Deakin University researchers assigned adults with major depressive disorder to either social support or support from a clinical dietician in an effort to assess if dietary changes would help combat depression. The dietary group received guidance on how to improve the quality of their current diet, with a focus on increasing the intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, fish, lean red meats, olive oil, and nuts, while reducing the consumption of unhealthy sweets, refined cereals, fried food, fast-food, processed meats, and sugary beverages. At the end of the three-month trial, about 30% of participants in the dietary support group met criteria for remission of major depression compared to only 8% in the social support group. The findings suggest that a quality diet can be a possible treatment approach for depression.
BMC Medicine, January 2017