Khaberni - An Iranian study revealed that a diet rich in meat and animal protein may be associated with an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and stress in women.
The researchers during the study analyzed data from 489 Iranian women, and they compared the intake of animal and plant protein, evaluating how these nutrients correlate with symptoms of psychological and emotional disorders. To achieve this, the participants completed questionnaires about their dietary habits in addition to the standard DASS-21 scale, which helps in detecting signs of depression, anxiety, and stress. The results showed that women with the highest intake of animal protein had a significantly higher likelihood of reporting symptoms of the three conditions.
For participants in the highest animal protein intake group, the likelihood of showing symptoms of depression was 2.6 times higher, anxiety 1.8 times higher, and stress 3.7 times higher, compared to women who consumed less of it. Conversely, plant protein showed no statistically significant correlation with any of the studied psychological conditions.
Researchers indicate that this study does not prove a direct causal relationship, but it does suggest a potential role of protein source in mental health. According to them, this relationship might be influenced by differences in amino acid composition, associated fats, and the general nature of the diet.
