Medscape (1/15, Brauser, Subscription Publication) reports that even though “diet can influence mental health and cognitive function, evidence of benefit for many specific diets is actually quite weak,” investigators concluded “in the ‘most up-to-date overview of the new field of nutritional psychiatry.’” The overview “found strong evidence that following a ketogenic diet of high fat and low carbohydrates may reduce seizures in children with epilepsy” and “also confirmed that the Mediterranean diet guards against depression and anxiety.” Additionally, the review revealed “a strong link between vitamin B12 deficiency and an increased risk of fatigue, depression, and memory problems,” but found only “inconclusive” evidence “of any efficacy of vitamin D supplements or any nutrient in mitigating symptoms of autism or” attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The findings were published in the December issue of the journal European Neuropsychopharmacology.
Related Links:
— “Diet and Mental Health: The Evidence to Date, “Deborah Brauser, Medscape, January 15, 2020