News Article: Trans-fats May Increase Risk for Depression

Eating fatty “comfort” foods to cheer you up may do just the opposite, according to new research that linked increased trans-fat consumption to increased risk of depression. The study was conducted in Spain and tracked the dietary habits, mental health, and lifestyles of 12,059 college graduates over the course of six years.

None of the participants had depression at the beginning of the study, but by the end of the six-year period, 657 cases were identified through self-reported questionnaires filled out every two years. The study showed a correlation between increased trans-fat consumption and the development of depression. Those who derived the highest percentage of their daily calories (at least 0.6%) from trans-fats had a 42% increased risk of depression compared to those who consumed the least amount of trans-fats.

For Americans, these results are especially bad news, but also especially important. The average Spaniard derives 0.6% of his or her daily calorie intake from trans-fats whereas trans-fats account for a whopping 2.5% of the average American’s daily calories. Even worse is that most Spaniards get their trans-fats from natural sources such as milk, butter, meat, and cheese whereas Americans get many of their trans-fats from processed snack foods, fried or fast food. In short, not only do Americans eat more overall, but they also consume worse quality food than Spaniards do.

The authors also point out that high trans-fat intake is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and that many individuals with cardiovascular disease are also depressed. It is suggested that these two conditions may share a common cause.

“Bad fat (trans-fat) increases inflammation in the body. In the heart, that contributes to the buildup of plaque that can cause heart disease. In the brain, substances secreted by inflammation may interfere with neurotransmitters that affect mood,” the Los Angeles Times reported.

The authors admit the study cannot offer a definitive answer as to whether trans-fat intake contributes to depression or whether those who are prone to depression chose poorer quality diets. However the researchers did exclude cases of depression that were diagnosed within the first two years of the study, which significantly strengthens the notion that trans-fat consumption comes before depression.