A study published in the British Journal of Health Psychology investigated whether middle-aged and older adults in the United Kingdom who consume more fruits, vegetables, fish, and polyunsaturated fats experience greater well-being.
The research used data from the 2018–19 wave of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), analyzing 3,103 adults aged 50 and older. Dietary intake was measured using two 24-hour recalls. Well-being was assessed across eudemonic well-being, hedonic well-being, and life satisfaction.
Participants consumed an average of two portions of fruits and vegetables daily, while polyunsaturated fats contributed around 2.5% of energy intake, below the recommended ~6.5%. More than half reported no fish intake.
Regression analyses showed fruit and vegetable intake was consistently linked to eudemonic well-being, even after accounting for depressive symptoms. Associations with happiness and life satisfaction weakened after adjusting for long-standing illness and depressive symptoms. Polyunsaturated fat intake showed limited links once depressive symptoms were included.
Fish intake displayed an association with happiness, remaining significant in the final models. Researchers suggest fatty fish may influence mood through pathways involving serotonin and dopamine.
Overall, results indicated modest but positive correlations between dietary intake and well-being domains, though many associations weakened once health, demographic, and mood-related variables were considered.
The study concluded that reaching the UK guideline of five daily portions of fruits and vegetables was associated with higher well-being scores, though most participants consumed less. The findings highlight diet as a potentially modifiable factor for well-being in ageing populations, but the cross-sectional design prevents causal conclusions. Longitudinal and experimental studies are required to confirm these results.
Source: News Medical and Life Sciences