According to a new study published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, the consumption of high-sugar drinks is directly linked to the manifestation of anxiety symptoms in adolescents.
A research team from Bournemouth University analyzed data from numerous different studies to identify a common pattern between dietary habits and mental well-being.
Traditionally, scientists have focused on the physical consequences of poor nutrition, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, as the authors of the new study point out, the impact of diet on mental health—particularly in the case of nutrient-poor beverages—has been less explored.
Anxiety disorders are a leading cause of mental distress among young people. According to 2023 data, one in five children and young adults experiences a mental health problem.
During the analysis, researchers examined the effects of various types of drinks, including carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks, sugary juices, sweetened tea and coffee, and flavored dairy products.
The study results showed a correlation between excessive beverage consumption and high levels of anxiety. However, the scientists emphasize that this data does not yet prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
It is possible that anxiety symptoms drive young people to consume sugary drinks, or that other factors exist—such as family environment or sleep disorders—which contribute to both problems simultaneously.
In recent years, the rate of anxiety disorders among adolescents has risen sharply. Researchers explain that identifying modifiable lifestyle habits is critically important to reversing this negative trend.
