Vegetarians more susceptible to depression than meat eaters, study shows. Here’s why
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies in vegetarian diet bad for mental health, study shows. Also in the news: smoking primes lung cells to develop cancer; mums-to-be who drink alcohol now and then may be doing no harm
Vegetarians are at higher risk of suffering depression compared to those who eat meat and follow a conventional balanced diet, according to a new study.
A Bristol University study of almost 10,000 people from southwest England discovered that vegetarians were almost twice as likely to develop depression because of vitamin and mineral deficiencies that can negatively affect their mental health.
The 350 committed vegetarians who took part in the study had a higher average depression score compared to the meat eaters, according to the study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders.
Roughly 50 per cent of vegans and 7 per cent of vegetarians have a vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 can be found in red meat seafood and plays an important role in affecting an individual’s mood.
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Vegans and vegetarians also have a greater intake of nuts that contain omega-6 fatty acids, which have been linked with an increased risk of mental health problems.
“Other potential factors include high blood levels of phytoestrogens (oestrogen that’s naturally in legumes) – consequent mainly on diets rich in vegetables and soya,” the report stated. “Another potential contributing factor is that lower intakes of seafood are thought to be associated with greater risk of depressive symptoms.”