‘Furry Fruit’ Improves Mental Health

Kiwifruit has proven itself as a powerful mood booster and new research from the University of Otago has shown just how fast its effects can be.

Co-author Professor Tamlin Conner, of the Department of Psychology, says the findings provide a tangible and accessible way for people to support their mental well-being.

Vitamin C intake has been associated with improved mood, vitality, well-being, and lower depression, while vitamin C deficiency is associated with higher depression and cognitive impairment.

However, Professor Conner says limited research has assessed how quickly mood improvements occur after introducing vitamin C supplements or whole food sources.

The researchers aimed to fill that gap with an 8-week dietary intervention of 155 adults with low vitamin C.

Participants took daily either a vitamin C supplement, placebo, or two kiwifruit.

They then reported their vitality, mood, flourishing, sleep quality, sleep quantity, and physical activity using smartphone surveys.

The researchers found kiwifruit supplementation improved vitality and mood within four days, peaking around 14-16 days, and improved flourishing from day 14. Vitamin C, on the other hand, marginally improved mood until day 12.

Lead author Dr Ben Fletcher, who conducted the research as part of his PhD at Otago, says understanding the nuances of when and how these effects occur day-to-day contributes to our knowledge of the potential benefits of vitamin C-rich foods and supplements on mental health.

He adds that, while vitamin C tablets showed some improvements, the study underscores the potential synergistic effects of consuming whole foods like kiwifruit.

“We encourage a holistic approach to nutrition and well-being, incorporating various nutrient-rich foods into your diet.”

In addition to the direct implications for individuals seeking to improve their mental well-being, Professor Conner says the study introduces a novel methodology in nutritional research.

“The use of intensive smartphone surveys offers a real-time understanding of the day-to-day changes in mood-related outcomes.”

Sources:

Benjamin D. Fletcher, Jillian J. Haszard, Margreet C. M. Vissers, Tamlin S. Conner. Smartphone survey data reveals the timecourse of changes in mood outcomes following vitamin C or kiwifruit intervention in adults with low vitamin C. British Journal of Nutrition, 2023; 1 DOI: 10.1017/S0007114523002787

Materials provided by University of Otago. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

University of Otago. “‘Furry fruit’ improves mental health — fast.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 24 January 2024. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240124191505.htm>.

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