Infrequent Fish Consumption is Associated with Mood Disturbances in Healthy Adults

Cross‐sectional trials outside of the U.S. indicate higher rates of depression in healthy individuals with infrequent intakes of fish. We conducted a small pilot study of healthy individuals in the American Southwest to compare the mood state of individuals who regularly consume fish with those who never consume fish. Healthy adults (aged 20–55 yrs) were recruited at local markets and screened for medical conditions, pregnancy and lactation, and/or alcohol consumption (>2 drinks/d). Participants completed the Profile of Mood States (POMS) psychometric scale and the Beck Depression Inventory‐II (BDI) scale. Participants were grouped as those who reported ‘rarely or never’ eating fish (NF: n=21) or reported eating some fish (YF: n=97). There were no significant differences in gender, education level, or physical activity level between groups; however, NF subjects were younger and had a lower body mass index compared to YF subjects. BDI scores did not differ between groups. The POMS subscale scores varied significantly for depression‐dejection (9.3±2.5 and 5.0±0.7, respectively; P =0.024 for NF and YF, respectively) and for confusion‐bewilderment (6.5±1.2 and 5.3±0.4, respectively; P =0.046 for NF and YF, respectively), differences that remained significant after controlling for age and body mass index. We conclude that the infrequent consumption of fish is associated with mood disturbances in healthy adults.