Long-Term Fish Intake Is Associated With Less Severe Depressive Symptoms Among Elderly Men and Women

Abstract

Objectives. This work aims at exploring the association between fish intake and depressive symptoms, in older adults. Method. During 2005-2007, 1,190 men and women (>65 years) free living in various Greek islands and in Cyprus participated in the study. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the validated Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and foods intake through a Food Frequency Questionnaire. Results. Almost 70% of the participants scored above the depressive cutoff (i.e., GDS score > 5), with women having higher values. People classified under the 1st tertile of GDS score (i.e., GDS </= 5) were more educated, physically active, and report higher fish consumption. One portion increase of fish consumption per week was associated with 0.58 times (95% confidence interval: 0.45-0.73) lower likelihood of having GDS score above the clinical threshold, after various adjustments were made. Discussion. These findings may assist public health policy makers in better preventing emotional disorders among the elderly by promoting healthier eating habits.

The Unexplored Relationship Between Diet & Mental Health: A Review

“…Traditionally, a high ratio of n-6 to n-3 has been thought to enhance proinflammatory cytokine production, whereas n-3 PUFAs as such have anti-inflammatory properties. Fish intake >150 grams/week has been linked to decreased levels of proinflammatory markers, such as CRP and cytokines, like interleukin-6, which supports the hypothesis that eating more fish could lead to altered depressive symptoms through the modification of inflammation process (Bountziouka et al, 2009). Different PUFAs may have different effects on eicosanoid production.…”

Premature or pathological aging: longevity

“…GDS was positively associated with the ingestion of seed oils (rich in ω3 fatty acids), and as observed in the first SUN publication (SÁNCHEZ-VILLEGAS et al, 2006), there was no significant association with fish and seafood (rich in ω3 fatty acids). In contrast, in the MEDIS study (Mediterranean Islands) there was inverse correlation between GDS score and fish consumption (BOUNTZIOUKA et al, 2009). The aforementioned authors concluded that more epidemiological studies will be needed to better understand the component(s) responsible for opposing depression in the Mediterranean-style diet.…”

B Vitamins and n–3 Fatty Acids for Brain Development and Function: Review of Human Studies

“…Most studies suggested a beneficial role for fish or n–3 PUFA intake in depression [164]. Some more recent studies did [165] or did not [166] observe an association between fish consumption or n–3 PUFA intake and depressive symptoms, and in one study associations were only found in women [167]. To the best of our knowledge, there is only one prospective study, which suggests a potential benefit of moderate n–3 PUFA intake after 2 years of follow-up [168].…”