Ultra-processed and fresh food consumption and symptoms of anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic : COVID Inconfidentes.
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Date
2022
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Abstract
Background & aim: Psychological disorders are an important health problem worldwide. A healthy diet is
recommended as one of the measures to prevent and control mental disorders. Epidemiological studies
have shown important associations between the consumption of diets rich in nutrients and a lower risk
of developing anxiety and depression. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the association
between the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms and food consumption, according to the
degree of processing, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: An epidemiological household survey was conducted in two cities in Brazil. Anxiety and
depression symptoms were assessed using validated scales (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item/Patient
Health Questionnaire-9), and food consumption was assessed using a qualitative food frequency ques-
tionnaire referring to consumption within the last 3 months. The foods were categorized according to the
NOVA classification for fresh/minimally processed food and ultra-processed food, using the average
weekly consumption as the cutoff. For data analysis, adjusted Poisson regression with robust variance
was utilized to estimate the prevalence ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI).
Results: The consumption of fresh/minimally processed foods above the weekly average frequency was
associated with a lower prevalence of symptoms of depression (PR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3; 0.7). Consumption
above the weekly average of ultra-processed foods was associated with a higher prevalence of anxiety
(PR: 1.5 and 95% CI: 1.03; 2.3) and depression symptoms (PR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.0; 2.1, P 1⁄4 0.034).
Conclusion: Increased consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with a higher occurrence of
anxiety and depression symptoms; therefore, we recommend an increase in the consumption of fresh/
minimally processed foods, as endorsed by the Dietary Guidelines for the Brazilian Population.
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Keywords
Nutrition, Food processing industry, Mental health
Citation
COLETRO, H. N. et al. Ultra-processed and fresh food consumption and symptoms of anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic : COVID Inconfidentes. Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, v. 47, p. 206-214, 2022. Disponível em: <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405457721011591?via%3Dihub>. Acesso em: 11 out. 2022.