New Study Links Higher Fiber Intake to Reduced Depression Symptoms in Americans
A new study published in the journal Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, analyzing data from 12,000 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), has found a significant link between higher dietary fiber intake and a lower risk of depressive symptoms. The research, co-authored by Zohra Lassi, PhD, an associate professor in the School of Public Health at Adelaide University, revealed that for every additional five grams of fiber consumed daily before the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a 14 percent lower risk of experiencing depression symptoms. While the association weakened slightly during the pandemic for the overall group, it remained consistent for women. The study also noted a decrease in average daily fiber intake among participants during the pandemic, from 16.52 grams to 15.95 grams, falling short of the recommended 25 to 38 grams per day for adults. 
