Publication Date

Fall 2023

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Nutrition, Food Science and Packaging

Advisor

John Gieng; Xi Feng; Susan Chen

Abstract

It is unknown if a relationship exists between prebiotic intake and depression status. Using 2015-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cycles data, adult American estimated mean daily prebiotic intake across demographic groups, gender, and depression status were reported. Additionally, the 10 highest prebiotic content Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies foods were identified. Adults (≥ 18 years) with adequate sleep and at least one day of dietary recall data were included. Participants with excessive alcohol intake, BMI ≤ 18, BMI ≥ 30, or current depression medication use were excluded. The confounding variables were inadequate sleep, unemployment, and age. Complex Samples Logistic Regression was used to analyze the relationship between estimated mean daily prebiotic intake and depression status. Adult estimated mean daily prebiotic intake was 6.4 grams (standard error = 0.07). Male non-depressed participants had the highest estimated mean daily prebiotic intake at 7.5 grams (0.18) and female depressed participants had the lowest at 4.4 grams (0.26). The female depressed group had an estimated mean prebiotic intake below the minimum effective dose of prebiotics of 5 grams, and there was a significant relationship (p < 0.002) between prebiotic intake and depression status in this group. Holding all other predictor variables constant, the odds of depression occurring increased by 60.3% (95% CI [1.202 – 2.136]) for female participants who consumed less than the 5-gram minimum effective dose of prebiotics.

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