Exploring the Relationship between Dietary Patterns and Mental Health in Adolescents
Osei Jonathan K. *
Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana.
Panti Jesus S.
Department of Mental Health, College of Health and Well-being, Kintampo, Ghana.
Appiah Nathaniel O.
Department of Medical Diagnostics, College of Health Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana.
Olatunde Timilehin S.
Department of Health Promotion and Education, Faculty of Public Health, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Brobbey Emmanuel O.
Department of Physician Assistantship Medical, College of Health and Well-being, Kintampo, Ghana.
Ogunmoyero Toluwani S.
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Nigeria.
Ololade Oyindamola
Department of General Outpatient Clinics, Orile-Agege General Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria.
Bakare-Abidola T.
Department of Environmental Science, Georgia Southern University, Georgia, USA.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Adolescence is a critical period for mental health, with conditions like depression and anxiety becoming increasingly prevalent. Emerging evidence suggests that diet influences mental well-being, with processed food consumption linked to higher risks of mood disorders, while nutrient-rich diets promote emotional resilience. Despite this, gaps remain in understanding the long-term effects and biological mechanisms of diet on adolescent mental health.
Methodology: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, focusing on studies from 2010 to 2024. Search terms included "adolescent diet," "mental health and nutrition," and "gut-brain axis." Inclusion criteria prioritized peer-reviewed, empirical studies on diet and mental health, while exclusion criteria filtered out non-empirical and non-English studies. Data were synthesized using a narrative approach, identifying themes on dietary patterns, nutrient deficiencies, and intervention strategies.
Conclusion: Findings indicate that unhealthy diets increase mental health risks, while nutrient-dense diets support emotional well-being. Deficiencies in omega-3, vitamin B12, and iron correlate with higher depression and anxiety rates. The gut-brain axis plays a role in mood regulation, suggesting potential dietary interventions. While school-based programs and supplementation show promise, further longitudinal studies are needed to confirm causality and inform public health policies.
Keywords: Adolescent mental health, diet, depression, anxiety, nutrition interventions