SAN DIEGO, Calif., April 13, 2026 — A new peer-reviewed systematic scoping review supported by the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation highlights growing evidence that dietary patterns designed to reduce inflammation may support mental health, particularly when it comes to reducing symptoms of depression.
The study, Anti-Inflammatory Diets and Mental Health: A Scoping Review of Randomized Controlled Trials and Systematic Evidence Syntheses, conducted by researchers at the John W. Brick Foundation and the University of California, San Diego, synthesizes findings from 42 randomized controlled trials and 23 systematic evidence syntheses to evaluate the relationship between anti-inflammatory dietary patterns and mental health outcomes in adults.
Across the evidence base, anti-inflammatory diets, especially Mediterranean-style dietary patterns, were associated with reductions in depressive symptoms and, in some cases, lower risk of depression. Findings for other outcomes, including anxiety, mood, stress, and quality of life, were more variable, with studies reporting a mix of positive and null results.
The review also found that dietary interventions appeared to be most effective among individuals with existing mental health symptoms or diagnoses, suggesting potential value as a complementary approach within mental health care settings.
Senior author Dr. Cassandra Vieten says, “People facing mental health challenges can feel empowered by these findings. Making small but consistent changes in how and what they eat over time can support their mental wellbeing.”
Anti-inflammatory dietary patterns emphasize whole, minimally processed foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and healthy fats. These diets may support mental health in part by helping to regulate inflammation, a biological pathway increasingly linked to depression and other mental health conditions.
While the findings are promising, the review also highlights important limitations in the current evidence base, including variability in study design, intervention components, and outcome measures, as well as limited long-term follow-up data. The authors note that these factors limit the ability to draw definitive causal conclusions and call for more rigorous, standardized research.
These findings contribute to a growing recognition that mental health is closely connected to overall health and modifiable lifestyle factors such as diet. As the global burden of mental health conditions continues to rise, there is increasing interest in accessible, evidence-informed strategies that can complement traditional care. This research highlights the potential role of dietary patterns as part of a broader, integrative approach to mental health.
Click here to view the full peer-reviewed systematic scoping review View the executive summary here
About the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation
The John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation is dedicated to advancing research and integrating self-care approaches—such as exercise, nutrition, and mind-body practices—into treating mental illness and promoting mental well-being. To learn more about the foundation and its global impact, visit https://www.johnwbrickfoundation.org/.
