyses, but also molecules such as the neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin[24]. Of particular interest are the associations found between the loci coding for the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 and antidepressant responsiveness[25]. Oxidative stress and inflammation are also directly correlated to indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (a rate limiting enzyme in the metabolism of tryptophan), which leads to neurotoxicity and serotonin deficiency in the brain; both core features of the pathophysiology of depression[26].

These results are of great interest as UDD can be thought of as an inflammation-based disease, but also indicate potential anti-oxidant properties exerted by anti-depressant drug therapies. Overall, these findings offer new preventive strategies to the field of mood disorders. Regarding the robustness of these findings, a 2015 cumulative meta-analysis analyzing 58 studies evidenced that the role of the most commonly associated inflammatory cytokines on UDD was substantial[16]. Additionally, these results explain the diversity of clinical manifestations and responsiveness to treatment as a result of the interplay between biological pathways and individual factors. In this regard, we cannot disregard the potential effect of confounding as a plausible explanation for these differences, given the lack of clinical trials controlling for the numerous determinants of UDD.

Hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis

Well-defined clinical and biochemical evidence support the role of glucocorticoid dysregulation as a cause of depression. The release of cortisol is the end product of the HPA-axis in response to external stress[5]. Moreover, circulating cortisol levels activate the sympathetic nervous system, and other immune responses that influence neuronal activity. Despite this being a natural response, disparities have been found in both animal and human models revealing individualized responses to external stressors, and thus differences in UDD risk[27]. With regard to this hypothesis of UDD, sustained induced stress will lead to the down regulation of glucocorticoid receptors in the CNS. Normally, cortisol inhibits the further release of corticotropin-releasing hormone and adrenocorticotrophic hormone in a self-regulating cycle. However, this negative feedback is altered in patients with depression, leading to sustained elevated levels of cortisol, alterations of the cortisol circadian rhythm, as well as altered immunological responses[28]. Some of the long-term effects of these disturbances include not only a reduction in the total hippocampal volume and reduced rates of neurogenesis, but also an accumulation of visceral fat and obesity, a higher susceptibility to insulin resistance, and an increase in the production of inflammatory cytokines, which lead to cardiometabolic diseases[29].

To our knowledge a direct influence of dietary habits on the HPA-axis has not been reported, however some authors suggest that the gut-microbiome could mediate these effects[30]. Clinical and biochemical evidence has concluded that alterations in the diversity and particular strains of bacteria comprising the microbiome, also known as dysbiosis, modulate the negative effects of stress on the HPA axis at different stages of life[31]. A particular study on marital-related stress reported an increased release of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) originating in the gut microbiome, as a result of dysbiosis, with a dose-response relationship[32]. LPSs cause damage to the gut-membrane and lead to major adverse cardiovascular events as demonstrated by Pastori et al[33] in 2017. Moreover, damage to the gut membrane results in the translocation of LPSs into the plasma, where they stimulate the differentiation of T-cell lymphocytes, further promoting inflammatory mechanisms[33,34]. Although the objective of the study was to assess the associations between circulating LPS and major adverse cardiovascular events, similar biological mechanisms have been identified in patients with depression[35]. Given the lack of clinical trials in this particular matter, incident depression has been inconsistently associated with cytokines such as LPS and others[35]. Hence, the true nature of this relationship has yet to be explained.

Dietary determinants of dysbiosis include fiber, fatty acid, and probiotic intakes[30,36,37]. In fact, dietary interventions have demonstrated that changes in the microbiome are possibly due to these food items, however incident depression has not been assessed concomitantly[38,39]. Results in a Korean study evaluating dietary fiber and prevalent depression demonstrated significant inverse associations between cereal, seaweed and mushroom fiber, and depressive symptoms[40]. Despite these encouraging findings, significant associations with prevalent depression were only found for the consumption of seaweed fiber (multivariable-adjusted OR 0.45 (95%CI: 0.23-0.88) for the comparison of quartile 4 vs quartile 1 of intake)[40]. Additionally, microbiome changes are highly dependent of the pre-existing diversity of bacteria in the gut. As stated by others, the microbiome demonstrates a resilience to change which is not yet fully understood[41]. Hence, additional research is needed before general recommendations can be made.

Monoamines

Another widely accepted aetiological theory of depression focuses on the role of monoamine synthesis and activity. Indeed, lower concentrations of these monoamines (serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline) have long been associated with depressive symptoms and ultimately with depressive disorder. Altered monoamine activity is driven by inadequate production and their rapid degradation in the pre-synaptic space[5]. However, some inconsistencies remain unanswered regarding this hypothesis. Primarily, the prolonged response time observed for typical antidepressants which reduce depressive symptoms weeks after initiating treatment despite a normalization of monoamine levels in just a few hours[42,43].

