Health and Fitness

Systematic evidence and gap map of research linking food security and nutrition to mental health

T. M. Sparling, M. Deeney, et al.

This systematic review unveils the intriguing connections between food security, nutrition, and mental health, highlighting that BMI and diet play vital roles in affecting mental well-being, especially depression. The research, carried out by a team including Thalia M. Sparling and Megan Deeney, also showcases an interactive Evidence and Gap Map pinpointing areas ripe for further exploration.

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Playback language: English

Index

Abstract

This paper systematically reviews the literature linking food security and nutrition (FSN) to mental health, creating an interactive Evidence and Gap Map (EGM). 1945 studies were analyzed, revealing that anthropometry (especially BMI) and diets were most frequently linked to mental health, primarily depression. Fewer studies addressed infant and young child feeding, birth outcomes, and nutrient biomarkers in relation to anxiety, stress, and well-being. The EGM visualizes the existing research and highlights areas needing further investigation.

Publisher

Nature Communications

Published On

Aug 08, 2022

Authors

Thalia M. Sparling, Megan Deeney, Bryan Cheng, Xuerui Han, Chiara Lier, Zhuozhi Lin, Claudia Offner, Marianne V. Santoso, Erin Pfeiffer, Jillian A. Emerson, Florence Mariamu Amadi, Khadija Mitu, Camila Corvalan, Helen Verdeli, Ricardo Araya, Suneetha Kadiyala

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