Khaberni - A team of German researchers studied the relationship between soft drink consumption and severe depression disorder, adding a new dimension to concerns about these beverages which have been previously linked to weight gain and dental decay.
The British National Health Service (NHS) stated that severe depression disorder involves "a consistently low mood that lasts for a long period or reoccurs," while a recent study highlighted the relationship between gut microbiota and soft drink consumption.
The researchers focused on "Eggerthella" and "Hungatella" bacteria, where the former has been associated with inflammatory diseases of the intestines and joints, while the latter is suspected to be linked to colon cancer. Previous research indicates that levels of these bacteria are elevated in individuals suffering from depression.
The study included 405 patients aged between 18 and 65 years (68% of whom are women), along with a control group of 527 healthy individuals. The researchers also compared participants who take anti-depression medications with those who do not, recording soft drink consumption through a detailed dietary questionnaire.
The results showed that the women who consume soft drinks daily reported more severe symptoms of depression, along with elevated levels of "Eggerthella" bacteria in the intestines, whereas this pattern was not observed in men, despite their higher consumption amounts.
Principal researcher Charmili Edwin Thanaraya explained that biological differences between genders affect gut microbiota, considering soft drinks as "a common and preventable risk factor," urging doctors to recommend reducing their consumption as part of a healthy diet.
In related context, a recent Brazilian study warned that daily consumption of a sugar-free soft drink might accelerate the deterioration of brain functions, noting that artificial sweeteners such as "aspartame" are linked to chronic diseases including cancer and heart diseases.
The study was published in the JAMA medical journal.
