Scientists at the Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI) and Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) in Barcelona have uncovered a potential connection between a specific amino acid and the likelihood of experiencing depression, Xpats.ae reports.
The amino acid, known as proline, is found in everyday foods including gelatin, beef, and fish. According to findings published in Cell Metabolism, consuming diets high in proline may heighten the risk of developing depressive symptoms.
The investigation, directed by Dr. José Manuel Fernández-Real and Dr. Jordi Mayneris-Perxachs of IDIBGI and CIBEROBN, alongside Dr. Rafael Maldonado from UPF, evaluated participants’ amino acid consumption and its relationship to their reported mood levels. Researchers assessed both dietary patterns and emotional well-being to determine meaningful correlations.
Dr. Fernández-Real, who also leads the Department of Medical Sciences at the University of Girona, noted that the team was taken aback to discover that proline showed the strongest correlation with depression among all amino acids. Blood tests confirmed that elevated plasma proline concentrations were among the most significant metabolic markers connected to depressive symptoms.
Additional research revealed the crucial role of gut microbiota, as bacterial composition influenced how proline was metabolized in the body. Participants with certain gut bacteria types exhibited fewer signs of depression despite consuming higher amounts of proline, emphasizing the importance of gut health in mood regulation.
Experiments on mice and fruit flies provided further evidence, demonstrating that altering proline metabolism produced depression-like behaviors in the animals. The research underscores the potential influence of proline on emotional health and could pave the way for future nutrition-based interventions in mental wellness.
