Plain language summary
Diet, mental health, and well-being are linked through several biological pathways. In addition to a healthy diet, nutrient supplements may be of benefit due to their ability to influence these pathways. This review aimed to outline the relationship between specific nutrients and their beneficial effect on mental health. The review outlined the various benefits of polyunsaturated fats, vitamin E, magnesium and folic acid on stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, mild cognitive impairment, depression, bipolar disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. With regards to stress, it was outlined that insufficient vitamins, excessive fat and nutritional imbalance can be contributory. Human research exists to support the benefits of magnesium and polyunsaturated fat for stress and these plus vitamin E for anxiety, however it appears that evidence is lacking for vitamin E and stress and the authors did not comment on folic acid for either condition. Extensive research exists for the use of polyunsaturated fats in mild cognitive impairment, and it was stated that high doses for long periods of time may be needed to show any benefits. The use of vitamin E in cognitive impairment is controversial and more studies may be needed. The authors did not comment on magnesium or folic acid supplementation. It was concluded that an unhealthy diet and lifestyle may be associated with poor mental health and well-being and the importance of a balanced, varied diet for normal brain function. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to understand the importance of recommending a healthy diet for mental well-being in individuals who are suffering from mental health disorders.
Abstract
A good nutritional status is important for maintaining normal body function and preventing or mitigating the dysfunction induced by internal or external factors. Nutritional deficiencies often result in impaired function, and, conversely, intakes at recommended levels can resume or further enhance body functions. An increasing number of studies are revealing that diet and nutrition are critical not only for physiology and body composition, but also have significant effects on mood and mental well-being. In particular, Western dietary habits have been the object of several research studies focusing on the relationship between nutrition and mental health. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge about the relationship between the intake of specific micro- and macronutrients, including eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, alpha-tocopherol, magnesium and folic acid, and mental health, with particular reference to their beneficial effect on stress, sleep disorders, anxiety, mild cognitive impairment, as well as on neuropsychiatric disorders, all significantly affecting the quality of life of an increasing number of people. Overall data support a positive role for the nutrients mentioned above in the preservation of normal brain function and mental well-being, also through the control of neuroinflammation, and encourage their integration in a well-balanced and varied diet, accompanied by a healthy lifestyle. This strategy is of particular importance when considering the global human aging and that the brain suffers significantly from the life-long impact of stress factors.
Methodological quality
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