Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Depression in Iranian Students
Author Information
Author(s): Yary Teymoor, Aazami Sanaz
Primary Institution: Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Food Sciences and Engineering, Islamic Azad University
Hypothesis
Is there an association between polyunsaturated fatty acid levels and depression among Iranian postgraduate students in Malaysia?
Conclusion
The study found an inverse association between PUFA intake and depression symptoms in Iranian postgraduate students in Malaysia.
Supporting Evidence
- An inverse relationship was found between depression symptoms and dietary intake of PUFAs after adjusting for confounders.
- High levels of depression symptoms were associated with low levels of dietary PUFA intake.
Takeaway
Eating more healthy fats called polyunsaturated fatty acids might help students feel less sad or depressed.
Methodology
This was a cross-sectional study using a food frequency questionnaire and a depression questionnaire among 402 Iranian postgraduate students.
Limitations
The study design did not allow for causal relationships to be established, and plasma PUFA levels were not measured.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 173 women (43%) and 229 men (57%) with a mean age of 32.54 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.014
Confidence Interval
0.29-0.90
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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