Key result
Higher carbohydrate, sugar, and caffeine intake is linked to greater depression scores in medical students.
Why the study?
Recent studies suggest associations between depression and intake of specific macro- and micronutrients, but the relationship between nutrient intake and psychological distress among medical students needed investigation.
Is nutrient intake associated with depression, anxiety, and stress among medical students?
Cross-Sectional (n=273)
No
Is nutrient intake associated with depression, anxiety, and stress among medical students?
High prevalence of psychological distress among medical students is associated with poor dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles, highlighting the need for lifestyle interventions.
Depression-anxiety links to carbohydrate, sugar, and caffeine intake in medical students are hypothesis-generating; prospective studies required before any dietary recommendations.
Background: Depression is one of the most common neuropsychiatric disorders worldwide. Recurrent episodes are linked to increased morbidity, disability, suicide risk, poorer long-term prognosis, and higher socioeconomic burden. Recent studies suggest associations between depression and intake of certain macro- and micronutrients, such as carbohydrates, fat, Vitamin D, and choline. Aim: This study investigated the association between depression, anxiety, and stress scores and nutrient intake among 273 medical students at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: Students completed an online Arabic Food Frequency Questionnaire and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). The sample included 163 (59.7%) women and 110 (40.3%) men. Results: DASS-21 scores indicated that 59% of students had depression, 55% anxiety, and 48% stress. A high body mass index and greater intake of carbohydrates, sugars, and caffeine were significantly associated with higher depression scores. Anxiety was linked to higher sugar and caffeine intake. The high prevalence of depression and stress was correlated with sedentary lifestyles. Conclusion: These findings support incorporating psychological distress screening into student health services to promote healthier lifestyles and overall well-being.
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Tayeb et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Depression, anxiety, and stress (n=273). Nutrient intake (carbohydrates, sugars, caffeine) was evaluated on Depression, anxiety, and stress scores (DASS-21). Among 273 medical students, 59% had depression and 55% had anxiety; higher depression scores were significantly associated with greater intake of carbohydrates, sugars, and caffeine.
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