Longitudinal correlates of fruit and vegetable consumption with depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults in South Africa

Background: Fruit and vegetable intake may influence mental well-being. The aim of this study was to assess longitudinal associations between fruit and vegetable intake and depressive symptoms among rural South Africans. Methods: This longitudinal community study enrolled 3,891 adults (≥ 40 years) from the “Health and Ageing in Africa: A Longitudinal Study of an INDEPTH Community in South Africa (HAALSI)”. Fruit and vegetable intake was assessed by self-report at wave 1, and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale at wave 1 and 2. Outcomes were incident and persistent depressive symptoms at wave 2. Logistic regression was used to assess the associations between fruit and vegetable intake at wave 1 and incident, and persistent depressive symptoms. Results: Results indicate that in the fully adjusted model for individuals with no depressive symptoms at baseline, we found no significant association between frequency of fruit or vegetables intake and incident depressive symptoms. We also found no significant association between frequency of fruit or vegetable intake and persistent depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Fruit and vegetable intake was not significantly associated with incident and persistent depressive symptoms.