Dietary fats in relation to depressive symptoms by cardiovascular disease risk factors status of elderly people living in Mediterranean islands

Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2010 Nov 2. doi: 10.3109/09637486.2010.523415. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Mental disorders are among the leading causes for disability, with depression a common compilation of hypertension, and other metabolic disorders (lipid abnormalities, diabetes, and obesity). Fat (lipid) intake plays a significant role in the prevention of various chronic diseases. The present cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the role of fat intake in depression among hypertensive elderly people living in the Mediterranean Islands. Fish lipid intake was inversely associated with depression status among hypertensive participants (P < 0.01), while fat intake of sweets and legumes was positively associated with depression in participants with no clinical condition. The aforementioned findings may state hypotheses for further investigation about the role of dietary fat on the depression status of elderly people.