Researchers in China and the United States recently published a study in the Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health, showing a connection between malnutrition and depression among older adults.
The researchers analyzed body mass index, weight loss, and mental health of nearly 5,000 adults over the age of 60.
What they discovered was that those who were malnourished were 31% more likely to be depressed than those who weren’t malnourished. In addition, health care costs were higher among the malnourished participants.
This study joins a growing body of research showing a strong connection between mental health and what we consume. Here at Truehope, we’ve been promoting nutrition as mental health treatment for over 20 years.