Popular Drinks Linked to Deterioration of Mental Health 0 10

Regular consumption of sugary soft drinks is associated with an increased risk of developing depressive symptoms. This conclusion was reached by the authors of a large review and meta-analysis published in the journal Food & Function (F&F). The analysis showed that individuals who most frequently drink soda and other sugary beverages exhibit signs of depression significantly more often than those who consume them rarely or avoid them altogether.

Researchers analyzed data from 15 scientific studies covering more than 520,000 people from the general population. In total, more than 55,000 participants were recorded with depressive symptoms. The comparison showed that at the highest level of soft drink consumption, the risk of developing depressive manifestations was approximately 39 percent higher than at the lowest level.

The association persisted in both cross-sectional studies and long-term observations. A particularly pronounced effect was noted for drinks with added sugar, including sweet soda. However, the authors did not find a clear dependency of "the more, the worse": the mere fact of regular consumption proved to be more important than the exact quantity.

The authors emphasize that the study does not prove a direct causal relationship, but indicates a consistent and reproducible association. In their opinion, limiting the consumption of sugary drinks could become one of the accessible measures for preventing depressive states and reducing the burden on the mental health of the population.