Feeding the mind: higher dietary polyphenol intake is associated with lower depression risk in Turkish adults

Purpose This observational cross-sectional study aims to evaluate polyphenol intake in adults and to examine the association between different polyphenol groups and mood and depression risk levels of adults. Design/methodology/approach The study was conducted among 385 adults aged 19–64 living in Türkiye. Individuals’ polyphenol intakes were estimated using a food frequency questionnaire and the Phenol-Explorer database (Version 3.6). The BECK Depression Inventory and the Positive and Negative Affect Scales were used to measure depression and mood levels. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and logistic regression to determine factors influencing depression risk. Findings The average polyphenol intake of individuals was 334.14 ± 167.79 mg/day. Flavonols, the most abundant flavonoid subclass (130.26 ± 72.44 mg/day), and phenolic acids, the predominant major polyphenol class (116.86 ± 71.19 mg/day), contributed the most to total dietary polyphenol intake. A total of 50.1% of individuals were at risk for mild depression risk, 36.4% for moderate depression risk and 13.5% for severe depression risk. A negative correlation was observed between average polyphenol intake, all polyphenol groups and depression risk levels. Additionally, logistic regression analysis showed that increases in dietary intake of anthocyanins, flavonols and flavanones were associated with a reduced risk of depression. Originality/value The results suggest that a diet rich in anthocyanins and flavonols (found in blackberries, blueberries and strawberries) and flavanones (found in lemon and orange juice) may be associated with better mood-related outcomes and lower depression risk.