RCTs, Cohort studies, and cross-sectional studies on vegan/veg diets and mental health. RCT: Favorable outcomes (vegan) no difference (vegetarian) Cohort: Favorable outcomes Cross-sectional: Negative outcomes Conclusion: Results are contradictory
Association between vegetarian and vegan diets and depression: A systematic review.
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May 2020 – Dec 2025Where it's discussed
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X / Twitter112 posts
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News9 articles
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YouTube3 videos
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Reddit3 posts
AI synopsis
What people are saying
The discussions highlight various perspectives, such as one user suggesting that a vegan diet may lead to nutrient deficiencies impacting mental health, while another mentions a conflicting meta-analysis showing both positive and negative outcomes related to vegetarian diets. Phrases like 'lacking in vitamin B12' and references to 'contradictory evidence' contribute to a tone of urgency and importance, emphasizing the article’s implications for dietary choices and mental health beyond personal anecdotes.
Many posts indicate a general accord with the findings of the systematic review, acknowledging the mixed results over vegetarian and vegan diets and depression.
Users show a significant interest in the topic, highlighting personal experiences and stimulating further discussion about dietary impacts on mental health.
While some users delve into details about nutrient deficiencies and study methodologies, others seem to react dismissively or reactively rather than deeply engaging with the argument.
The publication is perceived to have a significant impact as many posts reference its wider implications and call for more nuanced understanding of the relationship between diet and mental health.
Abstract in brief
- Recent research reviews indicate that vegetarian and vegan diets may be linked to increased risks of depression, though results are mixed and warrant further investigation.
- A systematic review included 23 studies, featuring various methodologies to explore the relationship between these diets and depression, adhering to established reporting guidelines.
- Of the study outcomes, approximately 44% showed higher depression rates associated with these diets, 28% indicated potential benefits, and another 28% found no significant association, highlighting the complexity of the relationship between diet and mental health.
Top posts
Most liked on X and Bluesky@LibsFromReddit2 If you filter for studies that can delineate the temporal direction of the relationship (so RCTs and prospective cohorts), vegan diets are either associated with null or positive mental health effects. https://t.co/3RBJovN1Xa
@ryansheridannp A lot of debate on vegetarian / vegan diet and depression https://t.co/4DL2X1wV8c
Are #vegetarian and #vegan diets associated with an increased #risk of #depression? Read new review which systematically looks at the evidence relating to this important #question and considers which nutrients might be involved if they are. https://t.co/2SkIwqtSUf #Veganuary
⚡️Most downloaded papers in 2022⚡️ #1 Association between vegetarian and vegan diets and depression: A systematic review by Rishika Jain et al. https://t.co/bPpffGkNdL #nutritionresearch #highlight https://t.co/ZgAddOjcTK
Association between vegetarian and vegan diets and depression: A systematic review https://t.co/bIqQctDdjk
All mentions
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@zohreh_mi https://t.co/Gcu4BSbH0M https://t.co/9Ti1ch2kNZ https://t.co/I2I4iryh0X https://t.co/gi0fUipbJQ و اینکه درسته که موادی مثل امگا ۳ توی منابع گیاهی هم هست اما بدن نمی تونه از منابع گیاهی خوب استفاده کنه(واسه ویتامین د هم صادقه)
@denobhat Recent evidence suggests that vegetarian and vegan diets may increase the risk and symptoms of depression, a mental health condition affecting 350 million people globally. https://t.co/7KxbVgb9SX
@sullivanms @SenAdamSchiff @USDA https://t.co/unGdZHT8qA. https://t.co/W9jkmCbRsz https://t.co/ymhMhyQbzR https://t.co/phQX5JLDaP
هل توجد علاقة بين النظام الغذائي والاكتئاب؟ دراسة مرجعية عام (٢٠٢٢) https://t.co/hzwBREnAFS #صحتك
@CeriM82 https://t.co/MIlIDM3a1X
@ryansheridannp A lot of debate on vegetarian / vegan diet and depression https://t.co/4DL2X1wV8c
@NoFarmsNoFoods @KellyFarmWife Ben's, vegan, climate alarmist , low energy vibe is depressing..... Vegetarian and vegan diets and depression: A systematic review........ https://t.co/i0xeg4MSrj
@EchoChamp666 @foxcurrants @Pablolouis9 There is another explanation: His nutrient deficient diet. the brain needs DHA, B12, and cholesterol, all absent in a vegan diet. https://t.co/EP4ebLBjeZ
@LibsFromReddit2 If you filter for studies that can delineate the temporal direction of the relationship (so RCTs and prospective cohorts), vegan diets are either associated with null or positive mental health effects. https://t.co/3RBJovN1Xa
@OscarGenomics Espero que todas las instituciones promotoras de la ganadería con las que colaboras te paguen mucho dinero. https://t.co/24IG9loL0I https://t.co/eBkt0nx1FO https://t.co/UQaua3OHgM
@AP National institutes of Health says there is a connection between vegan and vegetarian diets and depression. A Systematic review: https://t.co/egXJ4l99nM
@cucumber_salad1 @marze_o_d4 @myslozbir Niestety sa... https://t.co/Qwg9vdBAGe
@Xeenia22 https://t.co/XKT3sDPD7Z
@fatemehh74 Jain R, Larsuphrom P, Degremont A, Latunde-Dada GO, Philippou E. Association between vegetarian and vegan diets and depression: A systematic review. Nutr Bull. 2022 Mar;47(1):27-49. doi: 10.1111/nbu.12540. Epub 2022 Jan 19. PMID: 36045075.
@markeatsmeat That study is a more general study on food sensitivities and mental illness, but does not call out veganism specifically like this one does: https://t.co/xAgnkuK07y
@LaraPerson @NothingIsArt https://t.co/Inlek9aQsb
@Antonine_Plague @NothingIsArt Right here may increase depression if you are on a vegan or vegetarian diet https://t.co/Inlek9aQsb
@berlingske Vegetarisme kædes også sammen med psykiske lidelser viser forskning. https://t.co/atwa9SnBiw
@ivankovax @vegansarcasm Then you have veganism and depression. https://t.co/zeRfVtHbLC
@NA11475624 @Fatcows2 https://t.co/zeRfVtHbLC
@Strider76258818 @veganfitnessric Omfg, the low bar of evidence that most people have is infuriating! At the fcking least - read the goddamn conclusion of the study! And your google search is really revealing the level of intellect. https://t.co/TEsJoQFOYM https://t.co/iLCfwbasRc
@peta @cat05651229 Vegans are wrought with depression because of their nutrition deficient diet. Fo sone reasons they think humans are herbivores despite the stomach acid level and the GI system: https://t.co/zxGPd5p746
RT @bakrantz: @DrAlanDesmond based upon the totality of evidence vegan and vegetarian diets are not always positive when looking at depress…
@DrAlanDesmond based upon the totality of evidence vegan and vegetarian diets are not always positive when looking at depression and anxiety. Were you cherry picking? Why is that? https://t.co/Pb3ICxexFv
Size kim kendi başına bir meta analizin böyle bir sonuca varmak için yeterli olduğunu söyledi? Kanıt hiyerarşisine göre: RCT'ler: Vegan-olumlu, Vejetaryen-fark yok Kohort: Olumlu Cross-section: Olumsuz Sonuç: Çalışmalar yetersiz ancak vegan lehine https://t.co/W9BjtlMkHc https://t.co/cqE9xXS3iQ
@annbefaler @eyeslasho https://t.co/oIt3A673Zt).
It's only true/false if u WANT it 2B...
@RickTheV1 @ToneLives @Birdlipper @Veganella_ @TheNutrivore https://t.co/1ZQS9ot0dZ
@andyswarbs @veganfitnessric https://t.co/zeRfVtGDW4
@GeorgiaEdeMD @dr_sumit_sharma @AllyTransforms @EmilyJoshu https://t.co/m3RXigvTjB). Red meat is more than vit b 12 & Taurine...we don't know what more nutrients are there... What mistake I did others should not do...instead of choosing meds Better to opt for carnivore diet.
@WuWei113 https://t.co/t7T0Zrq0Tt)%20in%20the%20whole%20sample
@LaMemeingOfLife @dc_jucy02 @ImKhan70 I could post this: https://t.co/PQUKXomN49)%20in%20the%20whole%20sample I don't actually think you know what your segueing "little bro"
@markhoro What about ketogenic diet @markhoro ... https://t.co/RUhw3c6Nu6 I personally feel depression is not just because vit b 12 Defiency & also because of zinc , Magnesium & Taurine Defiency... I'm a nutritionist too apart from a Dr. & I have seen several vegetarians develop depression
@itsdavidramms Mental health and Vegans!! Intrinsically linked !!https://t.co/cipeHuM9Tn
@nob12deficiency meta-analysis: "good-quality studies showed that vegetarian diets were associated with a lower risk of depression" https://t.co/pwFdzey7h4)%20in%20the%20whole%20sample
@nob12deficiency charlatan this meta-analysis is most recent 2022 "studies suggested that this dietary pattern is beneficial for depression, its risk and symptoms three good-quality studies showed that vegetarian diets were associated with a lower risk of depression" https://t.co/0S3y4fG87n
@KingScrubba @sibaburck Your attachment to other peoples feelings might have to do with the higher likelihood of you having depression. https://t.co/lTzJME4fCC.
