Introduction to the Study
So much for a sugar high. Soda’s popularity has fizzled over the years as study after study has revealed that its sugar and calories fuel the risk of obesity, Type 2 diabetes and dental issues, among other health problems.
The Link Between Soda Consumption and Depression
Now, new research out of Germany suggests that consuming soft drinks can also increase the odds of developing depression. Researchers say that popping pop raises levels of Eggerthella, a type of gut bacteria found to be more abundant in people with depression. Women are at higher risk than men.
Soda consumption predicted a diagnosis of major depressive disorder in a new study out of Germany.
Research Findings
“These findings underscore the role of diet in depression and highlight the gut microbiome as a key mediator,” Dr. Sharmili Edwin Thanarajah, of University Hospital Frankfurt, told Inside Precision Medicine. “The observed sex-specific effects suggest the need for tailored prevention and intervention strategies.” Thanarajah’s team studied 405 people with major depressive disorder and 527 people without.
Methodology
Participants self-reported their mental health symptoms and soda intake. Stool samples were used to analyze their gut bacteria. The study authors hypothesized that soda consumption is linked to depressive symptoms — and the bacteria Eggerthella and Hungatella are key to this relationship.
The Role of Gut Bacteria
The study links soft drink consumption, gut microbiome changes and depressive symptoms in women. Soft drink intake predicted the diagnosis of major depressive disorder. The scientists also found an abundance of Eggerthella but not Hungatella in female participants.
Sex-Specific Effects
“In male participants, we did not find a significant association,” the researchers wrote Wednesday in JAMA Psychiatry. Sugar in soft drinks disrupts the gut microbiome — the collection of bacteria, viruses and fungi in our digestive system — by decreasing beneficial bacteria that maintain gut health and increasing species associated with inflammation.
Impact on Gut Health
In mice, Eggerthella has been shown to reduce butyrate, an anti-inflammatory short-chain amino acid crucial for gut health, and deplete tryptophan, a key precursor for serotonin, a neurotransmitter that influences mood. “The microbiome is sort of a big player in what’s happening between the gut — all the food that we eat, everything goes through there — and the immune system, which is monitoring the gut so that we stay safe,” Dr. Arun Swaminath, director of the Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Program at Lenox Hill Hospital, told The Post.
Connection to Psychiatric Disorders
Eggerthella, which is found in increased abundance in people with depressive symptoms, is seen here under an electron microscope. “What’s really interesting here is that they’ve connected these same bacteria to a psychiatric disorder and have shown that you increase these types of pro-inflammatory bacteria when you take in these sugary drinks,” added Swaminath, who was not involved with the new research.
Sex Hormones and Gut Bacteria
As for why this link was seen predominantly in women, the researchers speculated that sex hormones “likely play a key role,” while also acknowledging that about two-thirds of the participants were women.
Future Research Directions
“While our analysis links soft drink consumption, gut microbiota changes and depressive symptoms, experimental studies in humans and rodents are necessary to prove a causal link,” the researchers wrote. It’s probably a good idea to ditch your sugar- and calorie-packed beverages in the meantime — water is a wonderful alternative that helps you stay hydrated throughout the day.
Probiotic Sodas and Gut Health
Dr. Anna K. Costakis, psychiatry residency program director at Northwell Staten Island University Hospital, isn’t so sure about loading up on trendy probiotic sodas designed to improve the gut microbiome by introducing beneficial bacteria. “I don’t know that this is the response because most of those beverages are also so chock full of either real sugar or artificial sugar,” Costakis told The Post. “And the artificial sweeteners disrupt the gut microbiome just as much as regular sugar.”
Conclusion
The study highlights the potential link between soda consumption and depression, particularly in women. The findings suggest that diet plays a significant role in depression and that the gut microbiome is a key mediator. While more research is needed to prove a causal link, it is recommended to limit or avoid soda consumption and opt for healthier alternatives like water.
FAQs
Q: What is the main finding of the study?
A: The study found that consuming soft drinks can increase the odds of developing depression, particularly in women.
Q: What is Eggerthella and how is it related to depression?
A: Eggerthella is a type of gut bacteria that is found to be more abundant in people with depression. It is thought to play a role in the development of depressive symptoms.
Q: Why was the link between soda consumption and depression seen predominantly in women?
A: The researchers speculated that sex hormones may play a key role in the link between soda consumption and depression, but more research is needed to confirm this.
Q: What can I do to reduce my risk of developing depression?
A: Limiting or avoiding soda consumption and opting for healthier alternatives like water may help reduce the risk of developing depression.
Q: Are probiotic sodas a good alternative to regular soda?
A: While probiotic sodas may seem like a healthier alternative, they often contain high amounts of sugar or artificial sweeteners that can disrupt the gut microbiome. It is recommended to choose water or other low-sugar beverages instead.
