Association between Dietary Inflammatory Index, Mean Adequacy Ratio, Dietary Energy Density and Mental Health among Iranian Women

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran

2 Department of Biochemistry and Diet Therapy, School of Nutrition and Food Science, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran

3 Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

4 Students’ Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Students’ Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

5 Department of Nutrition, School of Health and Nutrition, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran

6 Student Research Committee, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

Abstract

Background: Depression and anxiety are on the rise, especially among women. By its inflammatory characteristics and energy density, diet may affect the occurrence of mental disorders. This study investigated the relationship between the dietaryinflammatory index (DII), mean adequacy ratio (MAR), dietary energy density (DED) and mental health.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 202 women of reproductive age (18-50 years) referred to health centers in Yasuj, Iran. Participants were randomly sampled from these centers. We assessed 
diet through a 148-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Then, DII, MAR, and DED scores were calculated for participants. Furthermore, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire was used to assess anxiety and depression. 
Results: No significant association was found between the DII, ED, MAR indexes and obesity, anxiety, or depression, even after adjusting for confounders (p>0.05). Additionally, there was no association between the number of pregnancies or children with anxiety and depression (p>0.05). Younger participants consumed foods with higher ED index (p<0.001). Higher weight and BMI were related to tertile 1 of ED (p=0.03 and p=0.003, respectively).
Conclusion: In the present study, noassociation was observed between DII, MAR, DED and mental health in women of reproductive age. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Highlights

Mohammad Vesal Bideshki (Google Scholar)

Seyed Bahman Panahande (Google Scholar)

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Main Subjects