The Relationship Between Linoleic Acid Intake and Psychological Disorders in Adults Publisher

Summary: Research suggests high linoleic acid intake raises depression risk in men and older adults, urging dietary caution. #MentalHealth #Nutrition

Mohammadi S¹ ; Keshteli AH^{2, 3} ; Saneei P¹ ; Afshar H⁴ ; Esmaillzadeh A^{5, 6, 7} ; Adibi P³
Source: Frontiers in Nutrition Published:2022

Abstract

Background: The association between linoleic acid (LA) intake and mental disorders has not been extensively studied in Middle-Eastern populations. We investigated the association between LA intake and the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress in a large group of Iranian adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 3,362 middle-aged adults. LA intake was determined through a validated dish-based 106-item semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The validated Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) were used to define psychological disorders. Results: The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress among the study population was 28.6, 13.6, and 22.6%, respectively. After adjustment for potential confounders, individuals in the top quartile of LA intake had 41% more likely to be depressed compared to those in the bottom quartile (OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.02–1.95). Stratified analysis by sex revealed that men in the fourth quartile of LA intake, compared to the first quartile, had 80% higher odds of depression, after considering all potential confounders (OR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.01–3.19). More consumption of LA was also associated with higher odds of depression in older adults (OR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.46–4.10) and normal-weight individuals (OR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.13–2.72). Additionally, higher intake of LA was related to 90% higher odds of psychological distress in older participants (OR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.08–3.36). No significant relation was found between LA intake and anxiety. Conclusion: We found that higher intake of LA, as percentage of energy, was positively associated with depression, especially in men, older adults, and normal-weight subjects. Higher intake of LA was also related to higher odds of psychological distress in older individuals. More studies, particularly prospective cohorts, are needed to confirm these findings. Copyright © 2022 Mohammadi, Keshteli, Saneei, Afshar, Esmaillzadeh and Adibi.