Sugary drinks may do more than harm the body; they may also influence the mind. A new study published in JAMA Psychiatry suggests that soft drinks are linked to a higher risk of depression in women, and the connection appears to run through the gut.
Researchers in Germany analyzed data from 932 adults, including more than 400 diagnosed with major depressive disorder. They found that women who drank more sugary beverages had a 17% higher probability of depression and more severe symptoms compared with those who drank less. No such link was observed in men.
The team also found changes in gut bacteria that may help explain the effect. Women who regularly consumed sugary drinks had higher levels of eggerthella, a type of gut microbe that has previously been associated with depression.
“Our data suggests that the relation between soft drinks and depressive symptoms arises via the influence of the microbiome,” said study leader Dr. Sharmili Edwin Thanarajah of University Hospital Frankfurt.
Sugary sodas and lemonades contain not only glucose and fructose but also additives such as preservatives and artificial sweeteners. This mix can disrupt the delicate balance of the intestinal microbiome, favoring inflammation-promoting bacteria while reducing protective short-chain fatty acids. Animal studies suggest such changes may trigger inflammation in the nervous system and worsen depressive behavior.
Why the effect was only seen in women isn’t yet clear. Hormonal factors or sex-related immune responses may play a role.
“The study results open up new perspectives for the prevention and treatment of depressive disorders,” said coauthor Rachel Lippert of the German Institute of Human Nutrition. “Microbiome-based approaches — such as targeted nutritional therapies or probiotic strategies — might help to effectively alleviate depressive symptoms in the future.”
The researchers argue that nutrition’s role in mental health deserves greater attention in public health campaigns. Even small dietary shifts, like cutting back on sugary drinks, could have meaningful effects.
The research was supported by German public science and research agencies, including the German Research Foundation, the German Center for Diabetes Research, the Max Planck Society, the Fraunhofer Society and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.