Hostname: page-component-5db58dd55d-xnzfm Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2026-06-04T08:56:39.388Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Nutrition, mood and behaviour: a review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 June 2014

Nerissa L Soh*
Affiliation:
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
Garry Walter
Affiliation:
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia Discipline of Psychological Medicine, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Louise Baur
Affiliation:
Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Sydney New South Wales, Australia
Clare Collins
Affiliation:
Nutrition and Dietetics School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
*
Dr Nerissa L Soh, Coral Tree Family Service, PO Box 142, North Ryde, NSW 1670, Australia. Tel: +61 2 8877 5371; Fax: +61 2 9887 2941; E-mail: nsoh@nsccahs.health.nsw.gov.au

Abstract

Objective:

To conduct a critical review of recent empirical research regarding mood, behaviour and nutrition factors including essential fatty acids, macronutrients, micronutrients and food additives.

Method:

A literature search of databases Medline, PsycInfo, CINAHL and Embase up to October 2008. The search emphasised empirical research published in the last 10 years and also included older literature. Studies in both adults and children were addressed.

Results:

Research into omega-3 fatty acids has been substantial but evidence for their potential in treating mood and behaviour is modest. In comparison, there has been much less research into carbohydrate and protein intakes and little evidence for their ability to influence mood and behaviour. Recent trials with food additives suggest their removal from the diet may benefit susceptible children with hyperactivity disorders. Micronutrient supplementation appears to improve mood only in those who were initially deficient in micronutrients.

Conclusions:

More stringent research designs such as longitudinal studies and the use of biologically inert placebos within randomised controlled trials are needed before supplemental use of omega-3 fatty acids to treat disorders of mood and behaviour can be recommended. Caution is advised regarding the indiscriminate use of diets free of artificial food additives in managing hyperactivity disorders, as they may place an undue burden on individuals and their families. Should omega-3 fatty acid supplementation or the elimination of certain food additives be established as effective, they may provide cost-effective, accessible and well-tolerated adjuncts to standard psychiatric treatments for mood and behavioural disturbances.

Information

Type
Review article
Copyright
Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

Article purchase

Temporarily unavailable