Diet and Mental Health: Review of the Recent Updates on Molecular Mechanisms

Abstract

Over the last decades, there has been a substantial increase in the prevalence of mental health disorders, including an increased prevalence of depression, anxiety, cognitive, and sleep disorders. Diet and its bioactive components have been recognized among the modifiable risk factors, possibly influencing their pathogenesis. This review aimed to summarize molecular mechanisms underlying the putative beneficial effects toward brain health of different dietary factors, such as micro- and macronutrient intake and habits, such as feeding time and circadian rhythm. The role of hormonal homeostasis in the context of glucose metabolism and adiponectin regulation and its impact on systemic and neuro-inflammation has also been considered and deepened. In addition, the effect of individual bioactive molecules exerting antioxidant activities and acting as anti-inflammatory agents, such as omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols, considered beneficial for the central nervous system via modulation of adult neurogenesis, synaptic and neuronal plasticity, and microglia activation has been summarized. An overview of the regulation of the gut–brain axis and its effect on the modulation of systemic inflammation and oxidative stress has been provided. Finally, the impact of bioactive molecules on inflammation and oxidative stress and its association with brain health has been summarized.

Specific Dietary (Poly)phenols Are Associated with Sleep Quality in a Cohort of Italian Adults

“…Generally, most of the evidence relies on the positive association between sleep quality or duration and diet quality, but relatively recent studies suggest that a bidirectional relationship may exist, with dietary factors influencing sleep features [12]. Several mechanisms have been hypothesized to explain this association, including inflammation, oxidative stress, the gut microbiome, epigenetic modifications and the direct effects of nutrients and non-nutrients on neuroplasticity [13]. Among the healthy dietary patterns suggested for their putative influence on sleep quality, plant-based foods, including vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, legumes and fruits, have demonstrated to have a mechanistic relationship with better mental health, potentially influencing sleep features [12].…”

The Association between Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake and Human Brain Connectivity in Middle-Aged Depressed Women

“…Moreover, omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA and EPA provide cell membrane fluidity and facilitate neurotransmission and ion channel flow processes, which have major roles in brain development and brain function [38]. In addition to fatty acids, fiber and phytonutrients in vegetables, fruits, and complex carbohydrates may alleviate depression through changes in gut microbiota which could affect neurotransmitter metabolism [39] In this study, we investigated the association between omega-3 fatty acid intake and brain functional connectivity using rs-fMRI. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the associations between omega-3 fatty acid intake, depressive symptoms, and brain connectivity in middle-aged women in Korea.…”

“…Moreover, omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA and EPA provide cell membrane fluidity and facilitate neurotransmission and ion channel flow processes, which have major roles in brain development and brain function [ 38 ]. In addition to fatty acids, fiber and phytonutrients in vegetables, fruits, and complex carbohydrates may alleviate depression through changes in gut microbiota which could affect neurotransmitter metabolism [ 39 ]…”

Antioxidant Potential of Psychotropic Drugs: From Clinical Evidence to In Vitro and In Vivo Assessment and toward a New Challenge for in Silico Molecular Design

“…Proton pump inhibitors [ 7 ], antidiabetics [ 8 ], drugs acting on the cardiovascular system [ 9 ], antiepileptics [ 10 ], and anti-inflammatory agents [ 11 ] represent some of the investigated classes, which are also paired by antioxidant natural and semi-synthetic compounds with biological activity [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. Furthermore, besides therapeutic agents, it must be stressed that bioactive components from diet have been recognized among the risk factors or, on the other hand, protective agents possibly influencing oxidative stress and pathogenesis of related diseases [ 20 , 21 ]. More specifically, increased peripheral inflammatory markers, elevated production of ROS, reduced activity of the antioxidant systems and decreased efficiency in repairing mechanisms are associated with mental diseases such as major depressive disorders and schizophrenia, suggesting a direct involvement of oxidative stress in their pathophysiology.…”