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Introduction
In this episode, the Sigma team explores the question: “Do vegan diets increase the risk of depression?”
This is a question that emerges from a few different places. First, it’s common to hear such a claim from proponents of largely animal-based diets. Some reference is often made about how vegan diets can, at best, worsen symptoms or, at worst, even cause depression. Or conversely, they may state that moving away from a plant-based diet will improve mental health outcomes, including depression.
And while all of those specific claims aren’t within the scope of this episode, such claims do get people wondering if a plant-exclusive diet is actually a cause of various mental health ailments.
But is there a basis for such claims?
In this episode, we explore the evidence from two ends: 1) research related to the proposed mechanisms by which a vegan diet could cause problems, and 2) outcome data looking at the impact of such diets.
Related resources
- Related Episode:
- All discussed research is mentioned and referenced in our detailed study notes.
- Claims about vegan diets and depression
- Suggested Mechanisms
- Key Studies
- Difficulties with Diet-Depression Evidence
- Alan Flanagan, PhD
- Danny Lennon
- Niamh Aspell, PhD
The Hosts
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Dr. Alan Flanagan has a PhD in nutrition from the University of Surrey, where his doctoral research focused on circadian rhythms, feeding, and chrononutrition.
This work was based on human intervention trials. He also has a Masters in Nutritional Medicine from the same institution.
Dr. Flanagan is a regular co-host of Sigma Nutrition Radio. He also produces written content for Sigma Nutrition, as part of his role as Research Communication Officer.
Danny Lennon has a master’s degree (MSc.) in Nutritional Sciences from University College Cork, and he is the founder of Sigma Nutrition.
Danny is currently a member of the Advisory Board of the Sports Nutrition Association, the global regulatory body responsible for the standardisation of best practice in the sports nutrition profession.
Introduction to this Episode
In this episode, the Sigma team explores the question: “Do vegan diets increase risk of depression?”
This is a question that emerges from a few different places. First, itʼs common to hear such a claim from proponents of largely animal-based diets. Some reference is o en made about how vegan diets can, at best, worsen symptoms or, at worst, even cause depression. Or conversely, they may state that moving away from a plant-based diet will improve mental health outcomes, including depression.
And while all of those specific claims arenʼt within the scope of this episode, such claims do get people wondering if a plant-exclusive diet is actually a cause of various mental health ailments.
But is there a basis for such claims?
In this episode we explore the evidence from two ends:
- the research related to the proposed mechanisms by which a vegan diet could cause problems
- current outcome data looking at the impact of such diets.
Connection to Previous Episodes
#342: Are Vegan Diets Superior for Health?
- In this episode, Alan and Danny discussed a range of topics related to claims about the health impact of plant-exclusive diets.
- This included an examination of various intervention trials comparing diets, and the potential benefit of a plant-exclusive diet.
- This was followed by asking could the benefits of a vegan diet be gleaned whilst including animal foods? And is veganism suitable across the lifestage?
#438: Diet, Brain Health & Cognitive Function
- In this episode the Sigma team looked at cognitive decline and the evidence relating to a variety of nutrients, foods and dietary patterns, including: vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, caffeine, flavonoids, coffee and green leafy vegetables.
