Depression in Nutrition-Related Pathologies: Mechanisms, Clinical Interactions and Emerging Therapeutic Strategies

Ana-Maria Dumitrescu^1*, Anca Sava¹, Nicoleta Loredana Hilițanu², Lucia Corina Dima Cozma³, Laurian Frâncu¹, Cătălin Alexandru Pohaci-Antonesei⁴, Luiza-Simona Pohaci-Antonesei⁴, Mihaela Mitrea¹, Laura Marieta Alexa⁵, Roxana Florentina Gavril¹, Liviu Ciprian Gavril¹

¹Department of Morpho-Functional Sciences I, Grigore T. Popa, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania

²Department of Preventive Medicine and Interdisciplinarity, Grigore T. Popa, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iaşi, Romania

³Department of Medicals I, Grigore T. Popa, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania

⁴Department of Morpho-Functional Sciences II, Grigore T. Popa, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania

⁵Grigore T. Popa, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, Romania

*Corresponding Author Ana-Maria Dumitrescu, Department of Morpho-Functional Sciences I, Gr. T. Popa, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romani

Abstract

Abstract Depression is a leading cause of global disability and is increasingly recognized as a multifactorial disorder influenced by biological, psychological, and lifestyle-related factors, including nutrition. This narrative review examines the relationship between depression and nutrition-related pathologies, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and gout, with a focus on shared pathophysiological mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify studies investigating the association between depression, dietary factors, metabolic and inflammatory disorders, and emerging nutritional interventions. The initial search yielded approximately 300 records. Following title and abstract screening, 110 articles were selected for full-text assessment, of which 16 studies were included in the final analysis based on relevance and methodological quality. Key mechanisms linking depression and nutrition-related disorders include chronic low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress, metabolic dysfunction, and alterations in the gut–brain axis. These processes contribute to impaired neurotransmission, reduced neuroplasticity, and increased vulnerability to depressive symptoms. Evidence suggests that dietary patterns play a significant role in mental health outcomes, with Western diets associated with increased risk of depression, while Mediterranean and anti-inflammatory dietary patterns appear protective. Emerging therapeutic strategies, including microbiota-targeted interventions and metabolic approaches such as intermittent fasting, show potential benefits in modulating mood and cognitive function. Integrating nutritional strategies with conventional treatments may enhance clinical outcomes. Future research should focus on personalized, evidence-based dietary interventions in the management of depression and associated metabolic disorders.