Young people who consume sugary drinks have more anxiety

In abundance young people who drink sugary drinks suffer from anxiety more often than others, says a freshman review study.

In public health work, the harms of a poor diet to physical health are often emphasized, for example obesity and type 2 diabetes.

The connection between mental health and diet is less talked about, points out one of the authors of the study Chloe Casey from the British Bournemouth University.

“Especially the effect of energy-dense but nutrient-poor drinks on mental well-being has received little attention,” Casey says in the release.

The researchers compiled the studies on the topic so far, evaluated their level and pulled the screen together. The result of the meta-analysis was that the risk of an anxiety disorder is one third higher in young people who regularly drink sugary sodas, juices or energy drinks.

Studies were of such a quality that they do not show whether high sugar intake is a cause or a consequence of anxiety.

The connection of sugar consumption to poorer mental health and the risk of anxiety disorders has been observed in several other studies at the level of the entire population. They may also have common causes.

For example, family worries, stress and sleep disorders may increase both anxiety and consumption of sugary drinks.

Which case anxiety symptoms have become more common among young people especially since the corona era both in Finland and in other western countries.

The researchers dare to suggest that reducing sugary drinks might to some extent prevent the spread of anxiety.

“Anxiety disorder has become more common among young people in recent years, so it is important to identify lifestyle changes that could reduce the risk of the trend continuing,” says Casey.

According to researchers, home and parents are key. Young people drink researched more sugary lemonades, if they are constantly available in your own fridge, they qualify as food drinks at home and parents do not limit what the children choose to drink anyway.