Food supplements do not reduce the risk of depression in overweight or obese people.
If the link between a healthy diet and the reduction of the risk of depression has been demonstrated, a daily intake of food supplements does not have the same impact, according to a new study published in the JAMA.
“Since depression is a common problem, it is important to find effective and accessible means to prevent it”, explains in the preamble Professor Ed Watkins, expert in experimental clinical psychology. He continues, “Given the growing prevalence of depression, more and more people are actively looking for ways to reduce their risk by making lifestyle changes, but are often overwhelmed by confusing and contradictory information.” he.
Folic acid, vitamin D, omega-3, zinc and selenium
More than 1,000 overweight or obese people from the UK, the Netherlands, Germany and Spain took part in the trial. All had been identified as being at high risk for depression, although morale was good at the time of the assessment.
The follow-up of the cohort lasted one year. Half of the study group took dietary supplements daily, while the other half took only placebos. Some have also undergone psychological and behavioral therapy designed to help them change their poor eating habits. Dietary supplements included: folic acid, vitamin D, omega-3, zinc and selenium.
No result
Conclusions: “In obese or overweight adults with subsyndromic depressive symptoms, multinutrients versus placebo and behavioral therapy versus no therapy did not reduce episodes of major depressive disorder at year. These findings do not support the use of these interventions for the prevention of major depressive disorder,” the study authors write.
Depression is the most common psychiatric illness and affects all ages. In France, it is estimated that nearly one person in five has suffered or will suffer from depression during their lifetime. The prevalence of depression in France increased by 1.8 points between 2010 and 2017, according to a recent report by Public Health France, particularly among women (+3 points), 35-44 year olds (+4 points) , the unemployed (+5 points) and people on low incomes (+3 points).
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