Diet and depression: From epidemiology to novel therapeutics

Despite some improvements in access to pharmacological and psychotherapy interventions, mental illness continues to account for a significant proportion of global disability and poses a substantial social, economic, and heath burden. Within the new research field of Nutritional Psychiatry, there is now consistent epidemiological and emerging interventional evidence to suggest that diet quality is a modifiable risk factor and intervention target for mental illness. Consistent epidemiological evidence, particularly for depression, suggests an association between measures of diet quality and mental health, across multiple populations and age groups. Emerging clinical trial research provides preliminary evidence that dietary interventions in clinically diagnosed populations are feasible and can provide significant clinical benefit. Furthermore, nutraceuticals including saffron extract and N-acetyl cysteine, among others, are promising avenues for future research. Continued research is now required to investigate the efficacy and effectiveness of dietary interventions in large cohorts and within clinically relevant populations.