Low-calorie diets 'could increase risk of depressive symptoms', study says
Low-calorie diets could increase the risk of developing symptoms of depression, according to a new study.
Calorie restriction also affected mood more in men and overweight people, researchers added.
Findings from the study contrast with those which have come before, with previous studies claiming that low-calorie diets improve depressive symptoms.
Academics have, however, argued that prior trials included tailored and balanced diet programmes that may not be the same as what people realistically follow in everyday life.
For the study, published by BMJ on Wednesday, researchers in Canada used data from the 28,525 people who took part in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and had completed a health questionnaire relating to depressive symptoms, which gave them a score based on severity.
The majority of the group (87%) said they were not on a specific diet, while 2,206 were restricting calories.
Some 859 were on a 'nutrient-restrictive' diet, low in fat, sugar, salt, fibre or carbohydrate, and 631 were on diets tailored for the likes of diabetes.
Questionnaire scores for depressive symptoms, such as a low mood, low energy and sleep disturbances, were higher among those restricting calories compared to those who reported not being on a diet at all.
The scores were also higher among overweight people following low-calorie diets.
Researchers said: 'Numerous studies have consistently focused on 'healthy' versus 'unhealthy' diets."
Restricting calories can lead to deficiencies in protein, vitamins and minerals, researchers suggest, which puts the body under stress.
The findings also contradict previous studies showing low-calorie diets improve depressive symptoms.
The team said a focus on 'idealised diets' can 'overlook the diversity of dietary patterns', adding: 'In contrast, real-life calorie-restricted diets and obesity often result in nutritional deficiencies, particularly in protein, essential vitamins and minerals, and induce physiological stress, which can exacerbate depressive symptomatology including cognitive-affective symptoms.'
Researchers stressed the study has several limitations, but gives an insight into how diets recommended by healthcare professionals should be considered for risk factors for depression, especially in men and obese patients.
Professor Sumantra Ray, chief scientist and executive director of the NNEdPro Global Institute for Food, Nutrition and Health, which co-owns BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health with BMJ Group, added: 'This study adds to the emerging evidence linking dietary patterns and mental health, raising important questions about whether restrictive diets which are low in nutrients considered beneficial for cognitive health, such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12, may precipitate depressive symptoms.
'But the effect sizes are small, with further statistical limitations limiting the generalisability of the findings. Further well-designed studies that accurately capture dietary intake and minimise the impact of chance and confounding are needed to continue this important line of inquiry.'
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