FARM2FORK-12: Nutrition and Mental Health

We are part of a dynamic network of researchers and institutions across Europe and Turkey, focusing on health, nutrition, and food systems. In the context of the HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-12 call, we are collaborating with a health university who ca bring expertise to the consortium and also another research organization from Europe who can develop project concept together with the consortium.

Potential Contributions:

Depending on the project concept, interviews (online or face-to-face) and surveys can be conducted in Türkiye. These studies can take place in various regions of the country if required.

Literature reviews/meta analysis and similar academic work can be carried out.

The research can be tailored to a specific mental disorder or nutrient group, as determined by the consortium.

As a partner from Türkiye, we can highlight cultural differences and/or regional foods that may influence nutrition and mental health. For example, hazelnuts are widely consumed in Türkiye and are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are often linked to mental health. We can evaluate the preventive or therapeutic role of hazelnuts in mental health contexts.

Correlating the scales to be conducted with microbiota analyses. Implementing a nutrition plan (e.g., restora diet) for individuals with weak microbiota analysis. Repeating the analyses after the nutrition plan has been applied.

Designing a randomized study to examine changes and the effectiveness of the intervention. Evaluating the intervention's efficacy through this randomized study.

In addition to the mental health scales, analyzing brain chemicals such as serotonin and GABA through blood samples. Including geographically indicated foods, specific to Turkey, in the nutrition plans (e.g., hazelnuts, pistachios, cornelian cherries, black chokeberries...), with the possibility of expanding the list of examples and working with other food groups.

Considering the diet module and its potential, with flexibility to expand and explore other food categories.

As a result of these studies, working with geographically indicated food groups can provide valuable insights and recommendations for nutrition policies in Turkey or Europe.

Collaborating with NGOs and similar organizations in Türkiye to increase outreach and engagement.

Developing educational materials tailored to different audiences.