Mood disorders affect 7 percent of the population each year, according to the Surgeon General. These medical conditions rank as one of the top 10 causes of disability. Treating such mental problems would improve life quality and benefit the economy. Yet, identifying the underlying causes of mood disorders remains difficult. Many experts believe that food additives have little psychological impact, but a few studies show that they affect depression, anxiety and libido.
Succinate
Succinic acid gives fermented beverages their distinct combination of saltiness, bitterness and acidity. This additive, also known as spirit of amber, improves rheumatic disorders like arthritis, as well. An investigation by A.B. Peskov and coworkers, described in the September 2005 edition of "Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine," evaluated a succinate-based preparation for the treatment of climacteric symptoms. Postmenopausal women were given either the additive or a placebo. Relative to control subjects, patients receiving succinate experienced less mood swings. Increases in estrogen mediated these, and other positive effects in the older women.
Saffron
Crocus sativus, better known as saffron, is a coveted spice used as a food additive. This substance adds a fire-like color to many exotic dishes. Ancient Persian healers used saffron to treat respiratory disorders. Modern doctors have discovered new uses, as well. An experiment by A.A. Noorbala and associates presented in the February 2005 issue of "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" looked at the mood-elevating effects of saffron. Depressed patients received the spice or an antidepressant for 42 days. Results indicated that the two treatments had comparable effects. The food additive was as effective as a prescription drug and produced only a few side effects.
Curcumin
Another coloring agent, curcumin, also affects mood. This pigment gives the spice turmeric its distinctive mustard color. A study by M.K. Bhutani and colleagues, offered in the March 2009 edition of "Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior," tested curcumin in an animal model of anxiety. Rats subjected to chronic stress were given the food additive for 21 days. The scientists compared their responses before and after the treatment. Relative to baseline, curcumin reduced anxiety scores. Rats displayed greater mobility while receiving the coloring agent. Positive changes in brain chemistry mediated these findings.
MSG
Many products contain the salt monosodium glutamate, MSG. This controversial additive changes the nervous system causing migraine headaches in susceptible people. The taste enhancer affects other organ systems, as well. A report by E.G. Kuznetsova and his team in Russia looked at the sexual side effects of MSG. These researchers administered a single dose of the food additive or an inert treatment to laboratory animals. The results, published in the June 2006 of "Russian Journal of Physiology," showed that rats given the additive showed less sexual motivation than those given the placebo. The MSG rats were also less physically active.
References
- SurgeonGeneral.gov: Mental Health and Mood Disorders
- "Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine; Succinate-Based Preparation Alleviates Manifestations of the Climacteric Syndrome in Women; A.B. Peskov et al.; September 2005
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Hydro-Alcoholic Extract of Crocus Sativus L. Versus Fluoxetine in the Treatment of Mild to Moderate Depression; A.A. Noorbala et al.; February 2005
- "Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior"; Anti-Depressant Like Effect of Curcumin and Its Combination with Piperine in Unpredictable Chronic Stress-Induced Behavioral, Biochemical and Neurochemical Changes; M.K. Bhutani et al.; March 2009
- "Russian Journal of Physiology"; Effect of Neonatal Administration of Monosodium Glutamate on Behavior and Blood Corticosterone Level; E. G. Kuznetsova et al.; June 2006
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