A Mediterranean diet for depression Original paper

In this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, consuming a Mediterranean diet reduced depression symptoms.

Whether consuming a Mediterranean diet improves symptoms in people with depression.

1,507 participants (average age range of 22 to 53; 72% women, 28% men) with depression, ranging from mild-to-moderate depression to major depressive disorder.

A meta-analysis of 5 randomized controlled trials was performed. The studies were conducted in Australia (3 studies), Spain (1 study), and multiple countries in Europe (1 study).

The Mediterranean diet intervention consisted of advice on how to change habits toward a Mediterranean-style diet and improve food-related behavior. The studies used different methods to achieve this, including individual counseling sessions, cooking workshops, and meal plans. In 1 study, the Mediterranean diet group underwent a total lifestyle intervention that also included recommendations for sleep hygiene and physical activity, among other elements. In the other 4 studies, only a dietary intervention was used.

In the control groups, the participants either had access to support sessions or a social group, consumed their regular diet, or took a placebo supplement. The intervention duration ranged from 6 to 48 weeks.

Compared with the control, depression symptoms decreased (medium effect size) with a Mediterranean diet.

Two studies had a high risk of bias, while the other 3 studies had some concerns. The certainty of evidence was low.

There was considerable heterogeneity in the analysis, which limits our confidence in the finding.