@fkahumxn @franalicee https://t.co/zeRfVtHbLC
@sophhh_louuu @carnivore_jt And you have depression. https://t.co/zeRfVtHbLC
@CarnismDebunked As of last year a meta analysis had more studies 44% showing a connection between depression and veganism. 28% showed a positive outcome with depression and vegan diet and the balance showed no connection They suggest more research. https://t.co/QmzgHGougs.
@Kizwiz6 Galaxy Rose suggested using a search engine. As of last year a meta analysis had more studies 44% showing a connection between depression and veganism. 28% showed a positive outcome with depression and vegan diet and the balance showed no connection. https://t.co/QmzgHGougs.
@GooningPretty @pikapikapi08 @Asylum967 And a 4th showing more studies showed depression in vegans than not. https://t.co/Trfwe1T8ua
@Kizwiz6 https://t.co/fxOcpfeEir
The second most downloaded paper of 2023 is 'Association between vegetarian and vegan diets and depression: A systematic review' by Rishika Jain et al. published in 2022. Read this #openaccess paper here https://t.co/bPpffGll3j #nutrition #science
@nutrition_facts https://t.co/zxGPd5p746).
@HalfSight You're not paying attention, "that vegan or vegetarian diets were associated with a higher risk of depression" https://t.co/NrLKSBCj8s)%20in%20the%20whole%20sample
@kimjungcrack @BeateEichenwald Evidence from 23 studies is contradictory. While some studies suggested vegetarian/vegan diets had higher rates of depression, other studies suggested that this dietary pattern is beneficial for depression, risk & symptoms. I'll look for meat eaters. https://t.co/6klEZTgcBL
@Carniore1 @CaryKelly11 @RippleCreekNW I can't even tell you not to get depressed. https://t.co/zxGPd5p746
@SBakerMD Not clear! some studies indicated …. vegetarian diets had higher rates of depression, other studies suggested that this dietary pattern is beneficial…. Although the evidence is limited, three good-quality studies showed …lower risk. https://t.co/dk7f3ludWo).
RT @IsoHenkka: @FreddieSirvio Vegetarianism and veganism correlates with depression. Does not prove causation, but I would bet on it, if I…
@FreddieSirvio Vegetarianism and veganism correlates with depression. Does not prove causation, but I would bet on it, if I was a betting man. https://t.co/9ExTdVLKvB
@JerseyGirl2inPA @veganfuture Are you depressed too? https://t.co/WeFBTiTb5k
@Kimiwo9 @telegraaf Relatie vegan x depressie al onderzocht? Of een tekort aan aminozuren? Mn jeugd. Het verschil permissiviteit hoe je op nutriënten/dieren reageert en dit dus niet algemeen te stellen is voor iedereen, daar dus een groot risico wordt toegedekt? https://t.co/rp9SzqTejX
@treytrains Yes, it has more to do with mental illness than diet. That said, some studies have found a connection between depression and veganism https://t.co/qsZl2Fn3Nq
@doctorkiltz ONE study "The nature of the association remains unclear, and longitudinal data are needed to clarify causal relationship." vs Systematic review - 25 studies "The evidence on the effect of vegetarian and vegan diets on depression is contradictory" https://t.co/1F4Ul4VXUP
@DOOMbotMask Come enlighten this guy so he can leave me alone @AlpacaAurelius @paulsaladinomd He thinks I’m engagement farming for all my takes when in reality it’s my actual beliefs based on research, thoughts or experiences. https://t.co/6KTyz9tfBg read this study couple days ago
@nytimes https://t.co/vGojfKbdcw)%20in%20the%20whole%20sample And u get depressed too!
