Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of Atlantic salmon consumption on underlying biological mechanisms associated with anxiety such as heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate (HR) as well as a measure of self-reported anxiety. Moreover, these biological and self-reported outcome measures were investigated in relation to specific nutrients; vitamin D status, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Ninety-five male forensic inpatients were randomly assigned into a Fish (Atlantic salmon three times per week from September to February) or a Control group (alternative meal, e.g., chicken, pork, or beef three times per week during the same period). HRV measured as the root mean square of successive differences (rMSSD), HR, state- and trait-anxiety (STAI), were assessed before (pre-test) and at the end of the 23 weeks dietary intervention period (post-test). The Fish group showed significant improvements in both rMSSD and HR. The Fish group also showed significant decreases in state-anxiety. Finally, there was a positive relationship between rMSSD and vitamin D status. The findings suggest that Atlantic salmon consumption may have an impact on mental health related variables such as underlying mechanisms playing a key role in emotion-regulation and state-anxiety.
Highlights
Fish consumption is associated with beneficial effects on a number of health outcome variables
The results revealed that there was a positive relationship between eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and state-anxiety (r = 0.31, p = 0.005) before the intervention
The present results showed that fatty fish consumption caused changes in heart rate variability (HRV) which is regarded as an essential underlying biological mechanism involved in anxiety and emotion-regulation [16]
Summary
Fish consumption is associated with beneficial effects on a number of health outcome variables. Most of the knowledge concerning the relationship between fish consumption and mental health is based on self-reported dietary patterns and the results seem to be inconclusive [5,7,8]. The relationship between fish consumption and improved mental health (e.g., reduced negative affect, such as depressive mood) has been explained by these underlying nutrients [5,6,10]. By using self-report questionnaires neither Hakkarainen et al [7] nor Schiepers et al [8] found any relationship between fish consumption and mental health measured as depressed mood and mental well-being, respectively
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
