Vegetarians and those who choose to eat less meat are at a higher risk of depression than their carnivorous peers, the Daily Mail has reported.

Scientists argue that giving up treats such as chicken and steak in favour for “less tasty” food makes people miserable, impacting overall mental health.

Not eating meat may also lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, they added.

The Bristol University, which published the research, studied the diets of almost 10,000 men in the south west of England.

It found that those who gave up meat were almost twice as likely to suffer depression as those on a conventional balanced diet.

A veggie diet led to lower intake of vitamin B12 and greater consumption of nuts rich omega-6 fatty acids, which are reported to increase the risk of mental health problems.

“‘Other potential factors include high blood levels of phytoestrogens – consequent mainly on diets rich in vegetables and soya. Another potential contributing factor is that lower intakes of seafood are thought to be associated with greater risk of depressive symptoms,” the research said.

Just over half of vegans and seven per cent of vegetarians were found to be deficient in vitamin B12, while those who had been vegetarian for longer showed a trend towards higher depression scores over time.

Mind, the mental health charity, has welcomed proposals to recruit 21,000 more mental health workers over the next five years. Continue reading →