A study published in Nutrients reported an association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and lower anxiety symptoms in adolescents.
Key Findings
- Adolescent adherence was linked to lower social phobia and separation anxiety.
- Maternal adherence during pregnancy was associated with lower overall anxiety in offspring.
- Associations were modest and partly attenuated after adjusting for sleep and physical activity.
Methods
The study analyzed data from 86 adolescents in the KLOTHO cohort. Diet adherence was measured via validated indices; mental health was assessed using questionnaires.
Interpretation
Authors caution that causality cannot be inferred due to the cross-sectional design, and residual confounding may influence results.