Dietary carotenoids intake and depressive symptoms in US adults, NHANES 2015–2016

The data for effect of dietary specific carotenoids on depression are limited and controversial. Thus, this study aimed to examine the relationship between dietary carotenoids intakes and the prevalence of depressive symptoms. In the 2015–2016 United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 4,105 adults with complete data of dietary intake and assessment of depressive symptoms are enrolled. Dietary intake was assessed through two 24-h dietary recall interviews. Depression symptoms were assessed using the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire. We used logistic regression to assess the relationship between diet carotenoids intake and the prevalence of depressive symptoms, adjusting for the main potential confounders. In addition, daily dietary carotenoids intake was adjusted for daily total energy intake based on the nutrient density model. We found a significant inverse association between dietary beta-cryptoxanthin intake and depressive symptoms, with lowest prevalence in the third tertile (OR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.47–0.90, p for trend < 0.001). Dose-response analyses revealed that the prevalence of depressive symptoms decreased with increasing intakes of beta-cryptoxanthin when reached the point above 110 ug/1000 Kcal. No such association was found for alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein/zeaxanthin. Increase the intake of beta-cryptoxathin-rich foods might protect from depressive symptoms. Further prospective studies are requested before dietary recommendation.