Monoamine production is primarily dependent of vitamin B-6, folate, and vitamin B-12 Levels as precursors[44]. These micronutrients are essential in the metabolism of S-adenosyl methionine and methionine, both of which are critical for monoamine production and other methylation processes within the brain[44]. Sub-optimal levels of folate and B-group vitamins have been associated with higher homocysteine concentrations, which in turn are associated with depressive disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, and altered cognitive disfunction[45]. The role of homocysteine in the hypothesized biological mechanisms of UDD is based on the direct vascular damage and excitotoxicity exerted by its metabolites (homocysteinic acid or cysteine sulfinic acid).

Specific examples of the effects of individual foods on monoamines are scarce, however increased serum levels of dopamine and serotonin have been documented in response to dietary restrictions or supplementation with cocoa extracts[46,47]. Monoamine activity is also dependent on its enzymatic degradation by the monoamine oxidase enzyme (MAO) in the pre-synaptic space; a staple target for anti-depressant drug therapy. In particular, the MAO-B variant of this enzyme is susceptible to dietary interventions as demonstrated by Zellner et al[45]. This study demonstrated that an increase in vitamin B12 was correlated with a lower MAO-B expression (median expression reduction of 26%, adjusted P value < 0.05). In this three-week dietary intervention, a significant reduction of MAO-B was achieved through a high protein diet (approximately 3.0 g of protein/kg per day) primarily consisting of meat products (55% of total protein intake). Based on these observations, B-group vitamin supplements are theorized to have an antidepressant activity as noted in some in vitro and in vivo studies[48,49]. B-group vitamins are crucial for the transformation of homocysteine into methionine through the 5-methyltetrahydrofolate pathway[44], however vitamin B12 supplementation has not been uniformly associated with reduced UDD risk nor symptom improvements. Some clinical trials have noted elevated concentrations of homocysteine and low levels of B-group vitamins in depressed patients at baseline[50-52]. However, two interventions with B-vitamin supplements (the shortest consisting of two years, in a sample of n = 2919 geriatric patients with major depressive disorder) observed non-significant improvements in depressive symptoms[51,53]. Positive reports have been found under particular conditions, yet strong and reproducible evidence is warranted for the widespread use of vitamin B12 supplements as an inexpensive aid to pharmacological treatments[47,54]. Furthermore, a comparative analysis on the effect of folates and B-group vitamins should be conducted controlling for homocysteine reduction and increased monoamine activity through MAO-B suppression. Lastly, when considering the effects of dietary interventions on depressive symptoms, the overall antioxidant properties of a healthy dietary intervention should be considered.

Neurotrophism and neuronal activity

Although few reports exist on the effects of neurogenesis in the development of UDD, initial studies highlight the central role of the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF is synthetized and secreted primarily by endothelial cells[55] and is necessary for neuronal development as demonstrated in animal models[56]. The initial transcription and translation of the BDNF gene produces an immature molecule (prepro-BDNF) which is then converted into pro-BDNF and eventually transformed into mature BDNF through a series of protease enzymes[57,58]. Although prepro-BDNF has not been attributed biological activity, pro-BDNF can bind to the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) and induce cell senescence in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex[57-59]. Mature BDNF, on the other hand, has been related to the maturation of neurons, establishment of synaptic connections (through axonal growth and neuronal survival), and interestingly neural plasticity[56,57,60]. Such mechanisms, however, are highly dependent on the site of the brain in which they occur[59]. BDNF secreted into the amygdala and nucleus accumbens has been found to worsen depressive symptoms, whereas the opposite is true in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, both in human and animal models[57,58]. The site-specific activity of BDNF was initially thought to be the cause of reduced hippocampal volume, as described in post mortem studies in patients with depression[59,60]. These findings have since been attributed to a single nucleotide polymorphism resulting in the translation of Methionine and not Valine-66 (Val⁶⁶Met), which hinders the transformation of proBDNF to BDNF[59]. However, the lower hippocampal volume hypothesis has been thoroughly criticized in a recent meta-analysis which highlights the low statistical power of the available evidence, plausible publication bias, and tendency towards the null value of current evidence[61]. Post-mortem studies on patients with depression have also found lower BDNF levels, lower expression of the BDNF receptor (TrkB), and an increased expression of p75NTR in the hippocampus (particularly in suicide patients), all of which correlate to negative effects on depressive symptoms[60,62]. Finally, BDNF has also been suggested to be a mediator of certain antidepressant therapies, such as electroconvulsive therapy and anti-depressant drugs[56,58]. In the particular case of fluoxetine, mice with the knock-in Val⁶⁶Met variant were completely void from the antidepressant effects of the drug[58]. A major debate in regard to antidepressants has been their delayed effects, leading some researcher to believe that BDNF activity is responsible[58]. This theory is based on the effects of antidepressants on BDNF levels, which stimulate neuronal plasticity and improve neuronal synapse in the hippocampus after a period of time; corresponding with the cessation of depressive symptoms[56].

