Potential Protective Role of Fiber Supplementation Against Depression: Insights from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2018

Depression is a multifaceted mental health disorder affecting 280 million people globally. The pursuit of effective interventions has triggered investigations into the role of fiber intake in modulating depression, which remains a controversial issue. At least part of the discrepancies may result from the large number of covariates not accounted for in studies linking depression and fiber intake. We aimed to fill this gap using data from a large recent American population-based cross-sectional study from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2017-2018) and a detailed assessment of known covariates. Data from 9,254 adult subjects were analyzed and 3,979 fulfilled the inclusion/exclusion criteria. The variables were categorized to undergo evaluation by a logistic regression model adjusted for covariates by StataNow v18.5. The model was proven statistically acceptable. Supplementary fiber intake, vigorous recreational activities, living with a partner, and old age's odds ratios indicated that these variables showed 24.91%, 46.79%, 52.66%, and 65.48% decreased odds of presenting moderate to severe depression, respectively, constituting protective factors against depression. However, poverty, thyroid issues, comorbidities, obesity, and being a female odds ratios revealed that these factors accounted for 55.23%, 37.56%, 65.41%, 38.37%, and 25.94% increase odds of aggravating moderate to severe depression. In conclusion, supplementary fiber consumption may be a protective tool against moderate to severe depression.