Scientists and researchers are increasingly interested in the role of nutrition in mental health. Evidence suggests that some nutritional and dietary habits may contribute to mental health conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
OCD is a disorder that causes people to have repetitive, unwanted thoughts. People may feel compelled to engage in repetitive behaviors or mental actions that follow strict rules to neutralize or suppress intrusive thoughts.
Although the exact cause of OCD is a mystery, researchers suggest that genetics, brain differences and childhood trauma may play a role.
Doctors treat OCD with a combination of psychotherapy and medication, such as antidepressants. Because of some of the side effects people experience with antidepressant treatment, they may wonder if certain nutrients or a specific diet can improve symptoms.
This article discusses whether certain foods can treat OCD. It examines the nutritional ingredients that have been investigated by the scientific community and whether they work. It also outlines traditional ways to treat and manage OCD.
It is unlikely that any one food can treat OCD. However, researchers have noted specific macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies in people with OCD compared to those without the condition.
B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and amino acids are what the brain uses to make neurotransmitters.
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that carry chemical signals from one nerve cell to another, muscle cell or gland. Research suggests that OCD has one cause
Although studies show a link between some nutritional deficiencies and OCD, it remains unclear why these relationships exist and whether dietary changes or supplements may improve OCD symptoms.
Still, it should be safe for most people to maintain a balanced diet with adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals.
More information about OCD.
Research from 2014 shows that vitamin B12 and homocysteine (Hcy) levels are linked to certain mental health conditions. In particular, high levels of Hcy and a deficiency in vitamin B12 may affect brain function and cause symptoms such as mania, depression, and personality changes.
Vitamin B12 helps with Hcy metabolism. Deficiencies in vitamin B12 raise Hcy, causing a drop in neurotransmitter levels.
A 2021 meta-analysis found an association between elevated Hcy and lowered vitamin B12 in people with OCD.
Foods containing vitamin B12
- meat
- fish
- fowl
- eggs
- dairy products
- fortified breakfast cereals
- fortified nutritional yeasts
More research is needed to determine whether increasing vitamin B12 through diet or supplements reduces OCD symptoms.
More information about B12.
Aside from neurotransmitter imbalance, researchers have examined oxidative stress as a potential contributing factor to OCD. Oxidative stress occurs when there are too many unstable molecules called free radicals in the body and insufficient antioxidants to neutralize them. The imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants
Oxidative stress in the brain can lead to problems such as neuroinflammation, impaired neurotransmission, and reduced neuroplasticity. Some studies show that there is an increase in free radical activity and a weakness in the antioxidant defense system in OCD.
Since evidence suggests that oxidative stress may contribute to OCD, scientists have begun to examine antioxidant therapy in OCD. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is one of the
Cysteine is an essential amino acid. Amino acids are essential for the formation of proteins and other metabolic functions. The body must
The following foods also contain cysteine:
- meat
- fish
- dairy
- grains
- soybean
- egg products
Scientists have done a limited number of studies on the treatment of OCD with NAC in humans. Most of these studies explore the use of NAC in combination with proven prescription antidepressants and have found little benefit.
Learn more about antioxidants.
Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that people must get from foods or supplements because the body cannot make them. There are three types of omega-3:
- ALA
- DHA
- EPA
Omega-3 fatty acids increase memory, learning, cognitive well-being, and blood flow to the brain.
Research suggests a link between low omega-3 levels and mental health disorders. For example, researchers have found a link between moderate omega-3 intake and a reduced chance of depression. Research also shows that omega-3, especially EPA,
Foods containing omega-3
- fish and seafood, such as salmon, mackerel, herring, tuna, and sardines
- nuts and seeds, including walnuts, flaxseed, and chia seeds
- plant oils, such as flaxseed oil, canola oil, and soybean oil
- solid foods such as specific brands of yogurt, eggs, milk, juices, and soy drinks
Omega-3 dietary supplements, such as cod liver oil, fish oil, krill oil, and algal oil, are also available.
Although the effects of omega-3 seem promising for a number of mental health disorders, studies have yet to show that it has any effect on OCD.
More information about omega-3.
Vitamin D is essential for normal brain development and function. It also affects immunity, inflammatory responses, and antioxidant processes. Research suggests that vitamin D deficiency may be a factor in the development of mental health conditions such as depression and schizophrenia.
A 2022 study explored the relationship between vitamin D levels and OCD. People newly diagnosed with OCD were found to have lower vitamin D levels than people without OCD. Researchers suggest that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to the development of OCD by interfering with neurotransmitter signaling or reducing neuroprotectivity.
The IS
- most of the US milk supply, including dairy, soy, almond, and oat milk
- fortified breakfast cereals and some brands of margarine, yogurt, orange juice, and other food products
- fatty fish, including salmon, trout, tuna, and mackerel and fish liver oils
- beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks
- mushrooms
The body makes vitamin D after exposure to the sun. Vitamin D supplements are also available.
Research on vitamin D and OCD is in its early stages, and there are no clinical studies yet to test whether vitamin D improves OCD symptoms.
More information about vitamin D.
People with OCD may seek complementary treatments to reduce their symptoms, especially if they are experiencing side effects from their prescription medications. Although researchers are unlikely to find a single food that treats OCD, they have found some links between certain nutrients and OCD.
Research suggests that some people with OCD and other mental health conditions may have low levels of vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D. Studies also show an imbalance in free radicals and suggest that antioxidants may contribute to OCD.
While these findings are compelling, there is little research to determine whether dietary changes or taking supplements to increase levels of these nutrients can reduce OCD symptoms. Further studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness in managing the condition.
Traditional proven treatments for OCD include CBT and antidepressant medications. These treatments help reduce the symptoms of OCD and the impact it has on people’s daily lives.