Fish Consumption and the Risk of Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Psychiatry
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Depression is a significant global health concern with complex etiologies.
• Dietary factors, such as fish consumption, are increasingly investigated for their role in mental health.
• Understanding the link between diet and depression is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze observational studies on fish consumption and depression risk.
• To assess the association with both general and pregnancy-related depression.
• To inform public health promotion strategies regarding dietary guidelines.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and meta-analysis of 35 observational studies.
• Searched PubMed and Embase databases up to November 2023.
• Synthesized relative risks (RRs) using a random-effects model, including dose-response and stratified analyses.

Main Results:

• A significant inverse association was found between fish consumption and overall depression risk (RR = 0.79).
• Similar protective effects were observed for pregnancy-related depression (RR = 0.78).
• A potential threshold effect was identified, with significant risk reduction observed only at intakes of ≥ 68.4 g/day; dose-response analysis indicated a 6% risk reduction per 15 g/day increase.

Conclusions:

• Fish consumption is a modifiable factor that may aid in depression prevention.
• A daily intake of at least 68.4 grams of fish is suggested as a potential threshold for significant risk reduction.
• Findings support the integration of fish consumption recommendations into dietary guidelines and public health strategies for mental well-being.