AUTHOR=Zheng Liwen , Sun Jing , Yu Xiaohui , Zhang Dongfeng 

TITLE=Ultra-Processed Food Is Positively Associated With Depressive Symptoms Among United States Adults

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Nutrition

VOLUME=Volume 7 - 2020

YEAR=2020

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2020.600449

DOI=10.3389/fnut.2020.600449

ISSN=2296-861X

ABSTRACT=Ultra-processed foods (UPF) are popular in the United States. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the health impact of UPF. This study is conducted to assess the association of UPF consumption and depressive symptoms among US adults. Data were collected from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2016. Dietary data were obtained through 24-h dietary recall interviews. Depressive symptoms were detected by a nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), participants over 10 points were diagnosed as depressive symptoms. Results of logistic regression revealed a positive association between UPF consumption and depressive symptoms. The study suggests that UPF may increase the risk of depressive symptoms, particularly in people with less exercise.