Source: Chris Scott, MEATINGPLACE, 11/23/17


Dutch researchers contend there may be a link between seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and vegetarianism, based on a pilot study involving residents of Finland and the Netherlands.

The study noted that SAD generally often involves recurring depression in autumn or winter, with recovery occurring in spring and summer. Researchers noted earlier studies that described a link between SAD and decreased physical activity, hypersomnia, increased carbohydrate craving and increased weight. People with SAD often complain of fatigue and lack of energy, often complicated by a vitamin B12 deficiency, a well-known cause of lack of energy, they added.

The study involved nearly 1,000 individuals between the ages of 25 to 74 and found that the number of participants who are vegetarian and suffered from SAD was four times higher than the people suffering from SAD in the normal population. The number also was higher than people suffering from SAD who followed other diets, suggesting that there is a link between vegetarianism and SAD. The researcher also found that in the Dutch population a significant effect was found for the value of the seasonal loss of energy and the chance of belonging to the group of vegetarians who were polled.

The researchers noted that the design of the study has its limitations and the question of special diet adherence was based on self-ratings that could be subject to misinterpretation. The report suggests that the study should serve as a jumping-off point for further investigation.

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