International Journal of Health and Medicine
Volume. 1, No. 1, January 2024

e-ISSN :3047-793X, and p-ISSN :3047-7948; Page. 13-17
DOI: https://doi.org/10.62951/ijhm.v1i1.133
Available online at: https://international.arikesi.or.id/index.php/IJHM

Exploring The Relationship Between Nutrition and Mental Health: A
Systematic Review
Mei Lin Tan1*, Jasmine Teo2, Daniel Wong3
1-3
Singapore General Hospital, Singapura
Abstract.This systematic review examines the correlation between nutrition and mental health outcomes. By
synthesizing data from various studies, the research highlights the impact of dietary patterns, micronutrient
deficiencies, and food quality on mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety. The review
underscores the importance of nutritional interventions in mental health care, suggesting that a balanced diet
may play a crucial role in overall psychological well-being.
Keywords: Nutrition, Mental health, Systematic review, Dietary patterns, Micronutrients, Psychological wellbeing

1. INTRODUCTION
The relationship between nutrition and mental health has garnered significant attention
in recent years. With mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety affecting millions
worldwide, there is a growing interest in identifying alternative strategies for mental health
care. Nutrition has emerged as an area of interest, with research suggesting that dietary habits
influence both physical and mental health. Various dietary components, such as micronutrients,
fatty acids, and antioxidants, are believed to play crucial roles in neurodevelopment and mental
well-being.
This review aims to consolidate existing literature on the association between nutrition
and mental health, emphasizing dietary patterns, micronutrient deficiencies, and specific food
groups' impacts on mental health disorders.
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
Nutritional Deficiencies and Mental Health
Multiple studies suggest that deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals, including
vitamin D, B vitamins, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids, are linked to an increased risk of
mental health disorders. Vitamin D, for example, plays a role in regulating mood, and low
levels have been associated with depressive symptoms. Similarly, B vitamins, which are
involved in neurological function, have been linked to mood stability and cognitive function.
Dietary Patterns and Mental Health
Research has shown that Western dietary patterns, characterized by high intakes of
processed foods, refined sugars, and saturated fats, correlate with higher rates of depression
and anxiety. Conversely, diets rich in whole foods, such as the Mediterranean diet, which

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emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats, have been associated with
lower rates of these mental health disorders.
Specific Foods and Their Mental Health Benefits
Certain foods have been found to have particular benefits for mental health. Omega-3
rich fish, nuts, seeds, and leafy green vegetables, for instance, are associated with reduced
symptoms of depression. Probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt and fermented foods, are also
believed to improve gut health, which is increasingly recognized as important for mental health
due to the gut-brain connection.
3. METHODOLOGY
A systematic review approach was employed to analyze studies published over the past
two decades. Databases such as PubMed, PsycINFO, and Medline were used to identify
relevant studies on nutrition and mental health. Keywords included “nutrition,” “mental
health,” “dietary patterns,” “micronutrients,” “depression,” and “anxiety.” Inclusion criteria
were studies that focused on adults and assessed dietary intake in relation to mental health
outcomes. Exclusion criteria included studies without direct nutritional assessments or those
with sample sizes below 100 participants.
Data were extracted on study design, sample size, nutritional assessments, and mental
health outcomes, ensuring that only rigorous studies were included for analysis.
4. RESULTS
The Role of Dietary Patterns in Mental Health
The analysis found a significant association between dietary patterns and mental health
outcomes. Studies on the Mediterranean diet showed consistent results, indicating lower risks
of depression and anxiety. Diets high in processed foods, on the other hand, were consistently
associated with poorer mental health outcomes.
Micronutrient Deficiencies and Mental Health Disorders
The review found that micronutrient deficiencies, particularly in B vitamins, vitamin
D, magnesium, and zinc, were prevalent among individuals with depression and anxiety.
Supplementation with these nutrients showed varying degrees of improvement in mental health
symptoms, though the efficacy appeared greater in individuals with baseline deficiencies.

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Gut Health and Probiotics
The studies reviewed suggested a link between gut health and mental health, supporting
the role of the gut-brain axis. Individuals with higher intakes of probiotic-rich foods had
improved mood stability, suggesting that gut microbiota may influence mood regulation.
5. DISCUSSION
The findings from this review underscore the complex relationship between nutrition
and mental health. While causality remains challenging to establish, the consistent patterns
across studies suggest that diet can significantly impact mental health. The role of inflammation
has also been proposed, with diets high in processed foods increasing inflammation markers
associated with depressive symptoms. Anti-inflammatory diets, such as the Mediterranean diet,
may thus contribute to better mental health outcomes.
Furthermore, micronutrient deficiencies play a critical role, particularly in vulnerable
populations. Addressing deficiencies in B vitamins, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids may
provide a cost-effective strategy to support mental health, especially in emerging economies
where dietary diversity may be limited.
The influence of gut health on mental health also provides an intriguing area for further
research. With a growing body of evidence supporting the gut-brain connection, interventions
that promote gut health, such as increased intake of fiber and probiotics, may offer potential
mental health benefits.
6. CONCLUSION
The findings of this systematic review highlight the importance of nutrition as a
modifiable factor in mental health care. Dietary patterns, micronutrient intake, and gut health
all contribute to mental health outcomes, suggesting that dietary interventions could be an
integral component of holistic mental health strategies. Clinicians should consider including
nutritional assessments in mental health evaluations, as addressing dietary deficiencies and
promoting healthy eating patterns could enhance psychological well-being.

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