Influence of nutrition on depression and stress tolerance

A. Schek, Giessen

Different from what is suggested by popular-science journals, certain food such as bananas or chocolate are not likely to produce a feeling of happiness. Some food components, however, seem to stabilize mood in depressive persons and in those who are prone to stress. Pharmacologic doses of tryptophan, the precursor of the neurotransmitter serotonine, have a therapeutic effect on mild and moderate depressive episodes while tyrosine, the precursor of dopamine and epinephrine, does not show antidepressive action.

A diet rich in (complex) carbohydrates and restricted in (animal) protein has positive effects on stress tolerance in susceptible persons who report to feel less depressed after exposure to uncontrollable stress. A low ratio of dietary ù-6 to ù-3 fatty acids reduces the synthesis of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids controlling production and secretion of specific cytokines which seem to be involved in the development of depressive episodes. An adequate vitamin supply is essential to prevent neuropsychiatric symptoms mainly associated with folic acid, pyridoxine and thiamine deficiencies. In terms of health protection, a diet corresponding to that of the Mediterraneans is recommended to people suffering from depressive episodes and low stress tolerance. EU05/03

Keywords: Nutrition / depression / stress tolerance / influence

Sie finden den Artikel in deutscher Sprache in Ernährungs-Umschau 05/03 ab Seite 164.