Abstract
ABSTRACTThere is a growing body of evidence linking fish consumption and n-3 LCPUFAs to mental health. Still, the results from randomized trials with n-3 LCPUFAs show conflicting results, and it is possible that the combined effect of several nutrients in fish may explain the observed associations. To aim of the present study was to investigate if school meals with fatty fish three times per week for 12 weeks could alter mental health in a sample of typically developing adolescents. In the Fish Intervention Studies-TEENS (FINS-TEENS), adolescents from eight secondary schools (n=425) in Norway, were randomized to receive school meals with fatty fish, meat or n-3 LCPUFA supplements. Mental health was assessed with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the differences between the groups were assessed with linear mixed effect models, unadjusted and adjusted for baseline and dietary compliance. The results showed no effects of school meals with fatty fish compared to similar meals with meat or n-3 LCPUFAs on the adolescents’ self-reported symptom scores for mental health. Among adolescents scoring above the SDQ cut-offs (high-scorers), the fish- improved less than the meat group in the self-reported symptom scores for total difficulties- and emotional problems. However, the findings should be regarded as preliminary, as the analyses for the high-scorer group were underpowered. In conclusion, serving school meals with fatty fish did not alter mental health in a typically developing sample of adolescents. It is possible that serving healthy school meals with meat is more beneficial than similar meals with fatty fish in adolescents scoring high on mental health problems. However, the results should be seen as preliminary, as the dietary compliance in the fish group was low and the analyses in the high score group underpowered. Thus, further studies should investigate the associations between fish consumption and adolescents’ mental health.
Highlights
Mental health disorders affect a significant proportion of children and adolescents
In Norway, the prevalence is estimated to be around 7% in pre-[2] and primary [3] school children, and a large population-based survey found an increase in self-reported mental health problems during adolescence [4]
34 pupils withdrew from the study and 16 were lost to follow-up during the administration of Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), either pre or post. One participant withdrew his consent after study completion and two unusual/extreme change scores on the outcome variable of interest (ΔSDQ Total > 30, scale 0–40, mean change score = -0.12, standard deviation (SD) = 4.1) were identified through inspection of boxplot and excluded from the analyses
Summary
Mental health disorders affect a significant proportion of children and adolescents. A recent meta-analysis found a worldwide prevalence of 13% of children and adolescents, with an anxiety disorder being the most prevalent (6.5%) [1]. An unhealthy dietary pattern has been associated with poor mental health in both adults [6,7], children and adolescents [8], even though the precise mechanisms are unclear [9]. A general concern is given to the effects of the typically modern Western dietary pattern, which is characterized by high levels of meat and saturated fat and low levels of fish and vegetables [10]. The n-3 LCPUFAs have received considerable interest, and there is growing evidence that suboptimal intakes of n-3 LCPUFAs may be associated with mental health
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.
