Summary
A study in Germany found that drinking more soft drinks may be linked to major depressive disorder (MDD) in women. The study suggests that changes in gut bacteria could play a role. No similar link was found in men.
Key Facts
- The study found a possible link between soft drink consumption and depression in women.
- Researchers looked at gut bacteria changes, identifying the group called Eggerthella.
- The study involved 405 patients with MDD and 527 healthy people, most of whom were women.
- Each increase in daily soft drink intake was linked to an 8% higher chance of having MDD, primarily in women.
- For the women participating, higher soft drink intake was associated with a 17% increased risk of MDD.
- Soft drink consumption did not affect male participants in the study.
- The study used the Beck Depression Inventory to measure symptom severity, finding significant links in women.
- The authors noted that establishing causation in diet studies is complex and the study's findings are observational.
