Brief Original ReportThe association between fruit and vegetable consumption and mental health disorders: Evidence from five waves of a national survey of Canadians

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to examine the association between fruit and vegetable intake (FVI) and mental health disorders.MethodThis study used data from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), a repeated cross-sectional study of Canadians with five waves between 2000 until 2009 (n = 296,121 aged 12 years or older). FVI was assessed based on frequency of consumption. The primary outcome was a major depressive episode over the previous 12 months. Logistic regression models adjusted for age, gender, household income, education, physical activity, chronic illness and smoking.ResultsIn the first wave, greater FVI was significantly associated with lower odds of depression (OR: 0.85 95% CI:0.78-0.92). A combined estimate of all 5 waves demonstrated similar results (OR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.71-0.75). Relative to those with the lowest FVI, those with the greatest FVI also had significantly lower odds of suffering from distress (OR: 0.87 95% CI: 0.78-0.98). These results were consistent across other waves. Perceived poor mental health status and previous diagnosis of a mood disorder and anxiety disorder also demonstrated statistically significant inverse associations with FVI (all p < 0.05).ConclusionThese findings suggest a potentially important role of a healthy diet in the prevention of depression and anxiety.

► We studied five waves of a national survey (n = 258,357 aged 12 years or older). ► Increased fruit and vegetable intake was associated with reduced odds of depression. ► Fruit and vegetable intake was inversely associated with other mental health measures. ► Results were consistent across five waves.