In relation to diet, post mortem studies report lower levels of retinoic acid receptor-α (RARα) in the prefrontal cortex along with disturbances in the TrkB pathway[62]. Qi et al[62] found that retinoic acid and vitamin A sub-species, could stimulate the TrkB promoter in an in vitro study and potentially improve depression management. Similar to BDNF, vitamin B12 has shown to selectively promote the expression of the BDNF-receptor gene (Ntrk-2) in the prefrontal cortex[48]. Despite observing no significant increase of these receptors in the hippocampus, an acute vitamin B12 supplementation counteracted the stress induced alterations of Ntrk-2 expression and depressive behavior in mice[48].

Given the novelty of these findings, few reports exist on the human effects of BDNF, and fewer which attribute its activity to dietary interventions. To our knowledge, only the PREDIMED (PREvención con DIeta MEDiterranea) trial has reported on the changes of BDNF as a result of a dietary intervention. In the PREDIMED trial, subjects allocated to the MD pattern and supplementation with nuts were less likely to have lower BDNF levels[63]. Moreover, after three years of intervention, a statistically significant increase in BDNF was observed among participants with prevalent depression and allocated to the MD supplemented with nuts. The results suggest that in patients with prevalent depression, BDNF concentrations are influenced by dietary interventions[63]. Despite the success observed in the dietary intervention of the PREDIMED trial, the complexities, regulatory mechanisms, and site-specific neuronal activity of this neurotrophin demand an in depth understanding of its implication in UDD.

Health related quality of life

One of the main reasons for UDD treatment is to improve patients’ health related quality of life (HRQoL), however, this goal has proven difficult to achieve and understand. The perception of health has been broadly studied under two main physical and mental domains since the 70’s[64]. In addition to overall health, external factors contribute greatly to this subjective concept. Bidirectional relationships between HRQoL and UDD have been reported, however, cause-effect relationships remain inconsistent. Some reports include reduced HRQoL at baseline for patients with UDD, in whom perceived health improves after anti-depressant treatment[65,66]. It should be mentioned that not all pharmaco-therapies improve well-being, possibly due to secondary effects or treatment related stress[66]. Hence the need for additional research. Moreover, if HRQoL does not improve, persistent perceived health reduction could worsen UDD and even increase suicide risk[5,67]. Various physical, mental and socioeconomic factors have been identified as determinants of increased suicide risk, all of which contribute varying effects[68]. In these matters, psychotherapy, particularly behavioral cognitive therapy, has proven to be an effective measure to improve HRQoL[69,70]. Unfortunately, these improvements have been limited to mental domains, which could indicate that additional factors are not being considered. On the other hand, diet has been cross-sectionally associated with both physical and mental domains of HRQoL[71-73]. Furthermore, nutrient deficiencies have been related to worsened perceived health, whereas healthy dietary habits seem to improve HRQoL across various age-groups[74,75]. Research in this particular field is scarce, but initial results are beginning to shed light on these associations. A report by Gariballa et al[76] in 2013 found that in addition to changes in homocysteine levels, a significant improvement in HRQoL was observed. The added value of improving HRQoL is not only an effective measure of patient health, but also of the quality of medical care. Clinical trials and prospective studies should focus on the potential mediator effect of nutritional status on the association between depression-related clinical outcomes and perceived health (UDD - Diet - HRQoL).

In the following table (Table 1) a summary of the primary aetiological hypothesis and mechanisms involved in depression are summarized. Furthermore, one-to-one associations and evidence of the potential effects of diet on each of these mechanisms is presented.

Table 1.

