A recent study suggests that following a vegetarian diet are at higher risk of depression.
Research conducted was based on a meta-analysis of
observational studies investigating average levels of depression and risk of depression
in vegetarians compared with non-vegetarians.
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| Photo: Vegetarian Diet | InStyleHealth |
Using the random-effects model, estimated pooled data
showed that adherence to a vegetarian diet conferred a 53% increase in risk of
depression comparing it with omnivore diets.
For the subgroup analysis, a correlation between vegetarian
diet and depression differed by the type of diet and country where the study
was performed. Particularly, the correlation was clear for a semi-vegetarian
diet and in studies conducted in Europe and the United States.
Meanwhile, there was a null correlation for the
lacto-ovo vegetarians and in studies conducted in Asian countries.
Comparing average depression scores, there was no
evidence of difference between vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Overall, the
findings were not solid. Therefore, experts suggested that additional studies
are required to determine the correlation between vegetarian diet and risk of
depression.
Source: Nutr Rev 2021;doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuab013