The association of red meat consumption and mental health in women: A cross-sectional study

ObjectivesPrevious studies have shown that red meat consumption has beneficial effects on health. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between red meat consumption and depression, anxiety and psychological distress in Tehrani women.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 482 women aged 20-50 years old referred to the health centers of Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2018 were selected by multistage cluster sampling. The usual dietary intake was evaluated using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire containing 168 items that its validity and reliability were approved previously. The red meat category was defined as the sum of red meats (beef, lamb), and organ meats (beef liver, kidney, and heart, ruminant meat). Psychological disorders were assessed using a validated Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales (DASS) questionnaires with 21-items. In the logistic regression analysis, the results were adjusted to the confounding factors.ResultsThe mean age of the study participants was 31.87 ± 7.6 years. The prevalence of depressive symptoms, anxiety and psychological distress among participants was 34%, 40% and 42%, respectively. After controlling for potential confounders, women in the highest quartile of red meat had a highest prevalence of depressive symptoms (OR: 2.51; 95% CI: 1.32–4.76; p = 0.002), anxiety (OR: 1.82; 95% CI: 1.00–3.29; p = 0.034) and stress (OR: 3.47; 95% CI: 1.88–6.42; p < 0.001) compared with those in the lowest quartile.ConclusionsWe found a significant association between red meat intake and mental health in women. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.