The role of nutrition in mental health is gaining increasing interest among scientists and researchers, as evidence suggests that some nutrition and eating habits may contribute to mental health issues, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
OCD is a disorder in which people have recurring, unwanted thoughts. They may feel compelled to perform strict, repetitive behaviors or mental routines to neutralize or suppress the intrusive thoughts.
The exact cause of OCD is a mystery, but researchers suggest that genetics, brain differences and childhood trauma may play a role.
Doctors treat OCD with a combination of psychotherapy and medications, such as antidepressants. Because of some of the side effects that patients experience with antidepressant treatment, they may be interested in whether certain nutrients or a particular diet can improve their symptoms.
In this article, we discuss whether certain foods can treat OCD. We examine the dietary ingredients that have been studied by the scientific community and their effects. We also outline traditional ways of treating and managing OCD.
It’s unlikely that specific foods can treat OCD, but researchers have found that people with OCD have deficiencies in certain macro- and micronutrients compared to those without OCD.
The B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and amino acids that the brain uses to make neurotransmitters are
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit chemical signals from one nerve cell to another, muscle cell, or gland. Research suggests that one of the causes of OCD is
Research has shown a link between deficiencies in some nutrients and OCD, but it’s not yet clear why this relationship exists or whether dietary changes or supplements can improve OCD symptoms.
Still, maintaining a balanced diet with adequate vitamins and minerals should be safe for most people.
Learn more about OCD.
A 2014 study showed that vitamin B12 and homocysteine (Hcy) levels are associated with certain mental illnesses. High Hcy levels and a lack of vitamin B12, in particular, can affect brain function and lead to symptoms such as mania, depression, and personality changes.
Vitamin B12 helps metabolize Hcy, and a deficiency in Vitamin B12 leads to increased Hcy and decreased neurotransmitter levels.
A 2021 meta-analysis found an association between elevated Hcy and low vitamin B12 in patients with OCD.
Foods containing vitamin B12
- meat
- fish
- poultry
- egg
- Dairy products
- Fortified breakfast cereals
- Enhanced Nutritional Yeast
More research is needed to determine whether increasing vitamin B12 through diet or supplements can reduce OCD symptoms.
Learn more about B12.
Beyond neurotransmitter imbalances, researchers have also investigated oxidative stress as a possible factor that contributes to OCD. Oxidative stress occurs when the body has too many unstable molecules called free radicals and not enough antioxidants to neutralize them. An imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants can lead to:
Oxidative stress in the brain can lead to problems like neuroinflammation, impaired neurotransmission, and reduced neuroplasticity. Several studies have shown that free radical activity is increased in OCD, weakening the antioxidant defense system.
Because there is evidence that oxidative stress may contribute to OCD, scientists have begun to investigate antioxidant therapies in OCD. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is
Cysteine is a non-essential amino acid. Amino acids are essential for the formation of proteins and other metabolic functions. The body needs
Cysteine is also found in the following foods:
- meat
- fish
- Dairy products
- Cereals
- soy
- Egg products
Scientists have conducted a few limited lines of research into treating OCD in humans with NAC, with most of these studies looking at combining NAC with proven prescription antidepressants and finding little to no benefit.
Learn more about antioxidants.
Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that we need to get from food or supplements because our bodies can’t produce them. There are three types of omega-3:
- Alabama
- DHA
- EPA
Omega-3 fatty acids enhance memory, learning, cognitive performance, and blood flow to the brain.
Studies have shown that there may be a link between low levels of omega-3s and mental illness. For example, researchers have found a link between moderate intake of omega-3s and a lower likelihood of depression. Studies have also shown that omega-3s, especially EPA, can:
Foods that contain omega-3
- Seafood such as salmon, mackerel, herring, tuna, and sardines
- Nuts and seeds, such as walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds
- Vegetable oils such as flaxseed oil, canola oil, and soybean oil
- Fortified foods, such as certain brands of yogurt, eggs, milk, juice, and soy milk
There are also omega-3 supplements available, including cod liver oil, fish oil, krill oil, and algae oil.
While the benefits of omega-3s seem to show promise for some psychiatric disorders, studies have yet to determine whether they have any benefit for OCD.
Learn more about Omega-3.
Vitamin D is essential for brain development and function. It also influences immunity, inflammatory responses and antioxidant processes. Research suggests that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to the development of mental disorders such as depression and schizophrenia.
A 2022 study looked at the relationship between vitamin D levels and OCD. It found that people newly diagnosed with OCD had lower vitamin D levels than those without OCD. The researchers suggested that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to the development of OCD by disrupting neurotransmitter signaling or reducing neuroprotective effects.
of
- Most of the U.S. milk supply, including dairy, soy, almond, and oat milk
- Fortified breakfast cereals, some brands of margarine, yogurt, orange juice, and other foods
- Fatty fish such as salmon, trout, tuna, and mackerel, and fish liver oils
- Beef liver, cheese, egg yolk
- mushroom
Your body makes Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, and Vitamin D supplements are available.
Research on vitamin D and OCD is still in its early stages, and there are no clinical studies yet testing whether vitamin D improves symptoms of OCD.
Learn more about Vitamin D.
People with OCD may seek out complementary therapies to help relieve their symptoms, especially if they are experiencing side effects from prescription medications. While it’s unlikely that researchers will find one food that will treat OCD, there are some known connections between certain nutrients and OCD.
Research suggests that some people with OCD and other mental illnesses have low levels of vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D. Research has also shown an imbalance of free radicals, suggesting that antioxidants may contribute to OCD.
Although these findings are compelling, little research has been done on whether increasing levels of these nutrients through dietary changes or supplements can reduce OCD symptoms, and more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness in managing symptoms.
Traditional, proven treatments for OCD include CBT and antidepressants. These treatments can help reduce OCD symptoms and their impact on daily life.