Higher caloric ratio of carbohydrate intake associated with increased risk of depression: A cross-sectional analysis of NHANES data from 2005 to 2020

Abstract

IntroductionDepression remains a significant global mental health challenge. However, the relationship between the Caloric Ratio of Carbohydrate Intake (CRC) and depression remains unclear. MethodsThis study utilizes data from the NHANES database spanning 2005–2020 and employs R programming language for data analysis. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). CRC was calculated as total carbohydrate intake*4/total caloric intake. Multivariable logistic regression models and regression spline models were applied to further explore the relationship between CRC and Depression. ResultsData from 9254 participants were included, with 1530 individuals identified with depression. A higher CRC, exceeding 54.1 % (Quartile 4 (Q4) of the population), was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms. Adjusted multivariable logistic regression models indicated a higher depression level (β = 0.5102, 95%CI [0.2419–0.7784], P = 0.0002), higher risk of depression (HR = 1.3380, 95 % CI [1.1331–1.5812], P = 0.0006) and higher impact of depression on life (HR = 1.5133, 95 % CI [1.1656–1.9746], P = 0.0020) at CRC-Q4 levels compared to Quartile 1 (Q1) of the population levels. ConclusionIn this extensive cross-sectional study, our findings suggest that a higher CRC is significantly associated with an increased likelihood of depressive symptoms among U.S. adults.