Animal activists at People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals (PETA) have a theory that Britney Spears' apparent mental problems could be down to excessive meat and dairy intake.

PETA president Ingrid Newkirk has written to her parents, Jamie and Lynne, suggesting they overhaul their troubled daughter’s Toxic diet, which seems to consist largely of burgers and Starbucks coffee.

Newkirk writes: "We have heard that Britney asked for ice-cream while she was in the hospital. There could, in fact, be a connection between her diet and her mental-health problems.

"Numerous reports indicate that in bipolar patients who have hidden dairy sensitivities (a fairly common condition), the disorder can worsen if the patient consumes dairy products.

"And a significant body of research-including evidence cited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-has linked parasites that are often found in undercooked meat (Toxoplasma gondii) to the development of schizophrenia."

The PETA big cheese adds: "While the medical link between mental illness and meat and dairy consumption is still evolving, there is no doubt that eating animal products is a major factor in causing other diseases." 

We bet Jamie and Lynne are ready to try anything at this stage.