Daily glass of 100% fruit juice linked to modest drop in depression scores

A four-week trial found that adults who added a daily glass of 100% fruit juice or a smoothie to a 5-a-day diet reported lower depression scores than those who only increased whole fruit and veg intake.

In a small randomized trial, 42 low-fruit-and-veg consumers were given £10 weekly and guidance to meet the UK 5-a-day target. One group continued their usual diet, a second increased intake using only whole produce, and a third added a daily glass of 100% fruit juice or a smoothie alongside whole fruit and veg. After four weeks, all intervention groups raised their fruit and vegetable consumption, but the juice group recorded depression scores 2.52 points lower on a 27-point scale compared with controls, a modest yet statistically significant effect.

Fiber intake rose by an estimated 8-10 g in both intervention arms, and no negative changes in metabolic markers were observed among juice drinkers. The study was funded by the Fruit Juice Science Centre and published in the British Journal of Nutrition. Researchers suggest that affordable, simple dietary tweaks like a daily juice glass could help people meet fruit-and-veg goals and support mental well-being.