New Study Links Processed Plant-Based Meat to Increased Depression Risk in Vegetarians
Plant-based meat alternatives have gained mass popularity over the years. But now, a recent study has found their consumption to be linked to a rise of depression cases in vegetarians.
The study, published in Food Frontiers, found that vegetarians who consumed plant-based meat alternatives had a 42 percent increased risk of depression compared to vegetarians who refrained from such foods.
Using data from the UK Biobank, researchers found no notable differences in the consumption of sodium, free sugar, total sugar, or saturated fatty acids between plant-based meat alternative consumers and nonconsumers.
Surprisingly, consumption of these foods was also linked to a reduced risk of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by 40 percent.
Researchers did, however, find plant-based meat alternative consumers to have higher blood pressure and C-reactive protein levels, a marker of inflammation. They also had lower levels of apolipoprotein A, a protein associated with HDL—also known as, the good cholesterol.
Despite the depression link, the overall findings are reassuring, says Nophar Geifman, Ph.D., a health sciences professor at the University of Surrey and senior author of the study. The larger findings suggest that plant-based meat alternatives may be a safe option when they are part of an overall balanced diet
An increasing number of individuals consume plant-based meat alternatives for different reasons. A survey assessing consumption trends and perspectives on plant-based meat alternatives in U.S. adults found that 39 percent consumed them for health reasons, 34 percent for a high-quality protein source, and 33 percent for liking the taste.
"However, the potential link between these types of food, inflammation and depression warrants further investigation," Geifman says.
While no severe health risks were necessarily found, researchers observed an increased risk of depression in plant-based meat alternative consumers.
Plant-based meat alternatives are technically an ultraprocessed food, and the findings align with past studies—linking ultraprocessed food consumption to an increased depression risk.
Ultraprocessed foods have have been making big headlines lately, with public concern increasing. There's even an ongoing lawsuit against Kraft Heinz, Mondelez, and General Mills, claiming that ultraprocessed foods are addictive.
The study's researchers still acknowledge that these alternatives can serve as a useful method for people to transitioning to a vegetarian diet. Plus, there were some limitations presented in the study.
"Further research, including longitudinal studies and trials with more diverse populations, is necessary to confirm these findings and the relationship between vegetarian foods and mood," says Anthony Whetton, Ph.D., co-author of the study and biosystems professor at the University of Surrey.
