A new study from Sweden highlights a link between a diet rich in β-carotene and improved mental health in adolescents, revealing that teens who consume more of the antioxidant show lower anxiety levels, fewer psychosomatic symptoms, and better overall quality of life.
The research, conducted by the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, surveyed 1,139 students aged 13 to 14 from 34 schools. Using a validated three-day food recall system and self-reported mental health questionnaires, the study examined how dietary intake of antioxidants—specifically β-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E—relates to anxiety, psychosomatic complaints, and general well-being.
Key Findings
Adolescents who consumed the highest amounts of β-carotene reported significantly fewer psychosomatic problems and anxiety symptoms, as well as improved health-related quality of life, compared to those with the lowest intake. Similarly, higher vitamin C consumption was associated with fewer psychosomatic symptoms, though no clear link was found between vitamin C and anxiety or overall quality of life.
Vitamin E intake showed no consistent association with any of the measured mental health indicators after accounting for other variables such as gender, BMI, and energy intake.
When broken down by gender, the results revealed some distinctions. Girls in the middle range of vitamin E and β-carotene intake reported fewer psychosomatic symptoms, and those in the highest β-carotene group reported better quality of life. Among boys, high vitamin C intake was linked to fewer psychosomatic symptoms. However, most gender-based differences were not statistically significant.
Additionally, researchers calculated a vitamin intake score based on how many nutrients met Nordic nutrition guidelines. A higher score was associated with fewer psychosomatic symptoms, especially in boys, but not with anxiety or life quality scores overall.
Context and Implications
Mental health problems are rising among Swedish teens, with the prevalence of psychosomatic complaints growing from 29% in 1985 to 57% in 2013. About 50% of adult mental illnesses begin before age 14, and 1 in 6 adolescents in Europe is affected by a mental health disorder. Swedish teens report higher rates of such issues compared to their Nordic peers.
Diet is a known factor influencing mental health. Fruits and vegetables, which are rich in β-carotene, have been linked to better psychological outcomes in earlier research. β-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress—both of which are connected to mental health conditions.
“This study adds to growing evidence that what teens eat may play a role in their mental well-being,” said the authors. “In particular, β-carotene appears to be a strong dietary marker linked to improved mental health.”
Limitations
The study’s authors caution that the cross-sectional design means the results cannot confirm a cause-and-effect relationship. All data were self-reported, which could lead to bias or inaccuracy. The lack of blood tests to measure actual antioxidant levels and the omission of supplement use are other noted limitations. Moreover, findings may not apply beyond Swedish or Nordic populations.
Despite these limitations, the results suggest that encouraging a diet rich in fruits and vegetables—particularly those high in β-carotene—could be a helpful step in supporting adolescent mental health.
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