Nutrition and brain health: Implications of Mediterranean diet elements for psychiatric disorders

Abstract

The Mediterranean diet is an anti-inflammatory diet now recognized for prevention and intervention against cardiometabolic disorders, although emerging literature also shows its benefits for mental health. This paper surveys literature pertinent to the Mediterranean diet with respect to schizophrenia, bipolar and unipolar depression and cognition. The National Library of Medicine database of literature was searched for publications relating to our topic through June 2024. Our results highlight the Mediterranean diet's potential role in mediating inflammation, potentially through the gut-brain axis, and its neuroprotective role against cognitive decline. Moreover, individual components of the Mediterranean diet are potentially therapeutic as well as protective, particularly fruits, vegetables, fatty fish, and whole grains. These dietary components reduce systemic inflammation, modulate gut microbiota and influence critical pathways such as moderating oxidative stress. Overall, this survey of recent literature highlights the potential of the Mediterranean diet to promote mental health and reduce the risk or severity of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. The analysis underscores broader implications for the Mediterranean diet in advancing mental health outcomes and emphasizes the need for further studies and increased public education to encourage healthier eating habits and dietary interventions.

Keywords: Bipolar disorder; Depression; Inflammation; Mediterranean diet; Psychosis.