Research paper
Effects of Polyphenol Supplementations on Improving Depression, Anxiety, and Quality of Life in Patients With Depression
Study answer
What this study found
Polyphenol supplementation significantly reduced depression scores vs controls across 18 trials (n=1,523): MD −2.28 (95% CI −1.76 to −0.13); I2 = 99.5%. Twelve of 18 trials showed significant depression improvements. For anxiety, 5 of 6 trials showed reductions, but meta-analysis showed no significant difference (MD −0.71; 95% CI −1.90 to 0.49; I2 = 84%). QoL: 5 trials (n=188); mixed results; meta-analysis showed no clear QoL benefit (MD −1.34; 95% CI −2.30 to −0.39; I2 = 55.8%). Isoflavones, especially red clover-derived, and other polyphenols reduced depressive symptoms; effects varied by…
- Study & population
- Design: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
- Intervention
- Oral polyphenol supplements; regimens varied by study.
- Key limitation
- High heterogeneity across studies (I2 ~99% for depression) due to varied polyphenol types, doses, durations, and populations; majority of participants were female (many postmenopausal); short follow-up (mostly ≤4 months); QoL data limited (only 5/18); generalizability to men and non-menopausal populations is limited;…
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Open PDFOriginal abstract
Background: Increased prevalence of mental disorders has become a significant public health concern. Recent studies have linked nutrition to depression and anxiety, suggesting that dietary changes or nutritional supplementation may be beneficial in i…