Dietary intake of fish and PUFA, and clinical depressive and anxiety disorders in women.
Fish and PUFA consumption are thought to play a role in mental health; however, many studies do not take into account multiple sources of PUFA. The present study analysed data from a sample of 935 randomly selected, population-based women aged 20–93 years. A validated and comprehensive dietary questionnaire ascertained the consumption of n-3 and n-6 PUFA. Another assessed fish and energy intake and provided data for a dietary quality score. The General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) measured psychological symptoms and a clinical interview (Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR Research Version, Non-patient edition) assessed depressive and anxiety disorders. Median dietary intakes of long-chain n-3 fatty acids (310 mg/d) were below suggested dietary target levels. The only PUFA related to categorical depressive and anxiety disorders was DHA. There was a non-linear relationship between DHA intake and depression; those in the second tertile of DHA intake were nearly 70% less likely to report a current depressive disorder compared to those in the first tertile. The relationship of DHA to anxiety disorders was linear; for those in the highest tertile of DHA intake, the odds for anxiety disorders were reduced by nearly 50% after adjustments, including adjustment for diet quality scores, compared to the lowest tertile. Those who ate fish less than once per week had higher GHQ-12 scores, and this relationship was particularly obvious in smokers. These are the first observational data to indicate a role for DHA in anxiety disorders, but suggest that the relationship between DHA and depressive disorders may be non-linear.
Barwon Psychiatric Research Unit, Deakin University, School of Medicine and Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC, Australia. felice@barwonhealth.org.au
Felice N
FN
Jacka
Julie A
JA
Pasco
Lana J
LJ
Williams
Barbara J
BJ
Meyer
Rebecca
R
Digger
Michael
M
Berk
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000818:Animals; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004032:Diet / Q000592:standards; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005399:Fishes; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008460:Meat; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated