{Research Brief} Nonlinear Dose–Response Relationship Between Dietary Inflammatory Index and Risk of Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

In this episode of The Nourished Brain, I break down a new systematic review and meta-analysis titled “Nonlinear Dose–Response Relationship Between Dietary Inflammatory Index and Risk of Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis”

I explore:• Why chronic low-grade inflammation is now considered a key driver of mental health conditions• The meta-analysis findings showing that higher DII scores are associated with increased depressive symptoms• How anti-inflammatory patterns like the Mediterranean diet may support better brain health• Key limitations of the review, including reliance on observational data and self-reported diet measures

Tune in to learn how your daily food choices may influence systemic inflammation—and ultimately, your mood and mental well-being.

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Yu L, Bian L, Ren L, Wei W, Zhang H, Miao M. Nonlinear dose-response relationship between dietary inflammatory index and risk of depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Nutr. 2025 Sep 12;12:1645789.

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