The association between adherence to a dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet and neuro-psychological function in young women

BACKGROUND: The adherence to a Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet may have a bidirectional relationship with mental wellbeing. We aimed to evaluate the association between compliance with a DASH diet and neuro-psychological function in young women. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 181 girls aged between 18 and 25 years were recruited. The dietary intakes of study participants were evaluated using a valid and reliable food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) containing 65 food items. Neuropsychological function of participants was evaluated using standard questionnaires. RESULTS: As may be expected, individuals in the highest tertile (T3) of adherence to DASH diet (highest adherence) were found to consume more folate, fruits, vegetables, low fat dairy, nuts, legume, and seed, less sweetened beverage and sodium, compared to the participants in the lowest tertile (T1, lowest adherence). There was a significant negative correlation between cognitive function and consumption of red and processed meat (r = − 0.168; p < 0.05); quality of life score with dietary sodium (r = − 0.151; p < 0.01) and depression score with dietary vegetables (r = − 0.174; p < 0.05). In multivariate multinomial logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, BMI and energy intake, adherence to a DASH-style diet was associated with a lower stress score (OR = 0.70; 95%CI: 0.34–1.47, P = 0.067; T3 vs. T1) and difficulty with sleep initiation (OR = 0.46; 95%CI: 0.21–1.00, P = 0.017; T3 vs. T1). CONCLUSION: Adherence to a DASH diet may be associated with reduced stress and difficulty with initiating sleep.