"Background: Dietary variables are known to predict the prevalence of physical illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease but the possible influence of diet on mental health has been neglected.

Aims: To explore dietary predictors of the outcome of schizophrenia and the prevalence of depression.

Results: A higher national dietary intake of refined sugar and dairy products predicted a worse 2-year outcome of schizophrenia. A high national prevalence of depression was predicted by a low dietary intake of fish and seafood.

Conclusions: The dietary predictors of outcome of schizophrenia and prevalence of depression are similar to those that predict illnesses such as coronary heart disease and diabetes, which are more common in people with mental health problems and in which nutritional approaches are widely recommended..." Emphasis added.

DETAILS: Our presumption is that by "dairy products" are meant high-fat dairy products. These would include cream for their coffee (common in British eating,) ice cream and full-fat milk. The saturated fats contained therein are similar to those found in meat.

An alternative to eating fish would be the intake of fish oil capsules, preferably had with modest dosage of vitamin E to reduce oxidation.

We should also mention that fish oil capsules should be kept in the freezer, just as fish to be held for more than a few days, does spoil rapidly.

Why Depression? Depression and Food. Bibliography

The British J. of Psychiatry, vol 184, 2004. By: Malcolm Peet, FRCPsych., Swallownest Court Hospital, Aughton Rd., Sheffield S26 4TH, UK.