People who eat large amounts of ultra processed foods are at risk of developing depression within 15 years as indicated by elevated levels of psychological distress, suggests a study from Australia published in the Journal of Affective Disorder.¹

In this study, 15-year data of more than 23,000 people in the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study was evaluated to ascertain an association between ultra-processed food intake and increased psychological distress, assessed with the 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), as an indicator of depression. None of the study subjects were on anti-anxiety or antidepressant drugs. The intake of ultra-processed food at baseline was determined with the help of a food frequency questionnaire based on which the participants were categorized into quartiles. Ultra-processed foods constituted 40% of the diet among those with the highest quartile. In the lowest quartile, ultra processed foods comprised 15% of the diet.

Analysis of data showed that those with the highest intake of ultra-processed food were at 23% higher risk of having psychological distress when compared to those who consumed the lowest amounts of ultra-processed food with adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 1.23. No association between intake of ultra-processed food with age, sex and BMI were noted.

This study illustrates the link between high intake of ultra processed food and risk of elevated psychological distress and therefore of depression. This association was independent of other sociodemographic variables and lifestyle and health-related behaviors like smoking, lack of physical activity.

Ultra processed foods contain high amounts of saturated fat and carbohydrates and less fiber. They also contain lower amounts of micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Ultra processed foods include carbonated soft drinks, fruit juices, chocolates, ice cream, cakes, cookies, pastas, pizzas, instant soups and noodles etc.

Reference

1. Lane MM, et al. High ultra-processed food consumption is associated with elevated psychological distress as an indicator of depression in adults from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study. J Affect Disord. 2023 May 4;335:57-66. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.04.124.