Association between dietary diversity and risk of depressive symptoms in Chinese children, adolescents, and college students.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objective

Childhood, adolescence, and emerging adulthood represent critical transitional periods characterized by rapid biological, psychological, and social development, each of which may distinctly influence diet-mood interactions. To date, no study has concurrently examined the association between dietary diversity and depressive symptoms across the full developmental spectrum spanning these life stages. As a result, age-specific vulnerabilities and potential windows for intervention remain poorly understood. Using a large and diverse sample of Chinese children, adolescents, and university students, this cross-sectional study aimed to explore the relationship between dietary diversity and depressive symptoms across these key developmental periods. The findings may

SUBMITTER: Ren Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12846944 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature