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ADHERENCE TO LOW
CARBOHYDRATE DIET AND
PREVALENCE OF
PSYCHOLOGICAL
DISORDERS IN ADULTS.
Authors: Soraiya Ebrahimpour-Koujan1,2, Ammar Hassanzadeh Keshteli3,4, Hamid Afshar5,
Ahmad Esmaillzadeh2,6,7* and Peyman Adibi4

Subject : BIO-CHEMISTRY Presented by: SUNER, HIDALGO, LOISAGA, REMULLA

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| Thesis Defense Presentation | SUNER GROUP | 04
University

INTRODUCTION
This study focuses on the association between adherence to a low carbohydrate diet (LCD)
and psychological disorders in Iranian adults.
It highlights the global burden of mental health disorders, and their prevalence among the
Iranian population.
The study acknowledges the role of diet as a modifiable factor in mental health and mentions
previous research on the relationship between individual macronutrients and mood disorders.

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| Thesis Defense Presentation | SUNER GROUP | 04
University

INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this study is to investigate the long-term effects of a low-carbohydrate diet.

This research aims to provide insights into the sustainability and effectiveness of LCDs.

The findings of this study will contribute to the existing literature on LCDs, guide the
development of evidence-based dietary guidelines, and inform public health strategies aimed
at combating obesity and related chronic diseases.

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| Thesis Defense Presentation | SUNER GROUP | 04
University

INTRODUCTION
This study is important because it addresses a significant gap in the existing research by
focusing on the relationship between adherence to a low-carbohydrate diet and
psychological disorders.
There is a lack of information on how macronutrient combinations, such as the LCD, affect
psychological well-being.
This study aims to provide insights into the potential influence of a low carbohydrate diet on
mental health outcomes.

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| Thesis Defense Presentation | SUNER GROUP 04
University

INTRODUCTION
This study will contribute to the field of science, particularly in the field of psychology, by
expanding the understanding of the relationship between diet and psychological disorders.
By investigating the association between adherence to a low carbohydrate diet and the
prevalence of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress, it may shed light on the role of
dietary patterns in mental health.
This research can inform healthcare professionals, psychologists, and policymakers about the
potential benefits or risks of a low carbohydrate diet for individuals with psychological
disorders.

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| Thesis Defense Presentation | SUNER GROUP 04
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INTRODUCTION
limited to Iranian adults.
The study design is cross-sectional, which means it captures a snapshot of data at a particular
point in time, limiting the ability to establish causality or determine the direction of the
relationship.
The study may not account for other factors that can influence mental health.

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THESIS DEFENSE 06
University

LITERARY REVIEW

This study investigates the association between adherence to a low

carbohydrate diet (LCD) and the prevalence of psychological
disorders among Iranian adults.
The literature review provides an overview of previous research in
this area and highlights the need for further investigation into the
impact of macronutrient combinations on mental health.
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THESIS DEFENSE 06
University

LITERARY REVIEW

Several studies have examined the relationship between specific

macronutrients and mental health.
A study by Jacka et al. (2010) found that a high-fat diet was
associated with an increased risk of depression in Australian women.
In contrast, a study by Rahe et al. (2017) suggested that low protein
intake was linked to a higher prevalence of mental illnesses in a
German population.
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LITERARY REVIEW
Furthermore, a study by Gangwisch et al. (2015) indicated that a
high dietary glycemic index was associated with increased odds
of depression in postmenopausal women in the United States.

Conversely, a study by Sánchez-Villegas et al. (2019) found an

inverse relationship between high dietary glycemic load and
mental disorders in a Spanish cohort.
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THESIS DEFENSE 06
University

LITERARY REVIEW

According to study investigated by Smith (2017) the effects of a low carbohydrate

diet on energy expenditure during weight loss maintenance.

While this study did not specifically examine psychological disorders, it

contributes to the understanding of the potential effects of low carbohydrate
diets on overall health.
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THESIS DEFENSE 06
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LITERARY REVIEW

In summary, the reviewed literature demonstrates the relationship

between diet and mental health outcomes.

Highlighting the need for further exploration into the effects of

specific macronutrient combinations on psychological disorders.
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THESIS DEFENSE 10
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METHODS
GENERAL METHOD

The general method used in the study is a cross-sectional design.

The participants in the study were recruited from the general population of Isfahan province in
Iran

. Data on dietary intake were collected using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency
questionnaire, which assessed the participants' consumption of macronutrients such as
carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
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THESIS DEFENSE 10
University

METHODS
GENERAL METHOD

The participants in the study were recruited from the general population of Isfahan province in Iran.

Data on dietary intake were collected using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency
questionnaire.

The low carbohydrate diet (LCD) score was computed for each participant based on the percentages
of energy from these macronutrients.

Psychological health was assessed using validated questionnaires, including the Iranian versions of the
Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12).
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THESIS DEFENSE 10
University

METHODS
STATISTICAL METHOD

The researchers compared the general characteristics of the study participants across quartiles of the
LCD score using one-way ANOVA for continuous variables (such as age, weight, BMI, and waist
circumference) and Chi-square test for categorical variables.

The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the strength and
significance of the associations.

The analysis was adjusted for potential confounding variables, such as age, sex, marital status,
socioeconomic status, smoking status, gestational and lactating status, chronic conditions, and the use of
antidepressants and supplements.
RESULTS
RESULTS
RESULTS
RESULTS
 DISCUSSION

This study contributes to our understanding of the relationship between diet and mental
health. The high prevalence of psychological disorders in the study population is
consistent with previous research.

There was no significant association found between following a low carbohydrate diet
and experiencing psychological disorders.

This study focused on Iranian adults, and cultural and contextual factors may influence
the relationship between diet and mental health differently in other populations.

The study's limitations include its cross-sectional design, which prevents establishing
causality, and the use of self-reported measures, which may introduce bias.
 CONCLUSION

This study examined whether following a low carbohydrate diet (LCD) is linked
to the prevalence of psychological disorders among Iranian adults.

The study found that many participants experienced depression, anxiety, and
psychological distress.

In conclusion, following a low carbohydrate diet, which is high in fat and

protein but low in carbohydrates, did not increase the risk of psychological
disorders in this study.
 RECOMMENDATION

The study recognized its cross-sectional design.

The authors also suggested focusing on the combination of

macronutrients in future research, as most previous studies have
examined individual macronutrients.

Further research is necessary to gain a more comprehensive

understanding of how dietary patterns and macronutrients relate to
mental health outcomes.
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