Lower Energy-Adjusted Nutrient Intakes Occur Among Food Energy Under-Reporters With Poor Mental Health

Abstract

BackgroundFood energy under-reporting is differentially distributed among populations. Currently, little is known about how mental health state may affect energy-adjusted nutrient intakes among food energy under-reporters.MethodsStratified analysis of energy-adjusted nutrient intake by mental health (poor vs. good) and age/sex was conducted using data from Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) respondents (14–70 years; n = 8,233) who were deemed as under-reporters based on Goldberg's cutoffs.ResultsMost were experiencing good mental health (95.2%). Among those reporting poor mental health, significantly lower energy-adjusted nutrient intakes tended to be found for fiber, protein, vitamins A, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12, C, and D, and calcium, potassium, and zinc (probability measures (p) < 0.05). For women (51–70 years), all micronutrient intakes, except iron, were significantly lower among those reporting poor mental health (p < 0.05). For men (31–50 years), B vitamin and most mineral intakes, except sodium, were significantly lower among those reporting poor mental health (p < 0.05). Among women (31–50 years) who reported poor mental health, higher energy-adjusted intakes were reported for vitamin B9 and phosphorus (p < 0.05).ConclusionsAmong food energy under-reporters, poor mental health tends to lower the report of specific energy-adjusted nutrient intakes that include ones critical for mental health. Future research is needed to discern if these differences may be attributed to deviations in the accurate reports of food intakes, measurement errors, or mental health states.

Genetic Causal Associations between Various Serum Minerals and Risk of Depression: A Mendelian Randomization Study

“…Although there is currently no clear evidence of a direct association between phosphorus and depression, some studies suggest a potential relationship between dietary phosphorus intake and mental health [ 53 , 54 , 55 ]. For example, a high phosphorus diet may be associated with mood disorders, as it may influence neurotransmitter levels or other biological processes in the brain [ 56 ]. Conversely, selenium, an important antioxidant involved in immune system function and thyroid hormone synthesis, may be associated with an increased risk of depression.…”