Summary of aetiological hypotheses and nutritional determinants of depression

Aetiological Hypotheses	Main mechanisms	Biological disturbances in UDD	Relationship with Diet	Ref.
Oxidative stress and inflammation	Higher cytokine levels in patients with UDD induce BBB damage and increased permeability to the brain, mainly through claudin 5 dysfunction. Furthermore, oxidative stress and cytokines stimulate the vagal nerve, further promoting a pro-inflammatory in the CNS.	Increased IL-6, TNF-a, C-reactive protein, INT- γ, and other inflammatory cytokines. BBB damage and translocation of cytokines and immune cells into the brain.	Adequate antioxidant intake and lifestyle habits prevent the development of a pro-inflammatory state.	[16,17,19]
Glucocorticoids and HPA-axis	Chronic stress leads to the constant release of cortisol and eventually a down regulation of cortisol receptors in the hypothalamus. In addition, altered immune responses promote further neuronal damage and other metabolic diseases.	Increased basal cortisol and LPS.	Healthy gut microbiomes prevent the release of LPS and other cytokines into the plasma, limiting the potential damage of stress and theoretically decreasing UDD risk.
		Altered cortisol circadian rhythm.
		Secondarily, T-cell differentiation and release of inflammatory cytokines.
Monoamine activity	Inadequate monoamine production and an increased degradation rate, mediated by the MAO enzyme, are related to depressive symptoms. Although current therapy is based on improving monoamine availability in the synapsis, uncertainties remain regarding this hypothesis.	Reduced monoamine formation and activity.	Vit-B12 and folate are necessary for monoamine production.	[28,29,33,34]
		Homocysteine (also homocysteinic acid or cysteine sulfinic acid) has detrimental effects on neurons.	Homocysteine accumulation is a result of Vit-B12 deficiency.
			MAO-B activity has been associated with Vit-B12 levels and dietary practices.
Neuronal development and activity	Altered BDNF function is caused by oxidative stress and inadequate endothelial function. This neurotrophin is essential for neuronal development, synapse formation and cerebral plasticity, in addition to having anti-depressant effects. However, its antidepressant effects are dependent on brain region and therefore not fully understood	Altered BDNF activity and other markers of endothelial function (IL-6, TNF-a, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1).	Antioxidants, MUFA, and PUFA concentrations regulate endothelial function.	[44–46]
		Decreased post-mortem hippocampal and prefrontal cortex volumes.	Vit-B12 promotes the expression of genes that code for BDNF-receptors (Ntrk-2).
The role of Health Related Quality of Life	Lower HRQoL has been associated with depression relapse and increased risk of suicide.	HRQoL is generally lower in patients with depression. Furthermore, pharmacotherapy improves mental components of HRQoL.	Quality of diet has been direct and cross-sectionally associated with HRQoL scores. The effects of diet on homocysteine level influence HRQoL and thus, potentially improve UDD patient status.	[55,57,62,63]

UDD: Unipolar depressive disorder; IL-6: Interleukin 6; TNF-α: Tumoral necrosis factor-α; INT- γ: Interferon- γ; HPA-axis: Hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis; LPS: Lipopolysaccharides; MAO: Monoamine oxidase; BDNF: Brain derived neurotrophic factor; ICAM: Intercellular adhesion molecule; VCAM: Vascular adhesion molecule; MUFA: Monounsaturated fatty acids; PUFA: Polyunsaturated fatty acids; HRQoL: Health related quality of life.

LINKS TO OTHER CARDIO-METABOLIC DISEASES

Along with UDD, cardiometabolic diseases are amongst the top causes of global burden of disease (GBD)[2]. Based on the mechanisms previously described, more and more evidence supports the role of diet and lifestyle as key determinants of mental health, quality of life, and cardiometabolic disorders[3]. Around the world, unbalanced diets, consumption of sugary beverages, and fast foods have been associated with and increased risk and presence of metabolic disturbances such as elevated fasting plasma glucose, and high blood pressure[77]. Sedentary behavior, a mayor cause of obesity and metabolic syndrome, has been associated with an increased risk for various mental disorders[7]. These observations further reflect the implications of (poor) lifestyle patterns habits on physical and mental health, both of which flourish under similar biological conditions. Likewise, the chronic pro-inflammatory state present in metabolic syndrome is the ideal scenario for glucose intolerance, lower insulin secretion, and the accompanying glucocorticoid dysregulation that precedes the onset of diabetes[78-81]. The cycle of damage persists once these changes have been established due to the detrimental effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines across various organs and systems, including pancreatic β-cells, endothelial cells, various strains of immune cells, among others. Unfortunately, advancements have been limited, however, biomarkers such as the myokine irisin are beginning to emerge as bridging biomarkers both in UDD and cardiometabolic diseases. This myokine, also produced in the adipose tissue, has been found to be a potent predictor of post-stroke depression in addition to solid associations with physical exercise and adiposity[82]. Considering these interactions, it is not outlandish to argue that the actual impact of depression has been underestimated, as prior researchers have suggested[83,84].

WHY A MD PATTERN FOR THE PREVENTION OF DEPRESSION?

