A study involving university students in Turkey revealed that a higher dietary intake of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) correlates with more severe symptoms of depression and increased sleep disturbances. This association remained consistent even after adjusting for factors such as age, gender, body mass index, and smoking habits. The paper was published in the Journal of Affective Disorders.
Advanced glycation end products or AGEs are harmful compounds that form when proteins or fats combine with sugars through a process called the Maillard reaction. This reaction can occur both inside the body—due to metabolic processes—and outside the body, in foods, through food preparation using high temperatures, such as grilling, frying, or baking.
To date, scientists have identified more than 30 different AGEs, approximately half of which are found in food. These include compounds such as Nε-carboxymethyl-lysine (CML) and Nε-carboxyethyl-lysine (CEL), among others. AGEs contribute significantly to the distinct aroma, color, and taste of various foods, with common sources including high-fat meats, dairy products, and foods prepared at high temperatures.
Within the body, AGE levels tend to increase significantly in conditions characterized by consistently elevated sugar levels, such as diabetes. These compounds are also associated with various age-related chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, kidney disease, and Alzheimer’s disease, primarily due to their role in promoting oxidative stress and inflammation.
The study’s authors, Büşra Demirer and Gulhan Samur, aimed to explore the relationship between dietary AGEs, depression symptoms, and sleep issues. Previous research has suggested a potential link between AGEs and mental health disorders like depression and schizophrenia. Animal studies have highlighted AGEs’ role in promoting neuroinflammation, though human studies in this area are limited.
The study sampled 420 students from Karabuk University in Turkey, aged between 19 and 24 years, with 80% being female. These participants provided data through various assessments, including the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Beck Depression Inventory. They also reported on their food consumption over the previous 24 hours and provided sociodemographic information.
Based on the dietary data collected, the researchers categorized the participants into three groups according to their AGE intake: low, medium, and high. The results indicated that students with higher AGE intake exhibited more severe depression symptoms and poorer sleep quality on average, although no significant differences in macronutrient or energy intake were observed among the groups.
The researchers concluded that dietary intake of advanced glycation end products was linked to both depression and sleep quality among university students. There was no significant correlation between individuals’ AGE intake and their adherence to the Mediterranean diet, as measured by MEDAS scores.
The study sheds light on the links between AGEs intake, depression, and sleep quality. However, it should be noted that the design of the study does not allow any cause-and-effect conclusions to be drawn from the data. Additionally, study participants were all students and predominantly females. Results might not be the same on other demographic and age groups.
The paper, “Intake of dietary advanced glycation end products may be associated with depression and sleep quality in young adults,” was authored by Büşra Demirer and Gulhan Samur.