IMMUNUT-QOL · Nutrition and NeuroImmune Interactions: Effects on well-being and mental health

Final Activity Report Summary - IMMUNUT-QOL (Nutrition and NeuroImmune Interactions: Effects on Well-Being and Mental Health)

Depression, problems in memory and attention and impaired quality of life are frequent in vulnerable individuals such as the elderly or the obese subjects. Approximately 7 to 40 % of older persons report mental dysfunctions, especially in the form of mood and memory alterations, and these contribute considerably to their social and occupational dysfunction. Based on the results of a survey conducted by the National Institute for Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) in France, persons aged 75 and older represented 8.7 % of the French population in 2004, whereas they represented only 4.9 % of the population in 1962. With the growing elderly population, there is a risk of an increase of age-related behavioural symptoms, including depression, memory dysfunction and fatigue. The situation of obesity raises similar concerns in terms of public health. Based on these figures, the promotion of healthy lifestyles and the prevention of behavioural alterations in the elderly and obese subject represent major public health concerns. Nutrition is an important factor to take into account since nutrients can have protective effects of mental health and wellbeing in vulnerable subjects. For instance, it had been shown that subjects who ate regularly fish or seafood, i.e. food rich in omega-3, had a significantly reduced risk of dementia and mood disorders. Most of these effects were usually attributed to the direct effects of omega-3 on cell function and activity. Nevertheless, recent data suggested that, in addition to these effects, the mechanisms by which this nutrient influenced mental functions also involved immunological processes. Recent data showed that inflammation played a role in the development of behavioural symptoms, such as fatigue, depression and memory problems, that were developed in vulnerable subjects with long-lasting immune activation. Moreover, nutrients including omega-3 had anti-inflammatory actions; a mechanism that could explain their effects on mental functions. The aim of this research project was to determine whether inflammation in the elderly and in obese subjects was associated with behavioural symptoms and to find out whether nutritional habits, such as regular consumption of omega-3, could regulate this effect. For this purpose, behavioural assessments, including the measurement of mood and depressive symptoms, fatigue and memory symptoms, were conducted in elderly subjects and obese persons. Blood samples were also collected for the measurement of inflammatory agents. In the study conducted in the elderly, approximately 300 participants were recruited based on their nutritional habits, i.e. on poor or regular consumption of omega-3. The results of this study indicated that a regular consumption of omega-3, more than three times per week, decreased the behavioural symptoms which were associated with inflammation in the elderly. In the study on obesity 101 obese women were recruited before receiving gastric surgery for weight loss. Behavioural evaluations and blood draws were conducted before surgery and one year after. The results showed that the degree of obesity was associated with inflammation, with highest obesity corresponding to highest levels of inflammation. In addition, obese women with the highest inflammation exhibited higher scores of emotional symptoms. Decreased weight because of surgery was associated to decreases in inflammation. One year after surgery, behavioural symptoms were also improved. These findings indicated a strong relationship between nutritional habits, inflammation and wellbeing and suggested that a balanced diet with low-fat food and regular consumption of omega-3 could reduce or prevent the negative effects of inflammation on behaviour and mental health.

Текст от CORDIS, на английски · Данни: CORDIS, © Европейски съюз