The literature surrounding the MD and its characteristics is vast and well documented. When referring to the MD, researchers address a pattern of dietary characteristics and lifestyle found in countries of the Mediterranean basin, specifically in the 1960s[85]. In this geographical and temporal period, diets were characterized for their high consumption of olive oil (as primary source of dietary fats), nuts, fatty fish, local seasonal fruits and vegetables, in addition to a low consumption of meat (with a preference for poultry rather than red meats), dairy products, sugared beverages and confectionary/baked goods, and a moderate consumption of red wine. Furthermore, traditional culinary practices such as the “sofrito” (a tomato and olive oil-based sauce with various vegetables) enhance not only the flavors in this dietary pattern but also their innate nutrients. For the purpose of nutritional epidemiological studies, dietary questionnaires have been developed to assess the consumption of key foods and culinary techniques of this dietary pattern. Pioneering to this field was the development of the MD score (MDS) by A. Trichopoulou and collaborators, which considers the consumption of 9 key foods characteristics of the MD[86,87]. More recently, the 14-item questionnaire developed for the PREDIMED trial is the most wide-spread questionnaire evaluating the adherence to the MD pattern and its health benefits[88]. A novel, more precise approach is presently being developed with the inclusion of metabolomic assessment in order to objectively ascertain adherence to the MD. These analyses are based on the identification of key end-products of human metabolism that prevail when an individual adheres to this dietary pattern; also referred to as the “metabolic signature” of the Mediterranean diet[89].

The cardio-protective effects of the MD are mainly attributed to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. For this and other reasons, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association amply recommend this dietary pattern in their 2019 guidelines[90], in addition to its inclusion in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025. All three institutions advocate for dietary patterns which emphasize the consumption of seafood, vegetables, fruits and nuts for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. However, in relation to UDD, the 2015 American dietary guidelines advisory committee deemed the evidence on the risk reduction of depression to be limited in its actual state[91]. When compared with other dietary patterns, the MD provides adequate concentrations of most micronutrients, particularly antioxidant compounds[92-94].

Based on these characteristics and reflecting on the biological hypotheses previously described, we could argue that the MD could also be beneficial for UDD prevention. Epidemiological studies have found that these compounds exert positive effects on endothelial function and inflammation based on biomarkers such as TGF-β1 and IL-6, ICAM-1 VCAM-1, among others[95]. As evidenced in the study by Sánchez-Villegas et al[63] in 2011 a dietary intervention with a MD supplemented with nuts in patients improved BDNF concentrations in patients with prevalent depression. Additional benefits to the endothelium of cardiovascular and neural cells originate from the adequate ratio of “healthy fats” in this dietary pattern [reflected in the mono- and polyunsaturated fat (MUFA/PUFA) and mono- and saturated fat (MUFA/SFA) ratios][96,97]. Among the most researched effects of fatty acids on membrane function surround the effects of Omega-3 fatty acids (also n-3). N-3 fatty acids include are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) that derive from alpha linolenic acid. The two primary forms of n-3 are eicosapentaenoic (EPA) acid and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acid, both of which are found in seafoods. EPA in particular plays a critical role in the adequate functioning of dendritic and synaptic membranes, hence its advised supplementation for patients with UDD[74,98]. In this line, DHA is an integral component of macular and dendritic cell membranes, further supporting its supplementation[6,99]. Consumption of fish and nuts in the MD has demonstrated to improve overall lipid composition (n-3 and other unsaturated fatty acids instead of trans-fatty acids or saturated fatty acids) which ensures adequate membrane functioning[6,98].

Folate and vitamin B12 intake are a major concern for subjects following plant-based diets. Nonetheless, nutrient deficiencies were scarce in a sample of free-roaming individuals adhering to the MD[93]. These micronutrients are critical for BDNF function but also necessary for an adequate production and activity of monoamines. Green leafy vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts and fruits within the MD have a high nutritional value for their folate and vitamin B12 content as well as other nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Most of these foods are responsible for the positive effects of the MD on gut microbiome, further evidenced by improvements in insulin sensitivity and diabetes risk[100,101]. In this study, it was estimated that the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency among the 4^th and 5^th quintiles of adherence to the MD was 1%. Hence, the prevention of UDD by a MD pattern has been partially attributed to this dietary pattern’s adequate intake of vitamin B12[102]. This was further supported by a comparison between categories of MD adherence and UDD incidence risk; compared to the lowest adherence to the MDS, the top 4 categories were associated with a risk reduction for incident depression of 26%, 34%, 51% and 42%, respectively[8], observing a significant dose-response relationship[8,103]. Although subject to debate, caloric restriction has been demonstrated to play a role in UDD and aide in the progression of non-alcoholic fatty live disease[104]. Hunger-related stress induced anti-oxidant effects in the brain through increased blood flow and the removal of damaged cellular organelles. Interestingly, the hippocampus is particularly benefited from the increased perfusion, resulting in an increase in neurogenesis mediated by BDNF and a decrease in apoptosis rates[105,106]. However, this theory would imply that the release of glucocorticoids and the subsequent HPA-axis activation, as a result of stress, is also capable of promoting neurogenesis despite its impairment in patients with depression. In a meta-analysis, the mean weighted effects of a very low calorie diet on depressive symptom scores revealed a Hedges’ g = −0.728 (95%CI: −1.204, −0.253)[107]. These results were further analyzed in order to understand the mediator effects of exercise, duration of the caloric restriction, and cognitive behavioral therapy. It was concluded that exercise and longer duration of caloric restrictions partially explain the improvements in depressive symptoms, but more importantly, the exclusion of behavioral therapy yields no significant improvement of symptoms[107]. These mechanisms and the UDD hypotheses to which they are linked, have been summarized in Figure 1.

