OBJECTIVE:

This study was conducted to assess the dietary intake of individuals experiencing a current episode of major depression.

METHODS:

Twenty-two females and 7 males experiencing moderate to severe depression completed 3-day food records. These food records were analyzed to obtain an estimate of the nutrient intake of male and female individuals experiencing a depressive episode and this nutrient intake was compared to the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA).

RESULTS:

Females, as a group, consumed a diet that provided 100% of the RDA whereas the diet of males was deficient in energy and 4 of 16 nutrients examined. Considerable variation existed in the dietary intake of both males and females with some individuals in both groups consuming a diet containing less than the RDA in one or more nutrients due to a decrease in food intake.

CONCLUSION:

A substantial percentage of the depressed sample consumed less than the RDA of one or more nutrients. This seems to be due to an inadequate food intake rather than a deficient diet.