Meat and mental health: a systematic review of meat abstention and depression, anxiety, and related phenomena

Abstract

Objective: To examine the relation between the consumption or avoidance of meat and psychological health and well-being. Methods: A systematic search of online databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus, Medline, and Cochrane Library) was conducted for primary research examining psychological health in meatconsumers and meat-abstainers. Inclusion criteria were the provision of a clear distinction between meat-consumers and meat-abstainers, and data on factors related to psychological health. Studies examining meat consumption as a continuous or multi-level variable were excluded. Summary data were compiled, and qualitative analyses of methodologic rigor were conducted. The main outcome was the disparity in the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and related conditions in meat-consumers versus meat-abstainers. Secondary outcomes included mood and self-harm behaviors. Results: Eighteen studies met the inclusion/exclusion criteria; representing 160,257 participants (85,843 females and 73,232 males) with 149,559 meat-consumers and 8584 meat-abstainers (11 to 96 years) from multiple geographic regions. Analysis of methodologic rigor revealed that the studies ranged from low to severe risk of bias with high to very low confidence in results. Eleven of the 18 studies demonstrated that meat-abstention was associated with poorer psychological health, four studies were equivocal, and three showed that meat-abstainers had better outcomes. The most rigorous studies demonstrated that the prevalence or risk of depression and/or anxiety were significantly greater in participants who avoided meat consumption. Conclusion: Studies examining the relation between the consumption or avoidance of meat and psychological health varied substantially in methodologic rigor, validity of interpretation, and confidence in results. The majority of studies, and especially the higher quality studies, showed that those who avoided meat consumption had significantly higher rates or risk of depression, anxiety, and/or self-harm behaviors. There was mixed evidence for temporal relations, but study designs and a lack of rigor precluded inferences of causal relations. Our study does not support meat avoidance as a strategy to benefit psychological health.

Gender Differences in Attitudes to Vegans/Vegetarians and Their Food Preferences, and Their Implications for Promoting Sustainable Dietary Patterns–A Systematic Review

“…Further research is needed to clarify this relationship, taking into account sex/gender, motivation and a number of other factors that may moderate the occurrence of depressive symptoms among vegetarians. Especially as-contrary to common beliefs-a recent meta-analysis shows that people who avoid meat run a higher risk of depression, anxiety and related behaviors [93].…”

“…A study on the relationship between perceived stress and anxiety among vegetarians, vegans, and meat-eaters showed that a significantly lower anxiety score was reported among male vegetarians and vegans when compared to omnivores, while women vegans showed a lower level of stress [92]. It may suggest that a meat-free diet (or even a reduction in meat consumption) is associated with better mood (but see [93]). Vegetarian diets are typically rich in fruit and other antioxidant-rich foods, which are also linked to positive mood [94].…”

The Vegan Food Experience: Searching for Happiness in the Norwegian Foodscape

“…This is due to the recent growth of plant-based dieters in Western societies [1]. On the one hand, such growth causes concern about possible health problems of not properly planned plant-based diets, in particularly vitamin B12 and iodine deficiencies, negative outcomes about bone structure and mental health [2][3][4]. On the other hand, some studies indicate that such diets might have important implications in terms of potential health and environmental benefits and business opportunities [5][6][7][8][9].…”

Vegetarian or Vegan Diet: Stimulating or at Risk to Mental Health?

“…The higher-quality studies showed that people avoiding meat consumption ran a higher risk of depression/anxiety and/or self-harm behaviours. Despite differences in methodology and quality of the studies, the authors conclude that ending meat consumption is not a good strategy to promote psychological health [36]. In another recent systematic review and meta-analysis, including 13 studies with 17.809 individuals, it was found that vegetarians/vegans are at a higher risk of developing depressions [37].…”