The use of diet for preventing and treating depression in young men: current evidence and existing challenges

Abstract

Emerging evidence suggests that diet therapy (nutrients, foods and dietary patterns) could be effective as a potential adjunctive treatment option for major depressive disorder. Numerous mechanisms have been proposed, including the role inflammation, oxidative stress, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), the Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) microbiome and tryptophan/serotonin metabolism. Despite known differences in depression characteristics and treatment responses between males and females, there are limited sex-specific studies examining the role of diet in young men specifically. This is important as young men are often reluctant to seek mental health support, so finding treatment strategies which appeal to this demographic is crucial. This brief report provides an overview of the most recent advances in the use of diet for preventing and treating depression in young men, highlighting existing challenges and opportunities for future research. We recommend that clinicians discuss the role of diet with depressed young men, so that diet may be used alongside current treatment options.