Figure 1.

Summary of interactions between the Mediterranean diet and the unipolar depressive disorder hypotheses. On the left side of the panel are the main food groups and their bioactive compounds, with known interactions with unipolar depressive disorder pathways. Each bioactive compound has a designated figure and color. The right side of the panel summarizes the aetiological hypotheses of depression and the main contributors to the disease. Black arrows designate the sequence of biological events in each mechanism, whereas “T” shaped lines designate an inhibitor effect. The figures designated for each compound are located within the sequence of biological events to designate the site of interaction with these mechanisms. See the main text for a detailed description of these interactions and associations. MD: Mediterranean diet; UDD: Unipolar depressive disorder; IL-6: Interleukin-6; CRP: C-reactive protein; TNF-α: Tumor necrosis factor-α; BDNF: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

These promising reports signal an under-developed field for UDD prevention, however, the long-term psychiatric effects that could arise from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic demand for an exponential development of this knowledge. Front line workers should be considered at a double risk for COVID-19 and psychiatric disorders as suggested by the high prevalence of anxiety and burn-out in this group, with serious implications for the health and well-being of the population in general[108,109].

Some of the most noteworthy results from observational studies and clinical trials regarding the role of the MD, individual nutrients, and foods on incident depression are summarized on Table 2. This summary includes studies conducted in the Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra (The SUN study), studying the associations between diet and lifestyle with incident depression.

Table 2.

Summary of the effects of various nutrients, food groups, dietary patterns and lifestyle on prevalent or incident depression

