Brain Nutrient Deficit Linked to Anxiety Disorders
Researchers analyzed brain scans from over 700 people and discovered that those with anxiety disorders have significantly lower levels of choline, an essential nutrient crucial for brain function. The finding offers potential new nutrition-based treatment approaches for anxiety.
New Brain Chemistry Pattern Identified in Anxiety
A major analysis of brain scans found that people with anxiety disorders have noticeably lower levels of choline, a nutrient crucial for healthy brain function, with the strongest evidence appearing in the prefrontal cortex, the region tied to emotional control and decision-making.
Study Details and Scope
The researchers reviewed data from 25 previous studies that measured neurometabolites, the chemicals involved in brain metabolism, with the analysis including 370 people with anxiety disorders and 342 people without anxiety. People with anxiety disorders had about 8% lower levels of this nutrient in the brain compared with those in the control groups.
Implications for Treatment
Researchers say the discovery is the first clear chemical brain pattern linked to anxiety and could eventually lead to new nutrition-based treatments. The discovery hints that nutrition may play a bigger role in anxiety than previously thought.
About Choline
Choline is an essential nutrient involved in memory, mood, and cell structure. The body produces only a small amount, so most must come from food sources such as eggs, beef, chicken, and soybeans.