October 9, 2019

expert reaction to randomised controlled trial on a healthy diet intervention and symptoms of depression in young adults

Research, published in PLOS ONE, reports that a healthy diet may reduce depression symptoms in adolescents. 

Dr Paul Keedwell, Consultant Psychiatrist, Cardiff University, said:

“While the findings are encouraging there is probably a strong placebo effect operating in the healthy diet group.  So, while it is important to eat a healthy diet to help maintain good physical and mental health, I doubt that it is more important than timely access to good psychiatric care, physical exercise and emotional support.”

‘A brief diet intervention can reduce symptoms of depression in young adults – A randomised controlled trial’ by Heather M. Francis et al. was published in PLOS ONE at 19:00 UK time on Wednesday 19th October. 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0222768

Declared interests

Dr Paul Keedwell: No declarations