The Association between High Intake of Omega‐3 Fat Food, Perceived Stress and Mental Distress Levels

Abstract

The connection between stress and eating patterns has been extensively studied; however, the reverse association between dietary factors and perceived stress is still a gap in the literature. In particular, the effect of omega‐3 fatty acids on perceived stress is little known. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are omega‐3 fatty acids that play major roles in the nervous system. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the relationship between intake of omega‐3 fatty acids rich food, perceived stress and mental distress. It is hypothesized that a diet high in omega‐3 will have a negative correlation with mental distress and perceived stress. An anonymous online survey, consisting of the validated Food‐Mood Questionnaire, Kessler‐6 and Perceived Stress Scale, was distributed to participants 18 years and older through various means, including email and social media platforms. A total of 1591 individuals completed the survey. Data was analyzed using Spearman’s Rho correlation and Principal Component Analysis, in SPSS Version 25.0. Our results indicated that a diet high in omega‐3 fatty acids, specifically flax seeds and nuts (p <0.01), fish oil supplements (p <.05) and fatty fish such as salmon (p <.01) negatively correlated with perceived stress. Additionally, our results suggest that flax seeds and nuts (p <0.01) as well as fish (p <0.01) negatively correlated with mental distress. Collectively, the results of this study suggest that a diet high in omega 3 fatty acids may reduce perceived stress and improve mental wellbeing.