Diet and Depression during Peri- and Post-Menopause: A Scoping Review Protocol

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Psychiatry
• Women's Health
• Menopause Research

Background:

• Menopause significantly alters women's physiology and mental well-being.
• Depression is a common concern during the menopausal transition and post-menopause.
• The role of diet in modulating depression risk during menopause is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically identify and summarize existing research on the association between diet-related variables and depression in peri- and post-menopausal women.
• To map the current evidence base concerning nutritional factors and mental health in this specific demographic.
• To identify gaps in the literature for future research directions.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search across major databases (Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus).
• Screening and data extraction by two independent reviewers using Covidence.
• Quality assessment of included studies using established tools (Cochrane RoB-2, NHLBI tools).

Main Results:

• The review will synthesize findings from observational and experimental studies.
• Data will be presented in summary tables detailing study characteristics and outcomes.
• Key dietary patterns and nutrients associated with depression will be identified.

Conclusions:

• This review will provide a comprehensive overview of the current evidence on diet and depression in menopausal women.
• It aims to be the first review to specifically focus on this understudied population subgroup.
• Findings will inform future research and potential dietary interventions for mental health in menopause.