Researchers at Tehran University of Medical Sciences have found that high consumption of animal protein is associated with an increased risk of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in women. The results of the study were published in BMC Public Health.

The study included 489 women from Iran. Scientists compared the amounts of animal and plant protein in the participants’ diets and assessed how these related to their psychological well-being.

Women completed dietary questionnaires and underwent the standardized DASS-21 test, which identifies symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Researchers then adjusted for other factors that could influence the results, including age, lifestyle habits, and genetic predispositions.

The analysis showed that women with the highest intake of animal protein reported symptoms of all three conditions significantly more often. In this group, the likelihood of depressive symptoms was 2.6 times higher, anxiety 1.8 times higher, and stress 3.7 times higher compared with women who consumed less animal-based food.

In contrast, plant-based protein showed no statistical association with any of the psychological conditions studied. According to the researchers, this difference may be explained by variations in amino acid composition, accompanying fats, and overall dietary patterns.

The authors emphasize that the study does not prove a direct causal relationship. However, the findings suggest that the source of protein may play a role in women’s mental health.