How diet drinks cause depression?

A recent medical study has found that sugar-free soft drinks based on an artificial sweetener "diet" cause depression.

The study, conducted by researchers at Harvard University and Mas General Brigham Hospital in the United States of America, confirmed that people who consume artificial sweeteners are more likely to suffer from depression compared to people who eat natural sugar.

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This study evaluated the diet of more than 30,000 middle-aged women and clinically diagnosed about 7,000 people with depression.

The research found that consumption of ultra-processed foods, such as snacks, sauces and ready-to-eat meals, could be the cause of depression, and artificial sweeteners such as aspartame were linked to increased rates of depression.

However, the researchers cautioned that there is not enough evidence to directly link these foods to depression, so the findings may be just indicators and recommendations that need further research and verification.

This study is important, as it suggested that artificial sweeteners and artificially sweetened beverages can lead to a greater likelihood of depression by activating certain compounds in the brain.

However, we must consider that this study does not conclusively prove the causal relationship between artificial sweeteners and depression, and the results may come as a result of many complex factors that must be considered.

The researchers used two definitions of depression: one "strict" and the other "broad." "Strict" is major depression due to which patients were diagnosed by a doctor and used antidepressants regularly. "Broad" is widespread depression and means that patients have been clinically diagnosed or taken antidepressants, or both.

Of the 31,712 participants, 2,122 were suffering from major depression, while 4,820 were suffering from widespread depression.

The researchers suggested that ultra-processed foods could lead to a higher likelihood of depression, although they're not sure why.

The researchers said consumption of ultra-processed foods, such as snacks, sauces and ready-to-eat meals, could be the cause of depression.

In addition, artificial sweeteners such as aspartame – which the World Health Organization has considered a potential carcinogen – have been associated with higher rates of depression. However, experts have warned that there is not enough evidence to directly link these foods to depression.

The research letter addressed more than 31,000 women between the ages of 42 and 62. The researchers asked them to complete questionnaires about their eating habits every four years. It is unclear how long they were evaluated.

Researchers say artificial sweeteners and artificially sweetened beverages have been directly linked to an increased risk of depression by activating certain compounds in the brain.

Dr Duane Mellor, a dietitian at Aston University in Britain, said: "The researchers speculate that this may be due to compounds reaching the brain, and this research does not provide any evidence to support this, and it is possible that people with depression may have chosen more sweetened drinks, rather than causal.

Other researchers said that while the results are promising, more research is needed.

Dr Charmali Edwin Thanaraga, a neurologist in Germany, said: "This study provides insight into the potential role of artificial sweeteners in mental and physical health, but this needs to be confirmed by further research beyond observational data alone.

While these factors suggest a potential link, it's important to note that not everyone who consumes diet drinks will experience depression. Individual responses can vary widely based on genetics, overall diet, lifestyle, and other health factors. If someone is concerned about the impact of diet drinks on their mental health, it might be helpful to reduce consumption and observe any changes, and to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

These factors may vary in their effects from person to person. If diet drinks seem to impact your mood, consider reducing consumption and consult a healthcare professional.