The Association Between Nut Consumption and Risk of Depressive Symptoms: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Accumulating evidence suggests that dietary factors such as nuts may play a role in depressive symptoms. Yet, existing evidence regarding the relationship between nut consumption and depressive symptoms remains inconsistent. To clarify this association, we conducted a meta-analysis. <b>Methods:</b> PubMed and Embase were searched for observational studies on the relationship between nut consumption and depressive symptoms published up to September 2025. Summary relative risks (SRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using the DerSimonian-Laird random effects model. <b>Results:</b> A total of seven observational studies, comprising 70,136 participants, were included. Higher nut consumption was significantly associated with a lower risk of depressive symptoms (SRRs = 0.75, 95% CIs, 0.67-0.85; <i>p</i> < 0.001, I² = 15%, P_{heterogeneity} = 0.31). Compared to <1 time/week of nut consumption, the inverse relationship was significant for ≥3 times/week of nut consumption (SRRs = 0.75, 95% CIs = 0.63-0.89, <i>p</i> = 0.001, I² = 0%, P_{heterogeneity} = 0.93), but not for 1 to <3 times/week of nut consumption (SRRs = 0.93, 95% CIs = 0.69-1.24, <i>p</i> = 0.62, I² = 52%, P_{heterogeneity} = 0.10). <b>Conclusions:</b> Our meta-analysis of observational studies found that higher nut consumption was associated with a reduced risk of depressive symptoms, particularly when intake reached at least three servings per week. Further research, especially randomized controlled trials, is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms.