The role of nutrition in mental health has gained mounting interest from scientists and researchers. Evidence suggests that some nutrition and dietary habits may contribute to mental health conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
OCD is a disorder that causes people to have recurring, unwanted thoughts. People may feel compelled to engage in repetitive behaviors or mental acts that follow rigid rules to neutralize or suppress intrusive thoughts.
Although the exact cause of OCD is a mystery, researchers suggest that genetics, brain differences, and trauma during childhood may play a role.
Doctors treat OCD with a combination of psychotherapy and medication, such as antidepressants. Due to some of the side effects people experience with antidepressant treatment, they might be curious as to whether certain nutrients or a particular diet could improve symptoms.
This article discusses whether certain foods can treat OCD. It examines the dietary components the scientific community has investigated and whether they work. It also outlines conventional ways to treat and manage OCD.
It is unlikely that any one food can treat OCD. However, researchers have noticed particular macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies in people with OCD compared to those without the condition.
B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and amino acids that the brain uses to make neurotransmitters are the
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that carry chemical signals from one nerve cell to another nerve cell, muscle cell, or gland. Research suggests that one cause of OCD
Although studies indicate an association between some nutrient deficiencies and OCD, it is not yet clear why these relationships exist and whether dietary changes or supplements could improve OCD symptoms.
Still, maintaining a balanced diet with adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals should be safe for most people.
Learn more about OCD.
Research from 2014 indicates that vitamin B12 and homocysteine (Hcy) levels link to certain mental health conditions. In particular, high levels of Hcy and deficiency in vitamin B12 may impact brain function and cause symptoms such as mania, depression, and personality changes.
Vitamin B12 aids in the metabolism of Hcy. Deficiencies in vitamin B12 elevate Hcy, resulting in a drop in neurotransmitter levels.
A 2021 meta-analysis found an association between elevated Hcy and lowered vitamin B12 in people with OCD.
Foods containing vitamin B12
- meat
- fish
- poultry
- eggs
- dairy products
- fortified breakfast cereals
- fortified nutritional yeasts
More research is necessary to determine whether increasing vitamin B12 through diet or supplements decreases OCD symptoms.
Learn more about B12.
Other than neurotransmitter imbalance, researchers have examined oxidative stress as a factor that could contribute to OCD. Oxidative stress occurs when there are too many unstable molecules known as free radicals in the body and insufficient antioxidants to neutralize them. The imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants
Oxidative stress in the brain can lead to problems such as neuroinflammation, impaired neurotransmission, and decreased neuroplasticity. Some studies indicate there is an increase in free radical activity and weakness in the antioxidant defense system in OCD.
Since evidence suggests oxidative stress could contribute to OCD, scientists have begun examining antioxidant therapy in OCD. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is one of the
Cysteine is a nonessential amino acid. Amino acids are essential for forming proteins and other metabolic functions. The body needs
Cysteine is also in the following foods:
- meat
- fish
- dairy
- grains
- soybean
- egg products
Scientists have conducted a limited number of studies on treating OCD with NAC in humans. Most of these studies explore the use of NAC alongside proven prescription antidepressants and have found little to no benefit.
Learn more about antioxidants.
Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats people must get from foods or supplements because the body cannot make them. Three types of omega-3s exist:
- ALA
- DHA
- EPA
Omega-3 fatty acids increase memory, learning, cognitive well-being, and blood flow to the brain.
Research suggests there is a link between low omega-3 levels and mental health disorders. For example, researchers have found an association between a moderate intake of omega-3 and a decreased chance of depression. Research also indicates that omega-3, particularly EPA,
Foods containing omega-3
- fish and seafood, such as salmon, mackerel, herring, tuna, and sardines
- nuts and seeds, including walnuts, flaxseed, and chia seeds
- plant oils, such as flaxseed oil, canola oil, and soybean oil
- fortified foods such as specific brands of yogurt, eggs, milk, juices, and soy beverages
Omega-3 dietary supplements, such as cod liver oil, fish oil, krill oil, and algal oil, are also available.
While the effects of omega-3 look promising for some mental health disorders, studies have yet to find that it has any effect on OCD.
Learn more about omega-3.
Vitamin D is essential for typical brain development and functioning. It also affects immunity, inflammatory responses, and antioxidant processes. Research suggests that vitamin D deficiency may be a factor in the development of mental health conditions such as depression and schizophrenia.
A 2022 study explored the relationship between vitamin D levels and OCD. It found that people who were newly diagnosed with OCD had lower vitamin D levels than people without OCD. Researchers suggest that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to OCD development by disrupting neurotransmitter signaling or decreasing neuroprotectivity.
The
- most of the U.S. milk supply, including dairy, soy, almond, and oat milk
- fortified breakfast cereals and some brands of margarine, yogurt, orange juice, and other food products
- fatty fish, including salmon, trout, tuna, and mackerel and fish liver oils
- beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks
- mushrooms
The body makes vitamin D after exposure to the sun. Vitamin D supplements are also available.
Research on vitamin D and OCD is in its early stages, and there are not yet any clinical studies that test whether vitamin D improves OCD symptoms.
Learn more about vitamin D.
People with OCD may seek complementary treatments to help reduce their symptoms, particularly if they experience side effects from their prescription medication. Although it is unlikely that researchers will find one food that treats OCD, they have found several links between certain nutrients and OCD.
Research suggests that some people with OCD and other mental health conditions may have low levels of vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D. Studies also indicate an imbalance in free radicals and suggest that antioxidants may contribute to OCD.
While these findings are compelling, little research exists to determine whether making dietary changes or taking supplements to raise levels of these nutrients reduces OCD symptoms. Further studies are necessary to confirm their effectiveness in managing the condition.
Conventional proven treatments for OCD include CBT and antidepressant medications. These treatments help reduce the symptoms of OCD and its impact on people’s daily lives.