BDA Press Centre: Media Release
20th April 2009
Dietitians reveal secret weapons to tackle depression
Depression is one of the most prevalent mental health conditions suffered by millions of people in the UK and Europe. 
Dietitians have been examining ways to change what people eat to help to improve symptoms. The British Dietetic Association (BDA) has now revealed some of the key dietary components thought to manage mild to moderate depression.
Dr Lynn Harbottle, a member of the BDA, is an expert in the field of depression and diet and wrote the new food fact sheet from the BDA on diet and depression. Says Lynn: “Even fairly small dietary changes can help patients to feel more alert and to have more energy and enthusiasm in mild to moderate depression. Research into the effects of nutrients in depression is in the early stages but does seem to hold out the hope of more effective treatments in future. For example, recent studies into the role of the B vitamin, folate, suggest that it may improve the body’s response to antidepressant therapy and so may also offer cost savings.”
Diet may not be a cure for depression but by following the dietary advice given by dietitians people suffering from mild to moderate depression can keep the condition under control, and may even reduce the need for depression medications.
Carol, a patient who was advised by Lynn about diet to help manage her depression found that the changes to her food intake were one of the key aspects improving her symptoms. She said:
“Since changing my diet I have loads more energy and I’m nowhere near as lethargic. I find it easier to cope when things go wrong. Before, even little things were a big issue but now I can see them as just little problems. I’m much happier now I’ve lost weight too and I am healthier- I can walk upstairs and not get out of breath now.”
The newly launched free fact-sheet from the BDA (April 2009) suggests dietary tips that may best protect mental health. These include:
- Eat regularly throughout the day;
- Choose more wholegrain cereals, pulses, fruit and vegetables;
- Include protein at each meal to supply the brain with tryptophan;
- Include oily fish (omega 3 fatty acids) in your diet;
- Maintain an adequate fluid intake of 6-8 glasses per day.
Dietitians are increasingly working in the field of Mental Health and see a significant role for diet in managing not only depression but many other conditions. Ursula Philpot, chair of the BDA Mental Health Group said: “We are seeing more and more dietitians developing skills in dealing with mental health service users, but we need more dietitians employed to specialise in this field. Eating disorders are a major part of our work, but research is pointing to other ways in which food can play a significant role in mental health.”
Both Ursula and Lynn caution though against making radical changes to the diet without proper advice. Ursula continues: “There is a wealth of poorly-evidenced information about food and the brain that, if followed, can put people at risk of severe nutritional imbalance. We strongly advise that if people need to change their diet significantly, this should only be done with the support of a registered dietitian.”
Referral to a dietitian can be arranged by talking with your General Practitioner (GP) or other health professional, although some areas of the UK accept direct referral to an NHS dietitian.
The full text of the BDA fact sheet: Diet and Depression, is available at www.bda.uk.com/foodfacts/ along with a range of other easy-to-follow fact sheets on a range of topical diet and health issues.
Media enquiries to the British Dietetic Association and requests for interviews with dietitians should be directed to our media hotline on 0870 850 2517 or pr@bda.uk.com
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Notes to Editors
- The British Dietetic Association, founded in 1936, is the professional association for registered dietitians in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It is the nation’s largest organisation of food and nutrition professionals with nearly 6,000 members. About two-thirds of members are employed in the National Health Service. The remaining members work in education, industry, research, sport settings or freelance.
- Registered dietitians hold the only legally-recognisable graduate qualification in nutrition and dietetics. They are experts in interpreting and translating the science of nutrition into practical ways of promoting nutritional well-being, disease treatment and the prevention of nutrition-related problems. Their advice is sound and based on current scientific evidence. Registration, awarded by the Health Professionals Council, is an indication that a dietitian is fit to practise and is working within an agreed statement of conduct. For further details about the British Dietetic Association, please visit our website: www.bda.uk.com.