Could artificial sweeteners raise depression risk?

Could artificial sweeteners raise depression risk?

The Impact of Highly Processed Foods on Depression Risk

Highly processed packaged foods and drinks may be quick, cheap, and tasty, but new research suggests that they’re also likely to increase your risk of depression. This revelation comes from a study that found a potential 50% rise in depression risk among heavy consumers of ultra-processed foods, especially those artificially sweetened.

Dr. Andrew Chan, the lead author of the study and a professor at Harvard Medical School, wasn’t surprised by the association between highly processed foods and depression. These foods undergo intense industrial processes, such as hydrogenation, which significantly increases the trans fat content. Trans fats have been repeatedly linked to a higher risk of heart disease.

The study focused on “ultra-processed” grain foods, sweet snacks, ready-to-eat meals, desserts, sauces, processed dairy products, savory snacks, processed meats, beverages, and artificial sweeteners. Chan emphasized that these foods often contain additives like dyes, stabilizers, and emulsifiers, commonly found in so-called “fast food,” cookies, and chips.

Considering existing research on the link between diet and depression risk, Chan and his team wanted to investigate the impact of highly processed foods on mental health. They studied nearly 32,000 middle-aged women who participated in the Nurses’ Health Study II from 2003 to 2017. The participants were depression-free at the start of the study, and the majority were white women between the ages of 42 and 62.

By the end of the study, over 2,100 women were diagnosed with depression, and this number more than doubled when a less strict screening standard was used. The study found that women in the top 20% of ultra-processed food consumption had a 50% higher risk of depression.

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While it’s possible that people with depression may be more inclined to consume highly processed foods, the study’s design makes it less likely that this association is solely due to depression affecting food choices. However, it’s important to note that the study does not prove a cause-and-effect relationship between highly processed foods and depression.

Interestingly, only artificial sweetener content, found in food or beverages, was associated with the elevated risk of depression. According to Chan, the more servings of processed food consumed per day, the greater the risk of depression. However, the study also found that individuals who reduced their intake of ultra-processed foods by at least three servings per day over four years appeared to lower their risk for depression.

The exact mechanisms by which highly processed foods contribute to depression risk remain unclear. However, it is known that these foods can lead to chronic inflammation, which can have various adverse effects on health, including depression. Furthermore, ultra-processed foods disrupt the gut’s microbial balance, impacting mood through the metabolism and production of brain-activity-regulating proteins.

In light of these findings, Dr. Chan advises individuals to limit their consumption of highly processed foods wherever possible. Doing so may have significant benefits, especially for those struggling with mental health.

Connie Diekman, a nutrition consultant based in St. Louis, and former president of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, reviewed the study’s findings. Diet and nutrition play a crucial role in mental health, but it is difficult to isolate the specific impact of individual foods or nutrients in overall mental well-being. Diekman suggests focusing on meeting nutrient needs and improving overall diet quality to promote better mental health.

While research continues to explore the relationship between diet and mental health, it is clear that highly processed foods, particularly those high in artificial sweeteners, can potentially increase the risk of depression. Making mindful choices and adopting healthier eating habits can contribute to overall well-being and mental health.

QUESTION: Depression is a(n) __________.

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The study was published on September 20, 2023, in JAMA Network Open.

Sources: – Andrew Chan, MD, MPH, vice chair, gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, and professor, medicine, clinical and translational epidemiology unit, Harvard Medical School, Boston. – Connie Diekman, RD, MEd, LD, food and nutrition consultant, St. Louis, Mo., and former president, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. – JAMA Network Open, September 20, 2023.