# Age‐Specific Association Between the Dietary Inflammatory Index and Depression Among Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

## TL;DR

This study finds that a pro-inflammatory diet is linked to depression in younger chronic kidney disease patients, but not in those over 70.

## Contribution

The study identifies an age-specific link between dietary inflammation and depression in CKD patients.

## Key findings

- DII is significantly associated with depression in CKD patients aged ≤70 years.
- Residual renal function partially mediates the relationship between DII and depression.
- Age-specific anti-inflammatory diets may help prevent depression in younger CKD patients.

## Abstract

Depression is a common comorbidity in CKD patients. The purpose of this study was to define the age‐specific association between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and depression among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Data in this cross‐sectional study were collected from the 2005–2018 National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES). Weighted multivariable logistic regression models were conducted to assess the relationship between DII and depression in CKD patients across different age groups. A mediation analysis was constructed to clarify the mediating role of inflammation and renal function. A total of 5501 CKD patients were enrolled in this study. A significant association between DII and depression was demonstrated in patients with CKD aged ≤ 70 years, and a linear correlation was uncovered (p for nonlinear > 0.05). However, no significant effect was present in patients aged > 70 years. Additionally, residual renal function slightly mediated the role of DII on depression in CKD patients. DII was associated with depressive disorder in CKD patients partially through renal function. Younger CKD patients were more affected, and targeting age‐specific anti‐inflammatory diets could be an intervention strategy to prevent depression in patients with CKD.

Significant association between DII and depression in CKD patients aged ≤ 70 years. Linear association between DII and depression in CKD patients aged ≤ 70 years. Inflammation and residual renal function mediated the association between DII and depression. Age‐specific anti‐inflammatory diets may be a promising intervention for depression in CKD patients.