Review article

INFLUENCE OF NUTRITION ON MOOD AND MENTAL HEALTH

Valentina Rahelić ; University Hospital Center Zagreb, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Kišpatićeva 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; University of Applied Health Sciences, Mlinarska cesta 38, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; University North, Department of Food Technology, 48000 Koprivnica, Croatia *
Josipa Matanić ; University Hospital Center Zagreb, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Kišpatićeva 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Sandra Bival ; University Hospital Center Zagreb, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Kišpatićeva 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Zrinka Šmuljić ; University Hospital Center Zagreb, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Kišpatićeva 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; University of Applied Health Sciences, Mlinarska cesta 38, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Eva Pavić ; University Hospital Center Zagreb, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Kišpatićeva 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; University of Applied Health Sciences, Mlinarska cesta 38, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Over the past decades, a significant increase in the prevalence of mental health disorders has been recorded, parallel to changes in lifestyle, diet and physical activity. It is estimated that more than 300 million of world's population suffer from depression, and more than 260 million from anxiety disorders. Nutrition and its various bioactive components are recognized as modifiable risk factors that can influence on pathogenesis of mental disorders and the underlying mechanisms of the positive effect are the result of the joint interaction of various components. Recommended dietary patterns with a positive effect on health, brain and nervous system are Mediterranean and MIND diets, which emphasize plant-based foods. These dietary patterns are a source of various nutrients crucial for mental health (phytochemicals, flavonoids and carotenoids, omega-3 fatty acids, folic acid, vitamin E, zinc and magnesium, dietary fiber, etc.). In addition, they contribute to the health and diversity of gut microbiota, and its metabolites can play an important role in mental health through the gut-brain axis. Through this two-way pathway, various hormones and neurotransmitters affect the regulation of hunger and satiety, as well as mood and stress, which are also regulated by hormones. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet, will contribute to the preservation of mental health and prevention and/or treatment of already developed disorders.

Keywords

mental health; stress; Mediterranean diet; MIND diet

Hrčak ID:

321351

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/321351

Publication date:

11.10.2024.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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