Dietary components	Total/number of cases	mean follow-up t (yr)	Main Results1 [comparisons between quantiles (q) or the designated categories]
Cohort studies
Nutrients
Omega-3 fatty acids[6]	7903/512	2.4	q4 vs q1: OR (95%CI) 0.65 (0.47–0.90). P for trend = 0.376
Trans fatty acids[37]	12059/657	6.1	q5 vs q1: 1.42 (1.09-1.84); P for trend = 0.003
MUFA[37]	12059/657	6.1	q5 vs q1: 0.80 (0.62-1.03); P for trend = 0.05
PUFA[37]	12059/657	6.1	q5 vs q1; 0.76 (0.59-0.99; P for trend = 0.03
Magnesium[123]	12939/737	6.3	q5 vs q1: 1.11 (0.77-1.59) No association.
Nutritional adequacy[124]	13983/953	8.5	≥ 4 nutritional deficiencies vs ≤ 1: 1.37 (1.01-1.85)
Total Fiber[40]	548/198	Cross-sectional	q4 vs q1: OR = 0.54 (95%CI: 0.11–2.63); Non significant association
Foods and food groups
Fast food[125]	8964/493	6.2	q5 vs q1: 1.36 (1.02-1.81); P for trend = 0.03
Ultra-processed foods[126]	14907/774	10.3	q4 vs q1: 1.33 (1.07, 1.64); P for trend = 0.004
Baked goods[125]	8964/493	6.2	q2-5 vs q1: 1.38 (1.06-1.80);
Olive oil[37]	12059/657	6.1	q5 vs q1: 0.80 (0.62-1.04); P for trend = 0.06
Seafoods[127]	6587/1367	Cross-sectional	q3 vs q1 of fatty fish consumption: OR 0.72 (0.59–0.88). Higher intakes were non-significant
Coffee[128]	14413/199	10	≥ 4 cups/d vs < 1 cup/d: 0.37 (0.15–0.95); P for trend = 0.220
Yoghurt[36]	14542/727	9.3	Low fat: max vs min: 1.32 (1.06–1.65); P for trend = 0.001
			Whole fat: max vs min: 0.78 (0.63–0.98); P for trend = 0.02
Dietary patterns
MD score[8]	10094/480	4.4	3pts vs 0-2pts: 0.74 (0.57-0.98)
			4pts vs 0-2pts: 0.66 (0.50-0.86)
			5pts vs 0-2pts: 0.49 (0.36-0.67)
			6-9pts vs 0-2pts: 0.58 (0.44-0.77); P for trend <0.001
MD score (updated)[103]	15093/1051	8.5	q5 vs q1: 0.84 (0.69-1.02); P for trend = 0.001
Pro-vegetarian[103]	15093/1051	8.5	q5 vs q1: 0.74 (0.61-0.89); P for trend < 0.001
AHEI 2010[103]	15093/1051	8.5	q5 vs q1: 0.60 (0.49-0.72); P for trend < 0.001
DASH-Fung diet[102]	14051/410	8	< 2pts vs 3-9pts: 0.76 (0.61-0.94):
Pro-inflammatory pattern[129]	15093/1051	8.5	q5 vs q1: 1.47 (1.17, 1.85); P for trend = 0.010
Lifestyle
Mediterranean lifestyle[130]	11800/806	8.5	High vs low : 0.50 (0.32-0.81)
Healthy lifestyle score[131]	14908/774	10.4	Max vs min: 0.68 (0.49-0.95); P for trend 0.010
Alcohol[132]	13619/459	8	Moderate vs no consumption: 0.62 (0.43-0.89) in female subjects
CV risk equation[133]	16739/927	6	q5 vs q1: 3.45 (2.40-4.95) starting at 40 yr
Physical activity[7]	10381/923	6	q5 vs q1: OR (95% CI) 0.81 (0.65-1.00) P for trend < 0.01
Leisure time physical activity[134]	6343/311	10.5	> 20 METs-h/wk vs < 10 METs-h/wk; 0.84 (0.72–0.99); P for trend 0.046
Tobacco[135]	8556/190	4	Smokers vs non-smokers: 1.30 (0.97-1.73)
Childhood obesity (5 yr)[136]	11825/651	6.1	Obese vs low weight: 1.50 (1.06-2.12); P for trend = 0.012
Youth obesity (20 yr)[136]	11825/651	6.1	Obese vs low weight: 2.22 (1.20-4.08); P for trend = 0.005
Clinical trials
The PREDIMED study[119]	3923/224	5.4	MD + EVOO2 or nut supplements vs Low fat diet: multivariable adjusted 0.85 (0.64 to 1.13); Non significant associations
The MoodFOOD Study[117]	512/54	1	Multi-nutrient supplement vs placebo groups: OR = 1.06 (0.87-1.29); Non significant associations.

¹Estimates are presented as HR (95%CI) for incident depression unless stated otherwise.

²Extra virgin olive oil. MUFA: Monounsaturated fatty acids; PUFA: Polyunsaturated fatty acids; MD: Mediterranean diet.

Epidemiological evidence supporting MD

In recent years epidemiological evidence on the benefits of the MD on UDD include several studies both within and outside the Mediterranean area. In the InChianti cohort study including 1362 participants aged 18-102 years, adherence to a dietary pattern rich in vegetables, olive oil, grains, fruit, fish and moderate in wine and red and processed meat, labelled as the 'typical Tuscan dietary pattern', was associated with a reduction in depressive symptoms over a 9-year follow-up period[99]. In the Greek center of the EPIC cohort, a total of 732 men and women 60 years or older were analyzed to determine the association between risk factors for cognitive function and depressive symptoms in the elderly. Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, as well as olive oil consumption were associated with better scores in both outcomes[110]. Some non-Mediterranean reports include the study by Rienks et al[111]. In this study, the authors found that a Mediterranean-style diet was inversely associated with both prevalence (cross-sectional analysis) and incidence of depressive symptoms (longitudinal analysis) with an overall risk reduction of 17% among a sample of mid-aged women from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. In the Chicago Health and Aging Project, MD adherence was associated with a reduced number of new depressive symptoms over 7.2 years of follow-up; 98.6% fewer symptoms among subjects in the highest tertile of adherence compared with those in the lowest[112].

