Effects of a 6-Month Mixed Nut Diet on Mental Health and Well-Being in Young University Adults

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the effects of nut consumption on mental health in young adults aged 18 to 24, a critical stage for mental health development. Nuts, rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, have been linked in observational studies to better mental health and mood, but experimental evidence remains limited. This trial aims to explore how a six-month mixed-nut diet affects symptoms like depression, anxiety, stress, cognitive abilities, sleep, well-being, and brain-related biochemical markers. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups a control group maintaining their usual diet, or two intervention groups consuming either 30 grams or 60 grams daily of a mixed-nut blend walnuts, almonds, pistachios, and hazelnuts provided free for six months. After the intervention, all participants return to their normal diet. A final follow-up visit occurs six months after the intervention ends to collect long-term data. Throughout the study, participants will undergo assessments at the start, three months, six months, and twelve months to measure mental health symptoms including depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as cognitive functions like memory and attention. Researchers will also evaluate sleep quality, quality of life, inflammation markers, nutrient levels, body composition, physical activity, and dietary adherence. This comprehensive data collection helps monitor participant health and study outcomes over a full year.

Impact of Nut Consumption on Mental Health in Young Adults