Non-linear association between composite dietary antioxidant index and depression

Growing evidence has shown that the antioxidant diet is a protective factor against depression. However, the relationship between the Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI), an important measure of antioxidant diet, and depression has received little attention. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between CDAI and depression through a cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2007 to 2018.

The association between CDAI and depression was investigated using a weighted multiple logistic regression model with subgroup analysis. Non-linear correlations were explored using fitted smoothing curves. And we used a recursive method to figure out the turning point and build a weighted two-piece linear regression model.

In the multivariate logistic regression model with full adjustment for confounding variables, the ORs (95% CI) for the association between CDAI and depression were 0.83 (0.78, 0.88). Moreover, a non-linear association was found, with 0.16 being the inflection point. Before the inflection point, each unit increase in CDAI was associated with a 30% decrease in the risk of depression. After the inflection point, the risk of depression was found to be reduced by 11% for each unit increase. None of the interactions in all subgroup analyses were statistically significant.

Our study highlighted a negative non-linear association between CDAI and depression in a nationally representative sample of US adults. Further clinical and basic research is needed to explore their association better.