To investigate the associations between dietary patterns and mental health in early
adolescence.
The Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study is a prospective study of 2900
pregnancies recruited from 1989-1992. At 14 years of age (2003-2006; n=1324), the
Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) was used to assess behaviour (characterising mental
health status), with higher scores representing poorer behaviour. Two dietary patterns
(Western and Healthy) were identified using factor analysis and food group intakes
estimated by a 212-item food frequency questionnaire. Relationships between dietary
patterns, food group intakes and behaviour were examined using general linear modelling
following adjustment for potential confounding factors at age 14: total energy intake,
body mass index, physical activity, screen use, family structure, income and functioning,
gender and maternal education at pregnancy.
Higher total (b=2.20, 95% CI=1.06, 3.35), internalizing (withdrawn/depressed) (b=1.25,
95% CI=0.15, 2.35) and externalizing (delinquent/aggressive) (b=2.60, 95% CI=1.51,
3.68) CBCL scores were significantly associated with the Western dietary pattern,
with increased intakes of takeaway foods, confectionary and red meat. Improved behavioural
scores were significantly associated with higher intakes of leafy green vegetables
and fresh fruit (components of the Healthy pattern).
These findings implicate a Western dietary pattern in poorer behavioural outcomes
for adolescents. Better behavioural outcomes were associated with a higher intake
of fresh fruit and leafy green vegetables.