Association between sucrose and fiber intake and symptoms of depression in older people

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between sucrose and fiber intake and symptoms of depression in older people. Material and Methods: The research group consisted of 813 community-dwelling subjects (221 males and 592 females, median age 75). The symptoms of depression were assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Participants were divided into two subgroups according to the GDS scale. Group A: 0–5 points–no symptoms of depression (612, M:167, W:445), and group B: 6–15 points–with symptoms of depression (201, M:54, W:147). The level of nutrient consumption was assessed with a 24 h Recall Questionnaire and the software ‘Dieta 5.0’. Results: In males, consumption of sucrose (A: 30 g (18.1–53.3), B: 62.8 g (43.2–92.6)) (median (25%–75% quartile) and % of energy from sucrose (A: 7.3% (4.8–11.9), B: 13.5% (7.8–18.6)) were significantly higher in the group with symptoms of depression. Kilocalories per 1 g of fiber intake ratios were higher in depressive groups of both males (A: 89.1 kcal/g (68.1–109), B: 103.9 kcal/g (86.1–134.1)) and females (A: 78.6 kcal/g (62.1–99.9), B: 93 kcal/g (67.1–118.3)). Females without symptoms of depression consumed significantly more fiber (17.2 g (12.9–23.1)) than females with symptoms of depression (16.1 g (11.3–20)). Conclusions: This analysis shows increased kilocalories per 1 g of fiber intake in patients with symptoms of depression. In males, symptoms of depression were connected with higher consumption of sucrose and higher % of energy intake from sucrose. In females, greater fiber consumption was related to less frequent symptoms of depression.