@article{ref1,
title="Low intake of B-vitamins is associated with poor adolescent mental health and behaviour",
journal="Preventive medicine",
year="2012",
author="Herbison, Carly E. and Hickling, Siobhan and Allen, Karina L. and O'Sullivan, Therese A. and Robinson, Monique and Bremner, Alexandra P. and Huang, Rae-Chi and Beilin, Lawrence J. and Mori, Trevor A. and Oddy, Wendy H.",
volume="55",
number="6",
pages="634-638",
abstract="OBJECTIVE. The current prevalence of mental health problems in Western populations is approximately 20% and half of all adult mental health disorders are estimated to originate in adolescence. Diet plays an important role in modulating psychological wellbeing and B-vitamins are vital for the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin. We aimed to examine the relationship between B-group vitamins and adolescent mental health and behaviour. <br><br>METHODS. This is a cross-sectional analysis of the West Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study. The 17-year follow-up included collection of a food frequency questionnaire allowing B-vitamin intake calculation. Mental health was assessed using the Youth Self Report (YSR) which measures total, internalising (withdrawn/depressed) and externalising (aggressive/delinquent) behaviour scores. Multiple linear regression was used to analyse associations between B-vitamins and mental health with adjustment for relevant confounders (n = 709). <br><br>RESULTS. Lower intake of vitamins B1. B2, 83, B5, B6, and folate was associated with higher externalising behaviour scores (p <= 0.05). Reduced intake of vitamin 136 and folate was associated with higher internalising behaviour scores (p <= 0.05). <br><br>CONCLUSIONS. Poor nutrition may contribute to the pathogenesis of mental health problems in adolescence. The role of B-vitamins requires further investigation in randomised controlled trials. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. KW: Juvenile justice; Juvenile delinquency;<p />",
language="",
issn="0091-7435",
doi="10.1016/j.ypmed.2012.09.014",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2012.09.014"
}