Role of Branched and Aromatic Amino Acids, Diet Inflammatory Index, and Anthropometric Indices on Mental Health.

BACKGROUND

Mental health disorders are one of the most important and increasing health problems in the youth of today's societies. Some dietary intake and body mass status are factors that affect mental health. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the intake of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and aromatic amino acids (AAAs) and anthropometric and dietary inflammatory indices with mental health, including depression, anxiety, and stress.

METHODS

In this case-control study, the data of 138 teenage girls aged 13-18 years were collected. Three-day 24-hour food recall and standard anthropometric methods were used to calculate the dietary inflammation intake score of normal and energy-adjusted diets. Mental health disorders were diagnosed by the DASS-21 questionnaire. Statistical analysis used Student's -test, correlation, and multiple regression were used to analyze the data based on the study's statistical requirements.

RESULTS

Based on the findings, 59 (42%) of the girls had mental disorders, and 79 (58%) were healthy. The average weight of stressed people was significantly higher than that of healthy people, and the BMI of anxious people was significantly higher than that of nonanxious people ( < 0.05). A significant positive correlation was found between stress and weight and energy intake. Additionally, there was a significant negative correlation between BCAAs and mental health. The average intake of BCAAs was significantly lower in patients ( = 0.01). The trend analysis showed significantly lower BCAA levels among the 4 quartile of mental disorders. No significant relationship was observed between DII, AAA, and anthropometric indices. After adjustment of the results, no relationship was observed between mental health and the studied factors.

CONCLUSIONS

BCAA might be related to mental health. Further studies in different age and sex groups are highly recommended.