Systematic evidence and gap map of research linking food security and nutrition to mental health

Thalia M. Sparling (), Megan Deeney, Bryan Cheng, Xuerui Han, Chiara Lier, Zhuozhi Lin, Claudia Offner, Marianne V. Santoso, Erin Pfeiffer, Jillian A. Emerson, Florence Mariamu Amadi, Khadija Mitu, Camila Corvalan, Helen Verdeli, Ricardo Araya and Suneetha Kadiyala
Additional contact information
Thalia M. Sparling: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Megan Deeney: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Bryan Cheng: Columbia University
Xuerui Han: Columbia University
Chiara Lier: Columbia University
Zhuozhi Lin: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Claudia Offner: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Marianne V. Santoso: Northwestern University
Erin Pfeiffer: Independent Consultant, Winston-
Jillian A. Emerson: Vitamin Angels
Florence Mariamu Amadi: Food for the Hungry
Khadija Mitu: University of Chittagong
Camila Corvalan: University of Chile
Helen Verdeli: Columbia University
Ricardo Araya: King’s College London
Suneetha Kadiyala: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

Nature Communications, 2022, vol. 13, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract Connections between food security and nutrition (FSN) and mental health have been analytically investigated, but conclusions are difficult to draw given the breadth of literature. Furthermore, there is little guidance for continued research. We searched three databases for analytical studies linking FSN to mental health. Out of 30,896 records, we characterized and mapped 1945 studies onto an interactive Evidence and Gap Map (EGM). In these studies, anthropometry (especially BMI) and diets were most linked to mental health (predominantly depression). There were fewer studies on infant and young child feeding, birth outcomes, and nutrient biomarkers related to anxiety, stress, and mental well-being. Two-thirds of studies hypothesized FSN measures as the exposure influencing mental health outcomes. Most studies were observational, followed by systematic reviews as the next largest category of study. One-third of studies were carried out in low- and middle-income countries. This map visualizes the extent and nature of analytical studies relating FSN to mental health and may be useful in guiding future research.

Date: 2022
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:nat:natcom:v:13:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-022-32116-3

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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32116-3

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