The relationship between nutritional deficiencies and mental health

• Published in: Revista chilena de nutrición Vol. 48; no. 1; pp. 103 - 108
• Main Authors: Rocha, Aline dos Santos, Teixeira, Camila Silveira Silva, Coelho, Carolina Gomes, Alves, Flávia Jôse Oliveira, Machado, Daiane Borges
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sociedad Chilena de Nutrición, Bromatología y Toxicología 01-02-2021
• Subjects: NUTRITION & DIETETICS; COVID-19; Public Health; Salud pública; La ingesta de alimentos; Food Insecurity; Mental Health; Food Intake; Salud mental; Inseguridad alimentaria
• ISSN: 0717-7518; 0717-7518
• DOI: 10.4067/S0717-75182021000100103

ABSTRACT The objective of this mini review was to discuss the relationship between nutritional deficiencies and mental health, and to present a structure that helps to visualize these associations based on a literature review and the scenarios of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was conducted to demonstrate the effect of the nutritional deficiencies on the occurrence and/or worsening of mental health problems, mainly related to the most drastic measures of social distance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies have already shown that a nutritionally unbalanced diet may be associated with greater chances of mental health problems. Insufficient levels of micronutrients can, by regulating the stress response, immune and oxidative systems, negatively affect brain functions and, consequently, cognitive functions and mental health of individuals. The current pandemic of COVID-19 reveals an increase in food and nutritional insecurity, and a worsening of this situation among already vulnerable populations. Micronutrient deficiencies may be exacerbated in a context of increased food insecurity and the COVID-19 pandemic, which may contribute to increased mental health problems.