A new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders has found a potential link between dietary spermidine intake and a reduced risk of depression in adults. Researchers analyzed data from over 19,000 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and discovered that higher levels of spermidine-rich foods were associated with lower rates of depressive symptoms.
Depression is a widespread mental health disorder affecting millions worldwide. The impact of depression on quality of life is profound, making it one of the leading causes of disability globally. To identify modifiable factors like diet that may help in prevention and management, researchers are increasingly focusing on dietary intake.
Spermidine is a naturally occurring compound found in various foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, eggs, and seafood. It’s part of polyamines essential for cell health, supporting growth, repair, and stress protection. Spermidine has been shown to support cell longevity through autophagy, a process that helps remove damaged components.
The study analyzed data from NHANES cycles spanning 2005-2014 and used the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) survey tool to gauge depression symptoms. Researchers found that participants with higher spermidine intake had lower odds of depression than those with lower intake levels, supporting the potential benefits of dietary spermidine on mental health.
However, not all sources of spermidine were associated with a reduced risk of depression. The researchers speculate that certain compounds in cooked meats may counteract spermidine’s protective effects on mental health. Future studies could investigate whether spermidine directly affects brain health or interacts with other nutrients to influence mood.
The study is the first to explore the association between dietary spermidine intake and depressive symptoms, shedding light on a potential nutritional pathway for mental health prevention and management.
Source: https://www.psypost.org/dietary-spermidine-intake-linked-to-lower-risk-of-depression-study-finds