@Atena_Ska @lowe_krowe https://t.co/QU6ApPtbRY https://t.co/VUdABuTUTE
Rct ve kohortlar nötr veya vegan lehine, cross-section'lar negatif. Yüksek hiyerarşiden çalışmalar olumlu sonuçlar verse de çeşitli sorunlara sahipler. Bu yüzden bana göre şu anda veganlarda mental sağlık daha kötü denilemez. https://t.co/W9BjtlMkHc https://t.co/CmgRY5G07B
@spaq1986 @SBakerMD https://t.co/mihymxu6BI
@yongyuandidi306 @DOBrienATL I'm not surprised that you're taking offense, that's another negative symptom of veganism https://t.co/0HpYYkqPrU
@Invinsed @RebelMoons_ @realMeetJames @nutrition_facts Wow changing the subject to fit the narrative - im shocked - actually, veganism has been linked to depression and mental disorders https://t.co/lVTvo0XPVL)%20in%20the%20whole%20sample
@SLCvegan @of_skeptical @nutrition_facts https://t.co/zeRfVtHbLC
@JesseDuffield @elbogz @tiras_corner https://t.co/zeRfVtHbLC
@miavoimidagi https://t.co/IJfcWo1V0F
@whereisjasonnow @nutrition_facts Again, dumbass lack of argument. The crazy thing is you think that you have some sort of argument or footing for your position. I think this best explains your delusions. https://t.co/zeRfVtHbLC
@hytonenjuha Esimerkiksi masennus saattaa olla yleisempää kasvissyöjillä ja vegaaneilla, sekä oireet voimakkaammat. https://t.co/GRrbeUtV5E
@veganmim @MeggGawat @KenDBerryMD https://t.co/zxGPd5p746
Das würde natürlich auch erklären weshalb einige Studien eine Verbindung zwischen Veganismus und Depressionen gefunden, haben andere nicht. (Abhängig von der Art der veganen Ernährung). https://t.co/feU26VVrvn
@PlantBasedLift1 @gAlecsyBrain @PavlicaDanijel @TheCarnivoreLaw This probably best explains your issue. https://t.co/34ylH0jcLp.
@maxlugavere The arrogance of this mayor to act as if this topic is settled Meta analysis of 28 studies 11 studies indicate higher depression rates with vegans 7 studies indicate improved depression with vegan diet 7 studies indicate no association https://t.co/UepCzFCQkB
@peta Save the fish and get depressed. No thanks. https://t.co/CARpMz4EJl
@christianevejlo @berlingske Venstreorienterede er også oftere vegetarer og veganere. Folk der ikke spiser kød har større tendens til depression. https://t.co/3n3KqAMgfM
@coconut_hooves @BeateEichenwald Opps. More evidence. https://t.co/MPPT68mA4T
@GrzybekMaciej @normanpie @kjfilipiak https://t.co/lyiGW3cKhl
@HelenAthena3 @S_Catsgotmyback @CarnivoreIs https://t.co/4zpt4zm5IP
@JamesRuport @whatever_cs @QQuandary @txh_s28 @CosmicSkeptic I don’t know, this meta suggests that you’re talking out of your ass https://t.co/FsKbgEP3Pl
@3sbien Algo más: https://t.co/ujZTH1Yhz3
@Tydozer__ https://t.co/SjvQ0mDNnH
@Pablolouis9 You are bound to be worse than vegetarians. https://t.co/w5kJjCQhOb.
@Tyler_The_Wise @micah_erfan This review's abstract concludes that while quite a few studies find higher rates of depression in vegetarians than omnivores, the overall evidence base is contradictory. https://t.co/YF2mtT0ACW).
