Korean J Psychosom Med.  2022 Dec;30(2):73-79. 10.22722/KJPM.2022.30.2.73.

Association Between Suicide and Diet

• Lim E
• Kim BJ
• Lee CS
• Cha B
• Lee SJ
• Choi JW
• Lee YJ
• Kang N
• Lee D

• KMID: 2538669
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.22722/KJPM.2022.30.2.73

Abstract

Objectives
：Suicide is a global social problem. Social burden caused by suicide is gradually increasing. Various efforts have been made to prevent suicide. Lifestyle changes to western style, especially diet changes, have increased the risk for suicide. Therefore, in this study, we discussed diet as an adjuvant treatment for suicide.
Methods
：In this review, we summarized the biochemical mechanism of suicide, and diet as a risk factor for suicide and diet as a protective factor through a web search.
Results
：In this study, biochemical mechanisms for suicide were reviewed and diet as a risk factor and diet as a protective factor for suicide were investigated. It was confirmed that neurotoxic effects such as oxidative stress and inflammation in the neural system could increase the risk of suicide. Based on results of previous stud-ies on the relationship between suicide and diet, it was found that heavy use of alcohol, coffee, carbonated soft drink, and fast food were risk factors for suicide. Protective factors for suicide included antioxidants such as vitamin C, carotene, and anti-inflammatory agents such as omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood in large amounts.
Conclusions
：The only treatment for suicide is prevention. In this context, effectiveness, accessibility, and safety are important for preventing for suicide. Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that are relatively safe and readily available to the public could be effective adjuvant treatments to decrease the risk of suicide. In addition, it is necessary to educate the public on reducing diets that could increase the risk of suicide

Keyword

Suicide; Diet; Antioxidants; Anti-inflammatory agents