Association Between Dietary Animal Protein and Depression in a General Population

Because of conflicting evidence about the effects of protein sources on mental health, this study aimed to investigate whether animal or plant protein intake is associated with depression.

Among 17,125 adults (7287 men and 9838 women) from nationally representative survey data, the primary measure of depression was determined with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. A 24-h recall method was employed for dietary assessment. The associations between tertile ranges of animal or plant protein and depression were analyzed with weighted logistic models, adjusted for potential confounders.

Despite no association among men, women in the uppermost tertile of animal protein intake demonstrated a 36% lower likelihood of having depression [95% confidence interval 0.48-0.86]. Additionally, participants older than 65 years presented a significant trend toward lower likelihoods of depression associated with animal protein intake.

This large cross-sectional study of the general population revealed that, regarding one of the common psychological disorders-depression-animal protein intake might have a beneficial association.