So far, most of the evidence on diet and UDD derives from cross-sectional studies which could lead to false inferences of causal relationships. Furthermore, methodological analyses must address potential confounding, such as the adherence to a particular dietary pattern as a result of a recent diagnosis of chronic diseases or the co-occurrence of lifestyle-related and sociodemographic factors. These issues could be solved by carrying out large randomized trials with interventions based on changes in the overall food pattern. As of today, only small intervention trials have been carried out attempting to prove these and other hypotheses. The SMILES study was an intervention trial that promoted a healthy diet based on Australian and Greek dietary guidelines. In this trial, a dietary intervention with MD significantly improved depressive symptoms as an aid for standard acute depression treatment[113,114]. Focused on an elderly sample, the MedLey study aimed to determine the effect of an intervention with a Mediterranean dietary pattern on this population’s cognitive function, depressive symptoms, and quality of life. Despite significant improvements in endothelial function and MD adherence, the study showed no improvements in depressive symptoms nor quality of life after six months of intervention[115]. Examples of multi-country intervention trials include the MooDFOOD prevention trial which examined the feasibility and effectiveness of two different nutritional strategies (multi-nutrient supplementation and food-related behavioral change therapy) to prevent depression. The trial included individuals who were overweight, highly burdened with depressive symptoms, but did not meet clinical criteria for an episode of major depressive disorder in the last 6 mo[116]. In comparison to the placebo, micronutrient supplementation and behavioral therapy failed to prevent incident depression[117].In contrast to these results, the HELFIMED trial has shown promising results in patients with self-reported depression. In this trial, a MD intervention supplemented with fish oil for 6 mo significantly improved depressive symptoms and quality of life[118]. To this day, the PREDIMED study is the longest trial (mean follow-up of 5.4 years) evaluating the effects of a dietary intervention on the risk of incident cases of clinical depression. In this trial the relative risk (RR) estimates for an intervention with MD supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil (9% risk reduction) or a Mediterranean Diet supplemented with mixed tree nuts (22% risk reduction) suggested an inverse association. However, the confidence intervals for both estimates were wide and they showed that the results were compatible with a null result. Even when both Mediterranean diets were merged together and analyzed as a single group, the results were not statistically significant. Only when the analysis was limited to participants with type 2 diabetes (approximately 50% of the sample), a significantly reduced risk of depression was observed only for participants in the group with nut supplementation (significant risk reduction: 41%)[119].

Future research of great interest to this field includes the upcoming results from the PREDI-DEP trial, which was designed to study the impact of the MD on UDD. In this trial, patients over 18 years with a record of a major depressive episode, but with total or partial remission in the previous 6 mo, were recruited in four centers across Spain. With a target sample size of 250 participants per arm, subjects were randomly allocated to a MD intervention with supplemental olive oil, or to a control group who received no dietary advice nor supplements. Over the course of 24 mo participants were assessed every 3 mo to evaluate MD adherence (in the group of intervention) and every 4 mo to ascertain changes in depressive symptoms (in the overall sample)[120]. Food frequency questionnaires, HRQoL questionnaires (Short-Form 36), and physical activity questionnaires were administered in addition to blood sample collections, which were collected at baseline, and yearly during two years[121]. The upcoming results of this trial will aide in the endeavor to elucidate the mechanisms behind diet and UDD, in addition to discerning the particular effects of a MD diet supplemented with olive oil on the incidence and overall prognosis of patients at risk for this disease.

INITIAL DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE PREVENTION OF DEPRESSION

Although there are a number of important gaps in the scientific literature to date, existing evidence suggests that a combination of healthful dietary practices (including the adherence to the Mediterranean Diet) may reduce the risk of developing depression. In 2015, a group of experts with several backgrounds (epidemiology, psychiatry and nutrition) constructed the first Dietary Recommendations for the Prevention of Depression[122]. These dietary recommendations also provide additional and/or concurrent benefits for obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and metabolic syndrome, and essentially pose no risk of harm. (1) “Follow ‘traditional’ Mediterranean Diet.”; (2) “Increase your consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grain cereals, nuts and seeds.”; (3) “Include a high consumption of foods rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).”; (4) “Limit your intake of processed-foods, ‘fast’ foods, commercial bakery goods and sweets.”; and (5) “Replace unhealthy foods with wholesome nutritious foods.”[123]. Recommendations such as these are crucial steps towards a widespread implementation of diets as preventive measures for diseases, such as UDD, with substantial evidence of its benefits on cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

CONCLUSION

UDD is and will remain a global health issue that researchers should strive to further understand and prevent. To this day, the hypothesized biological mechanisms that drive this disease include oxidative stress, HPA-axis dysregulation, monoamine and overall neuronal function deregulation. Based on analogous mechanisms, the MD could be a safe and inexpensive contributor to primary prevention strategies for depression, as it is characterized by various advantageous cardiovascular health qualities. Some of these properties include adequate B-group vitamin and folate content, promotion of a healthy gut microbiome, and high levels of various antioxidant compounds. Initial observational studies and trials, such as the PREDIMED study, suggest that implementing nutritional measures has an influence on disease risk and symptoms control. However, dedicated clinical trials are required to confirm the initial observations in order to fully support and understand the impact of diet on unipolar depressive disorder.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The group would like to acknowledge Ms. Maria Soledad Hershey, PhD candidate at the Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health at the University of Navarre for providing the English language editing certificate and proofreading this manuscript.