Diet and Depression

Study analyzes effects of dietary fat on depression.
Bloomberg News (1/27, Lopatto) reports, "People who eat more trans fats from cheese, milk, or processed foods may have a 48-percent increased risk of depression, compared with those who consume almost no trans fats," according to a study published in the journal PLoS One.
The Los Angeles Times (1/26, Roan) "Booster Shots" blog reported that the researchers "followed 12,059 people over six years, analyzing their diets, lifestyles, and medical problems." The people "who ate the most trans fats" had a "48% increased risk of depression, compared with people who did not eat trans fats." In contrast, individuals who "ate a lot of polyunsaturated fats" had a "lower risk of depression," the study found.
According to WebMD (1/26, Doheny), "The ill effects of bad fats on heart disease are believed to be due to increases in LDL 'bad' cholesterol and reductions in HDL 'good' cholesterol." There are also "inflammatory changes, and these changes have also been linked with depression, the researchers say." The study's lead author also theorized that "inflammation may interfere with the brain's neurotransmitters, such as serotonin...and a lack of serotonin adversely affects mood."