“While the determinants of mental health are complex, the emerging
and compelling evidence for nutrition as a key factor in the high
prevalence and incidence of mental disorders suggests that nutrition is
as important to psychiatry as it is to cardiology, endocrinology and
gastroenterology,” Dr Sarris said.
“In the last few years, significant links have been established
between nutritional quality and mental health. Scientifically rigorous
studies have made important contributions to our understanding of the
role of nutrition in mental health,” he said.
Findings of the review revealed that in addition to dietary
improvement, evidence now supports the contention that nutrient-based
prescription has the potential to assist in the management of mental
disorders at the individual and population level.
Studies show that many of these nutrients have a clear link to brain
health, including omega-3s, B vitamins (particularly folate and B12),
choline, iron, zinc, magnesium, S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe), vitamin D,
and amino acids.
“While we advocate for these to be consumed in the diet where
possible, additional select prescription of these as nutraceuticals
(nutrient supplements) may also be justified,” Dr Sarris said.
Associate Professor Felice Jacka, a Principal Research Fellow from
Deakin University and president of the ISNPR noted that many studies
have shown associations between healthy dietary patterns and a reduced
prevalence of and risk for depression and suicide across cultures and
age groups.
“Maternal and early-life nutrition is also emerging as a factor in
mental health outcomes in children, while severe deficiencies in some
essential nutrients during critical developmental periods have long been
implicated in the development of both depressive and psychotic
disorders,” she said.
A systematic review published in late 2014 has also confirmed a
relationship between ‘unhealthy’ dietary patterns and poorer mental
health in children and adolescents. Given the early age of onset for
depression and anxiety, these data point to dietary improvement as a way
of preventing the initial incidence of common mental disorders.
Dr Sarris, an executive member of the ISNPR, believes that it is time
to advocate for a more integrative approach to psychiatry, with diet
and nutrition as key elements.
“It is time for clinicians to consider diet and additional nutrients
as part of the treating package to manage the enormous burden of mental
ill health,” he said.