the vegetarian diet promote the risk of depression, according to the results of a study published in the medical journal Journal of Affective Disorders. Indeed, this food lifestyle would lead to a deficiency in vitamin B12 (present in products of animal origin) and an increased risk of mental health problems due to an increased consumption of nuts rich in omega-6 fatty acids, pro- inflammatory.
Excess omega 6, vitamin B12 deficiency: risk factors for depression
Researchers at the University of Bristol in the UK conducted a study with 10,000 participants, 350 of whom were vegetarians, to investigate the link between diet and the risk of depression.
The results of the study showed that nearly 50% of vegans who do not eat any animal products such as milk, honey and the eggs and 7% of vegetarians were deficient in vitamin B12, which plays a role in mood regulation.
“Just over half of vegans and 7% of vegetarians were deficient in vitamin B12, which is found in red meat and plays an important role in the production of hormones that influence mood,” said Kate Northstone of the University of Bristol.
In addition, the researchers observed that vegetarians ate a diet rich in nuts which are high in omega-6 fatty acids associated with an increased risk of mental health problems because they are pro-inflammatory, unlike omega 3, present in fatty fish.
“Other potential factors include elevated levels of phyto-oestrogens in the blood, mainly due to diets high in legumes and in soy. And low seafood intake is thought to be associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms “, recall the authors of the study.
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