Eat Meat. Improve your Mood.

Anxiety and depression are debilitating, but surmounting research is finding that people who eat meat are less depressed.

Approximately 1 in 5 US adults experiences mental illness in a given year. Depression, in particular, affects 7.1% of the population, and it is one of the leading causes of disability in people ages 15-44. Although all the underlying causes of depression are not fully understood, research is clearly finding a significant connection between food choices and the prevention and treatment of mood disorders, especially depression. 

Nutrient Deficiencies and Depression

There are many nutrients that have been implicated in the risk of depression and are frequently assessed during clinical treatment. Particular nutritional deficiencies have been connected to an increased risk of depression. Correction of these deficiencies has been used as a treatment to help improve symptoms. Here are a few of the nutrients that impact mental health: 

• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Iron
• Zinc
• Calcium
• Choline
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K

A 2010 study found that for every 10 additional micrograms of B12 consumed and 10 mg of vitamin B6, risk of depression decreased by 2%. Meat is the best source of these two vitamins. Other studies have connected vitamin D deficiency with an increased risk of depressive disorder. The other nutrients mentioned in this list are critical for optimal brain health, all of them are found in animal products. 

Dietary Patterns and Depression

We know that diet is not just made up of individual nutrients. Recent research has started to focus more on dietary patterns and their connection to depression. 

A 2017 systemic review of seventeen studies on diet and mental health found a strong connection between a whole foods diet and a decreased risk of depression. The study also found that the dietary interventions which were most effective were more likely to involve a Registered Dietitian that was less likely to recommend limiting meat intake, encourage leaner protein, or promote a low-cholesterol diet.

A 2009 study looked specifically at a Mediterranean dietary pattern and depression. Over 10,000 individuals participated in the study. Participants who adhered the most to a Mediterranean-style diet were 30% less likely to be diagnosed with depression during the 4 year study period. There was an inverse relationship found between depression and intake of fruit, nuts, monounsaturated fats, and legumes. 

A 2012 study of 1,000 Australian women found that red meat intake was extremely important for the prevention of depression. Researchers observed women who consumed the least amount of red meat were twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression or anxiety disorder, compared to those who ate the recommended amount. A connection was not found between mental health and other forms of protein, such as chicken, pork, or fish. Even when vegetarian women were removed from the analysis, the results remained, those that ate the least meat were more likely to be diagnosed with depression.

Foods Linked to Depression

Many foods decrease the risk of depression, but what about those that increase the risk? 

A 2019 systemic review evaluated the impact of carbohydrate consumption and mood. An analysis of 31 studies found that carbohydrates do not increase mood. Carbohydrate consumption is associated with increased fatigue and decreased alertness within 30 minutes of ingestion. 

A 2018 study of almost 10,000 men found that vegetarian and vegan dietary patterns were associated with an increased risk of depression. Another 2018 study of over 90,000 adults found similar results, that depression rates increased with the elimination of meat. The researchers suggested that nutritional deficiencies, particularly in B12 and iron, may contribute to the risk of depression.

Foods for Preventing Depression

A 2018 study analyzed all the foods and nutrients that have been linked to depression to determine an “Antidepressant Food Score” for each food. The highest scoring foods for helping prevent depression were:

• Oysters and shellfish
• Organ meats
• Fish
• Dark, leafy greens like watercress, spinach, lettuce, Swiss chard, herbs, and kale
• Colorful vegetables, like pumpkin, and red peppers
• Cruciferous vegetables

The nutrients of most importance for the prevention and treatment of depression were:

• Folate
• Iron
• Omega-3s (EPA and DHA)
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Thiamine
• Selenium
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin C
• Zinc

Due to the continuing connection between food and mood, nutritional guidelines for the prevention of depression were published in Nutritional Neuroscience in 2017. The recommendations included following a traditional whole-food diet with adequate omega-3 fats and to avoid processed foods, particularly those high in carbohydrates and sugar.

Although more research is needed in determining the ideal dietary pattern for preventing and managing depression, there are several patterns emerging. Foods high in zinc, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin B12 are particularly important for brain function. These nutrients are found in shellfish and organ meats but are also in most animal foods. 

Fiber and phytonutrients play a role in mental well-being as well due to the impact they have on the health of the gut microbiome and reduction in oxidative stress. Fruits and vegetables are the best sources of these important nutrients for health.

Research is still evaluating what specific dietary pattern is best for your mood, but the emerging evidence strongly suggests that a whole-food diet rich in both meat and vegetables is key.