Abstract

ObjectiveEvidence linking relation between dietary antioxidant quality score (DAQS) and psychological disorders is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to assess relationship between DAQSs and psychological disorders including depression, anxiety and stress among Iranian adults.MethodsThis cross-sectional study used data on 7165 participants of the recruitment phase of Yazd Health Study (YaHS) and Taghzieh Mardom-e-Yazd Study (TAMYZ). Dietary intakes and psychological problems were evaluated using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and the validated Iranian version of depression, anxiety and stress scale questionnaire. DAQS was calculated for each person by summing up the assigned scores to a ratio between daily consuming each of the nutrients including vitamin A, C, E, selenium, manganese, zinc and their daily recommended intake (Score of 0 for a ratio of 2/3). Eventually, association between DAQS and psychological disorders was assessed via logistic regression analysis.ResultsAlthough no significant relationship was observed between DAQS and psychological disorders in general population, a protective role was found for DAQS against anxiety only in women after adjusting history of chronic disease; age; marital status; education level; smoking status; total energy intake and physical activity level (second tertile versus first tertile: OR: 0.63, 95 CI: 0.40-0.99). However, this finding was nonsignificant after further adjustment for body mass index.ConclusionAverage levels of DAQS might be related to psychological distress especially among women. However, more studies are recommended to valid the findings.