RT @NBU_Editor: ⚡️Most downloaded papers in 2022⚡️ #1 Association between vegetarian and vegan diets and depression: A systematic review b…
RT @NBU_Editor: ⚡️Most downloaded papers in 2022⚡️ #1 Association between vegetarian and vegan diets and depression: A systematic review b…
⚡️Most downloaded papers in 2022⚡️ #1 Association between vegetarian and vegan diets and depression: A systematic review by Rishika Jain et al. https://t.co/bPpffGkNdL #nutritionresearch #highlight https://t.co/ZgAddOjcTK
RT @AviBittMD: RCTs, Cohort studies, and cross-sectional studies on vegan/veg diets and mental health. RCT: Favorable outcomes (vegan) no…
RT @AviBittMD: RCTs, Cohort studies, and cross-sectional studies on vegan/veg diets and mental health. RCT: Favorable outcomes (vegan) no…
RT @AviBittMD: RCTs, Cohort studies, and cross-sectional studies on vegan/veg diets and mental health. RCT: Favorable outcomes (vegan) no…
RT @AviBittMD: RCTs, Cohort studies, and cross-sectional studies on vegan/veg diets and mental health. RCT: Favorable outcomes (vegan) no…
RT @AviBittMD: RCTs, Cohort studies, and cross-sectional studies on vegan/veg diets and mental health. RCT: Favorable outcomes (vegan) no…
RCTs, Cohort studies, and cross-sectional studies on vegan/veg diets and mental health. RCT: Favorable outcomes (vegan) no difference (vegetarian) Cohort: Favorable outcomes Cross-sectional: Negative outcomes Conclusion: Results are contradictory
@AatamiSeppa "The evidence on the effect of vegetarian and vegan diets on depression is contradictory, possibly due to the heterogeneity of the studies analysed. Further research, including longitudinal and intervention studies, is required to resolve this observation" https://t.co/rIr5Lru1Z3
@kasvismafioso Koska ruokavalio vaikuttaa myös mielenterveyteen. On vahva hypoteesi, että vegaanisen ruokavalion ja masennuksen välillä on yhteys tai jopa suora kausaliteetti. Sen tietenkin ymmärtää jos katsoo jo biokemiallista mekanismia ja puutostiloja. https://t.co/WBeZpJZEVQ
@curlyxvegan @frankIIIowski https://t.co/llJ6QRyzhV
RT @susilee_dean: @SBakerMD @HGutheit “Vegan diets are lacking in vitamin B12, and vegetarian and vegan diets may be low in long-chain omeg…
@SBakerMD @HGutheit “Vegan diets are lacking in vitamin B12, and vegetarian and vegan diets may be low in long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs); nutrients which are both important for brain function.” GMO corn and soy are also problematic. https://t.co/oo5dZ0Arft
@leonsinoff @zkplayboyx @SBakerMD How does that differ from the study’s first line “Recent evidence suggests that vegetarian & vegan diets MAY increase the risk and symptoms of depression”? “Meat contains compounds such as the long-chain fatty acid AA, which has neuroinflammatory effects.” https://t.co/Ngc07Nz44c
@JoeKerr57254356 Also not valid according to a larger meta analysis... https://t.co/c8ZV5bW0bv
@SBakerMD On the other hand, this meta analysis uses a larger number of studies and is inconclusive, with many studies reporting opposite results... https://t.co/c8ZV5bDQXn
RT @Bill10004: @LillieLehman3 @Hotel2a @Arkypatriot Nope….https://t.co/10Xeb4P68j
@LillieLehman3 @Hotel2a @Arkypatriot Nope….https://t.co/10Xeb4P68j
RT @junkw: "Association between vegetarian and vegan diets and depression: A systematic review - Jain - 2022 - Nutrition Bulletin" Wiley On…
"Association between vegetarian and vegan diets and depression: A systematic review - Jain - 2022 - Nutrition Bulletin" Wiley Online Library https://t.co/pGnVMrO7gx
@haltsu83 @Dragofix @TuomasTumi @EAaltola @yleuutiset Siellä on ne klassiset rauta, b12 ja omega-3 kerrottu mahdollisina syinä. Mulla on noi kaikki kunnossa kesällä tehdyn laajan verenkuvan perusteella. --> https://t.co/rIr5Lrtu9v https://t.co/cAe66uBnx3
@kasvismafioso @Dragofix @TuomasTumi @EAaltola @yleuutiset https://t.co/FBcLnuoxJk tuosta voit käydä lukemassa
Association between vegetarian and vegan diets and depression: A systematic review https://t.co/cmOPtINAQS
@dr_furmanis Arī man šķiet, ka tur ir korelācija. To arī apstiprina šis: https://t.co/FlBuif4VR2)%20in%20the%20whole%20sample https://t.co/0Zvm4WRllS
@CardinalisRavus @dr_furmanis The evidence on the effect of vegetarian and vegan diets on depression is contradictory, possibly due to the heterogeneity of the studies analysed. https://t.co/DG66xNvojv
Association between vegetarian and vegan diets and depression: A systematic review https://t.co/bIqQctDdjk
Our publication on vegetarian diets and depression is now available open access at: https://t.co/qp8kmOoINL @NBU_Editor
Are #vegetarian and #vegan diets associated with an increased #risk of #depression? Read new review which systematically looks at the evidence relating to this important #question and considers which nutrients might be involved if they are. https://t.co/2SkIwqtSUf #Veganuary
Proud to have our work on #Vegetarian Diets and #Depression published in @NutritionBulletin @NBU_Editor https://t.co/qp8kmOoINL
@MH4OT This systematic review found conflicting evidence on connection between vegan/veg diet and depression: https://t.co/5m6pSMWID2
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