Relationship between dietary fiber and measures of mental health.

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between dietary fiber and mental health among college students. Food frequency data and mental health responses taken as part of the Neuro-regulation in Attachment to God, Human Relationships, and Health study initiated by Baylor University were used to determine potential effect of fiber on mental health. It was found that the odds of being depressed were reduced with higher intakes of insoluble fiber. This relationship persisted after adjusting for participants’ age, sex, and BMI. Our findings indicate that college students may experience a lessening in number and severity of depressive symptoms with increased insoluble dietary fiber intake.