A three-year study of 6,537 students found that each additional daily serving of fruit was associated with lower odds of depressive and anxiety symptoms, while sugary drinks were linked to poorer mental health.
A new analysis highlighted by Alsumaria suggests that what teenagers eat may have a measurable effect on their mental wellbeing, with fruit standing out as a possible protective factor. The report says researchers followed 6,537 students across 71 schools for three years and found that each additional daily serving of fruit was linked with a 13% lower likelihood of depressive symptoms and a 7% lower likelihood of anxiety symptoms. It also said that sugary drinks such as fizzy drinks and energy drinks were associated with a higher risk of mental health problems, particularly anxiety in boys.
The findings fit with a broader body of research suggesting that diets rich in fruit and vegetables are associated with better adolescent mental health. A systematic review indexed on PubMed found that higher consumption of these foods was generally linked with fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety, while a study published in BMC Public Health reported that very low fruit and vegetable intake in adolescence was associated with poorer mental health outcomes, regardless of sex or ethnic background.
At the same time, research has repeatedly pointed to the harmful role of sugar-sweetened drinks and ultra-processed foods. A more recent PubMed study found a significant association between sugar-sweetened beverage and fast-food consumption and worse mental health in adolescents, including more symptoms of depression and anxiety. The pattern is consistent with the Alsumaria report’s warning that sugary drinks may be especially unhelpful during a stage of life when emotional health is still developing.
Experts cited in the reporting linked the fruit effect to its fibre, vitamins and plant compounds, which may support brain development and the communication pathway between the gut and the brain. By contrast, sugary drinks may contribute to inflammation and metabolic disruption. The practical message for families and schools is straightforward: make fresh fruit, water and other healthy choices easier to find, and ensure that cost does not become a barrier to eating well.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
