New Study Finds Regular Fried Food Consumption Linked to Increased Risk of Anxiety and Depression
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) has found that individuals who frequently consume fried food have a 12% increased risk of anxiety and a 7% increased risk of depression compared to those who do not eat fried food. The association was particularly notable for fried potato consumption.
Depression and anxiety are the two most frequent mental disorders, with individuals often experiencing both simultaneously. The study also notes that the share of the world population suffering from anxiety and depression has increased by around 27% following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The main symptoms of depression include persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities. Anxiety, on the other hand, is characterized by excessive and often irrational worry, fear, or uneasiness that can interfere with daily functioning.
While the precise causes of these mental disorders remain unknown, recent studies have linked diet to the risk of developing depression and anxiety. The so-called “Western diet,” which consists of fried or processed foods, refined grains, sugary products, and beer, has been found to be associated with a higher risk of these mental health conditions.
The process of frying food can change its nutrient composition and produce various hazardous chemicals, such as acrylamide. Acrylamide is generated during the frying process of carbohydrate-rich foods, like potatoes. Prolonged intake of acrylamide has been linked to increased risks of neurological disorders, obesity, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and depression. It is also neurotoxic in higher concentrations.
To examine the association between acrylamide intake and depression and anxiety, the study authors analyzed data from 140,728 individuals from the UK Biobank. They also conducted an experiment on zebrafish, exposing them to varying acrylamide concentrations for 180 days.
The findings revealed that individuals consuming at least one fried meal per day were typically younger, male, and smokers compared to those who didn’t consume fried foods. The analysis showed that those consuming fried foods had a 12% higher likelihood of experiencing anxiety and a 7% increased chance of depression. The consumption of fried potatoes specifically was linked to a 4% greater risk of anxiety symptoms and a 2% heightened risk of depression.
The zebrafish experiment further supported these findings, as those exposed to acrylamide displayed behaviors indicative of anxiety and depression. The tissue analysis of these fish specimens showed disrupted lipid metabolism and triggered an inflammatory response.
While this study provides important insights into the links between diet and mental health, it does have limitations. The observed effects were relatively small, and the study design does not allow for any cause-and-effect inferences to be drawn.
Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between fried food consumption, acrylamide intake, and mental health. However, this study emphasizes the importance of a balanced and healthy diet in maintaining good mental well-being.
The study, titled “High fried food consumption impacts anxiety and depression due to lipid metabolism disturbance and neuroinflammation,” was authored by Anli Wang and her colleagues.