Summary:
Psychiatric treatment has traditionally focused on pharmacological and psychology approaches, however growing evidence suggests that nutrition is an important factor in mental health. This study is a narrative review that reports consistent associations between dietary patterns and mental health outcomes over the past two decades. Higher diet quality, particularly adherence to Mediterranean-style diets, is linked to a lower risk of depression, while Western-style diets are associated with increased rates of anxiety and mood disorders. These relationships remain significant after accounting for socioeconomic and lifestyle factors. This study highlights several biological mechanisms which explains how nutrition may influence mental health. These include effects on neurotransmitter production, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Specific nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, zinc, and magnesium, are identified as important for cognitive function and emotional regulation. In addition, the gut-brain axis is emphasised as a key pathway, with the gut microbiome influencing immune function, inflammation, and neurochemical processes. This study also reviews clinical evidence suggesting that dietary interventions may provide benefit in conjunction to standard psychiatric treatments. While pharmacological therapies remain important, their effectiveness varies and may be associated with adverse effects. Nutritional approaches are therefore proposed as part of a more integrated model of care that combines lifestyle and medical strategies. Overall, this study synthesises findings from research, supporting the role of nutrition as a modifiable factor in mental health. It highlights the potential for dietary strategies to complement existing treatments, while noting that further research is needed to strengthen the evidence base and guide clinical application.
Abstract:
The relationship between nutrition and mental health has emerged as a critical area of psychiatric research, with mounting evidence suggesting significant bidirectional interactions between dietary patterns and mental health outcomes. This comprehensive review synthesizes current evidence regarding the role of nutrition in mental health disorders, examining both mechanistic pathways and clinical applications. We evaluate the influence of dietary factors through key biological systems, including the gut-brain axis, inflammatory pathways, and oxidative stress mechanisms. This review examines evidence linking nutrition to primary psychiatric conditions, including mood disorders, anxiety, psychotic disorders, and neurodevelopmental conditions. Currentresearch supports the role of specific dietary interventions in mental health treatment, though significant gaps remain in our understanding. We present evidence-based recommendations for integrating nutritional approaches into psychiatric care while highlighting critical areas for future research. Our findings suggest that nutrition is an essential modifiable factor in mental health treatment, warranting increased attention in clinical practice and research protocols. Understanding these relationships may lead to more effective and personalized therapeutic strategies that complement existing psychiatric therapies.
Article Publication Date: 30/12/2025
DOI: 10.29333/jconseph/17859
