Low Intake of Protein Rich Foods and Depression and Anxiety Symptoms: Association among Adolescent Boys and Girls
Preeti Khanna Ann Nutr Metab 2019;75(suppl 3):136
Background/Aims: Data on prevalence of mental health disorders indicates that 4.5% and 3% of the Indian population is suffering from depression and anxiety respectively. Research suggest
that a poor quality diet (lacking in macro and micronutrients) may lead to deficiencies that are associated with depression and anxiety disorders (Jacka et al., 2012; Jacka et al., 2013).
Methods: The present research was designed to study the prevalence & association of depression & anxiety with protein intake among adolescent boys
& girls (aged 13–15 years) studying in public schools of Delhi. 546 adolescents participated in this cross-sectional study (selected from public schools in Delhi). For the assessment of depression
and anxiety symptoms and dietary micronutrient deficiencies Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL; administered to the parents) and 24 hour recall and food frequency questionnaire (administered to
the subjects) were used respectively. Adolescent Micronutrient Quality Index (AMQI) was further used to assess the micronutrient quality of the diets. Prevalence of depression and anxiety were
33.5% and 27.47% respectively.
Results: Assessment of diets through AMQI revealed that low intake of protein rich foods like milk and legumes was significantly associated with higher mean scores of depression (p < 0.001) and anxiety symptoms (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: This study highlight’s the association of mental health with protein intake and micronutrient deficiencies among adolescents. It will also serve as a strategic tool for mental health prevention & management policies designed for adolescents. It also adds to the growing body of research in the area of nutritional psychiatry.