From Global Fruselva, we would like to highlight our great effort and commitment to mental health and its relationship with gut microbiome.
In this systematic review, researchers look for evidence on how diet may influence symptoms of depression in the older population. After conducting a literature search, the authors of this review have indicated that there is an association between nutrient intake and depressive symptoms in older people, which means that adequate nutrient intake may have a positive impact on the prevention/reduction of depressive symptoms in the older population, noting that if nutrient intake is unhealthy, it can be considered a modifiable risk factor for depression in older people. The authors found an association between a deficient intake of B vitamins and an increased prevalence of depressive symptoms.
Depressive symptoms are associated with oxidative stress, and the authors suggest that this could be reduced by supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, which would also help to reduce the worsening of depressive symptoms. The authors were surprised to find a positive association between fasting and the prevention of depressive symptoms.
The authors suggest that the link between diet, the human gut microbiome, the nervous system and depression could be significant, and that tryptophan has a major effect on the composition of the microbiome, which in turn is linked to changes in mood. The composition of the gut microbiome has been shown to affect the nervous system, which has a direct effect on mood. In fact, some strains of microorganisms present in the gut microbiome reduce anxiety and depressive behaviour.
The authors conclude that there is an association between nutrient intake and depressive symptoms in older people, which means that adequate nutrient intake may have a positive effect on preventiob/reduction of depressive symptoms in the ageing population and improve mental health. It has also been observed that a dysfunctional gut microbiome may be associated with behavioural disorders such as depression.
Klimova B, Novotny M, Valis M. The Impact of Nutrition and Intestinal Microbiome on Elderly Depression-A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2020 Mar 7;12(3):710. doi: 10.3390/nu12030710. PMID: 32156003; PMCID: PMC7146624.
Journal Impact Factor: 6.706 (Q1)
Objective of the study: systematically review the evidence whether proper nutrition has a positive impact on the prevention or decline of depressive symptoms among elderly people.
Sample selected: six selected studies where they explored the effect of nutrition on the prevention or reduction of depressive symptoms among elderly people.
- Two randomized controlled trials
- Four cross-sectional studies The Impact of Nutrition and Intestinal Microbiome on Elderly Depression – A Systematic Review
Publication date: 7 Mar 2020