The association between fodmaps intake and psychological disorders in a large sample of Iranian adults.

Research on the relationship between fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) intake and psychological disorders such as depression, stress, and anxiety is limited and has produced mixed results. This study aimed to assess the association between FODMAPs intake and mental health in Iranian adults. This cross-sectional study utilized the baseline data from YaHS-TAMYZ, a population-based Iranian cohort conducted in Yazd, Iran. A food frequency questionnaire validated for the Iranian population was used to assess dietary intake. Depression, anxiety, and stress were measured using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale 21 (DASS21). The association between dietary FODMAPs intake and psychological disorders was evaluated using both crude and multivariable-adjusted models. Data from 7,574 participants were analyzed. After adjusting for age, sex, and other potential confounders, participants with the highest FODMAPs and fructose intake had lower depression scores (P < 0.05). Higher lactose intake was associated with lower depression and anxiety scores (P < 0.05). Moderate fructans intake was linked to lower depression and anxiety scores (P < 0.05), and moderate polyol intake was associated with lower stress scores (P < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression showed no significant highest/lowest association between total FODMAPs intake and the odds of developing anxiety, stress, or depression. Participants with the highest fructans intake had lower odds of developing depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms (P < 0.05). In this study, higher FODMAPs intake was associated with lower depression scores. Fructans intake was also inversely associated with odds of all psychological disorders assessed. Future prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.