Is Adherence to a Plant-based Diet Associated with Mental Health and Academic Achievement?

INTRODUCTION: It is thought that plant-based diets may improve the mental health and academic achievement of individuals. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of adherence to plant-based diets on mental health and academic achievement in university students.
METHODS: Students’ adherence to a plant-based diet was determined by the plant-based diet index (PDI) score. The mental health status was determined using the Depression–Anxiety–Stress Scale (DASS). Students’ academic performance was determined based on the university grade point average (GPA) question asked.
RESULTS: Our results showed that women studying in the health department have higher healthy plant-based diet scores (p<0.001). In addition, it was determined that students who adapted to a healthier plant-based diet had better mental health and academic achievement (p<0.05). Fourth-grade students had lower unhealthy PDI values than 1st-grade students (p<0.001). Alcohol users had lower PDI, and smokers had higher healthy PDI (hPDI) (p<0.001). It was found that hPDI values explained 2.5–3.7% of DASS scores and 1.6% of GPA (p<0.05).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In our study, plant-based diet was related to mental health and academic achievement in university students. It is also recommended to develop plant-based diet interventions due to their effects on mental health and academic achievement.