| Title: | The association between the Mediterranean diet and depression risk in postmenopausal women: evidence from the UK Biobank cohort study |
| Journal: | Journal of Affective Disorders |
| Published: | 16 Mar 2026 |
| Pubmed: | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41850610/ |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2026.121645 |
Publication 17369
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Dietary strategies as non-pharmacological approach in mental health have attracted attention. The Mediterranean diet has been proven to reduce the risk of depression, yet evidence regarding its effect among postmenopausal women remains limited. This study aimed to examine the association between the Mediterranean diet and depression in postmenopausal women, and to examine interactions with age and menopausal timing.</p>
METHODS: The study utilized UK Biobank population-based cohort between 2006 and 2010. The Mediterranean diet was quantified using the PREDIMED score. Depression was identified through ICD-10 codes (F32, F33) from primary care records, hospital admissions, death registers and mental health questionnaire. Age at menopause less than 40 years was defined as premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Cox proportional risk models estimated the hazard ratio (HR) for the onset of depression, with interaction effects for age and menopausal timing. The mediating effects evaluated C-reactive protein (CRP), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and BMI roles.</p>
RESULTS: Among 58,001 women (mean follow-up 9.72 ± 1.57 years), 1457 developed depression. Compared with the lowest Mediterranean diet score, the risk of depression was reduced by 25% for the highest score (HR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.63-0.89). Protective dietary components included olive oil, vegetables, seafood (P < 0.05). A significant age interaction was observed, with the Mediterranean diet demonstrating protective effects exclusively in women aged ≤60. CRP, GGT, and BMI mediated 3.97%, 3.20%, and 17.28% of the mediation proportion, respectively.</p>
INTERPRETATION: Higher Mediterranean diet score was associated with reduced depression risk in postmenopausal women, especially those aged 60 years. These findings highlight the Mediterranean diet as a preventive strategy for menopausal mental health and emphasizing early implementation.</p>
9 Authors
- Menglin Fan
- Geling Jin
- Yunling Gao
- Yanyan Jia
- Jingjing Zeng
- Bo Chen
- Qiqi You
- Qingying Tian
- Shaoyong Xu
1 Application
| Application ID | Title |
|---|---|
| 92014 | Associations of Combined Genetic and Lifestyle Risks With Incident Cardiovascular Disease and Cancers |
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