A recent study within the NESDA cohort analysed dietary patterns in 1,358 participants, including individuals with bipolar disorder, current and remitted unipolar depression, and healthy controls. Dietary intake was assessed using an extensive 238-item food frequency questionnaire, translated into a Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS), a widely used indicator of overall diet quality.
Results
The study shows that individuals with bipolar disorder have a significantly lower overall diet quality compared to both healthy controls and individuals with remitted depression. No significant difference was observed between individuals with bipolar disorder and those with current depression, which may indicate that dietary quality varies in relation to mental health status.
In addition, individuals with bipolar disorder had, on average, a higher body mass index (BMI) and a larger waist circumference. These findings are in line with an increased cardiovascular risk profile in this group.
The lower dietary quality observed in individuals with bipolar disorder does not appear to be driven by a single dietary component, but rather reflects a broader pattern across multiple food groups. This includes a relatively lower intake of fruits and healthy fats, such as olive oil, combined with a higher intake of meat and more energy-dense foods. Overall, these patterns correspond to a lower adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that dietary habits may be relevant in the broader context of physical health in individuals with bipolar disorder. Given the increased cardiovascular risk in this population, lifestyle factors such as diet may be of interest in both research and clinical settings.
Read the full study on Wiley Online Library.