The association between dietary patterns and mental health in early adolescence.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the associations between dietary patterns and mental health in early adolescence.


METHODS
The Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study is a prospective study of 2900 pregnancies recruited from 1989-1992. At 14 years of age (2003-2006; n=1324), the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) was used to assess behaviour (characterising mental health status), with higher scores representing poorer behaviour. Two dietary patterns (Western and Healthy) were identified using factor analysis and food group intakes estimated by a 212-item food frequency questionnaire. Relationships between dietary patterns, food group intakes and behaviour were examined using general linear modelling following adjustment for potential confounding factors at age 14: total energy intake, body mass index, physical activity, screen use, family structure, income and functioning, gender and maternal education at pregnancy.


RESULTS
Higher total (b=2.20, 95% CI=1.06, 3.35), internalizing (withdrawn/depressed) (b=1.25, 95% CI=0.15, 2.35) and externalizing (delinquent/aggressive) (b=2.60, 95% CI=1.51, 3.68) CBCL scores were significantly associated with the Western dietary pattern, with increased intakes of takeaway foods, confectionary and red meat. Improved behavioural scores were significantly associated with higher intakes of leafy green vegetables and fresh fruit (components of the Healthy pattern).


CONCLUSIONS
These findings implicate a Western dietary pattern in poorer behavioural outcomes for adolescents. Better behavioural outcomes were associated with a higher intake of fresh fruit and leafy green vegetables.
Oddy
Wendy H
WH
Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, PO Box 855, West Perth, WA 6872, Australia. wendyo@ichr.uwa.edu.au
Robinson
Monique
M
Ambrosini
Gina L
GL
O'Sullivan
Therese A
TA
de Klerk
Nicholas H
NH
Beilin
Lawrence J
LJ
Silburn
Sven R
SR
Zubrick
Stephen R
SR
Stanley
Fiona J
FJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D017195:Adolescent Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004032:Diet; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008603:Mental Health; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014904:Western Australia