Mental Health disorders | Food Research Lab 
                     HOW DO FUNCTIONAL 
FOODS HELP IN THE 
MANAGEMENT OF MENTAL 
HEALTH DISORDERS?
An Academic presentation by
Dr. Nancy Agnes, Head, Technical Operations, 
FoodResearchLab
Group: www.foodresearchlab.com
Email: [email protected]
INTRODUCTION
• Mental health disorders are defi ned by the World 
Health Organization (WHO) as "A cluster of 
psychological, behavioural, and emotional 
symptoms that interfere with an individual's 
abil ity to function eff ectively in daily l ife.
• International guidelines defi ne mental health 
disorders as conditions that cause signifi cant 
distress or impairment in one or more areas of a 
person's l ife, including their thoughts, emotions, 
behaviours, and relationships.
Contd...
• It 's worth noting that these disorders can manifest in diff erent ways and 
aff ect the mental health of people diff erently. 
• It is also possible for individuals to experience symptoms of multiple 
disorders simultaneously [1]. 
• Medication, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), exercise and rest can 
help manage the symptoms of mental health disorders. 
• Recently, there has been a growing interest in the role of food in 
managing mental health disorders. 
Functional Food in Mental Health Disorders
• Functional foods contain specifi c nutrients or bioactive compounds that 
are believed to have health benefi ts beyond essential nutrit ion.
• There is strong evidence that some functional foods can benefi t mental 
health.
Contd...
Omega-3-rich food:
• Omega-3 fatty acids help in the development of the Central Nervous 
System(CNS). 
• They also help in neurotransmission. 
• Studies have shown that consuming omega-3-rich food l ike fatty fi sh, 
fi sh oil capsules, walnuts, and fl axseed has been shown to aff ect 
mood positively and might help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and 
depression [2].
Contd...
Fermented food:
• There has been an increasing body of research which suggests that there 
is a strong association between gut health and mental health.
 
• Alteration of the gut microbiome leads to infl ammation, which is 
implicated in the symptoms of mental health disorders. 
• Fermented food like yoghurt and kefi r involves intentionally adding 
benefi cial microorganisms. 
• This helps modulate the pathways that cause anxiety and depression by 
reducing infl ammation in the body [3].
Contd...
Dark Chocolate:
• Dark chocolate has a signifi cantly higher content of 
fl avonoids than white or milk chocolate. 
• They have anti-oxidant properties and reduce 
infl ammatory damage to cells, benefi ting mental 
health.
 
• In addition, it helps improve blood fl ow to the brain, 
subsequently improving cognitive health [4].
Contd...
Turmeric:
• Turmeric is rich in curcumin, and studies have shown 
that curcumin is a compound with anti-infl ammatory 
properties that may help reduce symptoms of 
depression.
Contd...

• Research suggests that including some functional and speciality food in the 
diet may be an eff ective way to enhance general mental health and well-
being. 
• To fully comprehend the relationship between functional food and mental 
health, more research is needed. 
• It  is crucial to note that functional food should be considered a 
complementary strategy that can be used with other interventions, not as a 
substitute for expert mental health therapy. 
CONCLUSION
• A comprehensive treatment plan is required to manage mental health 
disorders. 
• Functional food can be a valuable addition to the treatment. 
• Before consuming, it 's crucial to get guidance from a l icenced 
professional to ensure there are no drug-food interactions or a decrease 
in the effi cacy of the medication. 
HOW THE FOOD RESEARCH LAB CAN 
HELP 
• The Food Research Lab is a food license consultant that off ers 
nutraceutical formulation services using carefully sourced 
ingredients. 
• The team of experts assist their cl ients at every step, from 
obtaining an idea about consumer preferences via market 
research to product formulation, testing and labell ing, which 
ensures the product meets the regulatory requirements, making it 
successful. 
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