Regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages such as soda and soft drinks may be associated with a higher risk of depression, according to a new study published in the journal Depression and Anxiety.
Researchers analysed data from 59 studies involving more than two million people across 22 countries to examine the relationship between dietary habits and mental health.
The analysis found that people who consumed larger amounts of sugar-sweetened beverages had an 18 percent higher risk of depression compared with those who consumed less.
In contrast, coffee consumption was associated with a 13 percent lower risk of depression. However, the reported benefit appeared to be specific to depression, with no significant reduction in the risk of anxiety or stress identified in the analysis.
Researchers suggested that high sugar intake may affect the body’s stress-response system, including the functioning of the hormone cortisol. They also pointed to oxidative stress and inflammation as possible biological pathways linking dietary patterns with depression.
The study also highlighted C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker associated with inflammation and oxidative stress, as another possible factor involved in the relationship between diet and mental health.
Depression is a complex mental health condition that can affect mood, daily functioning and overall physical well-being. While occasional sadness is a normal response to difficult experiences, persistent symptoms may require professional assessment and treatment.
The researchers’ findings describe an association between beverage consumption and depression risk and do not by themselves establish that sugary drinks directly cause depression or that coffee prevents it.