Changes in diet’s nutritional may provide an effective strategy for depression, says a study detailing extended benefits towards the management of associated disorders.

Eating more vegetables, fruit, wholegrains, legumes, fish, lean red meats, olive oil and nuts, led to a significant reduction in depressive symptoms over a three-month period, said investigators.

At the end of the investigation, a third of subjects in the dietary group met de definitions of depression remission, compared to 8% of subjects in social support cohort.

‘These results were not explained by changes in physical activity or body weight, but were closely related to the extent of dietary change,’ said Professor Felice Jacka, director of Deakin’s Food and Mood Centre at Deakins University in Australia.

‘Those who adhered more closely to the dietary program experienced greatest benefits to their depression symptoms.’

The study’s positive implications also included the physical illnesses that were associated with depression, which are both a cause and consequence of the mental disorder.

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