Fruit intake linked to lower depression risk among teenagers, study finds
A three-year Australian study found that adding one extra daily serving of fruit is associated with a reduced risk of depression symptoms in adolescents, while higher sugary-drink consumption correlates with increased mental-health issues.
The University of Sydney conducted a longitudinal survey of 6,537 secondary-school students over four years, beginning when participants were on average 12.5 years old. Findings indicate that consuming one more portion of fruit each day corresponded with a 13 percent drop in depression symptom risk and also lessened anxiety symptoms, without quantifying the exact reduction. In contrast, greater consumption of sugary beverages was associated with elevated risks of both depression and anxiety, a pattern that was strongest in male adolescents.
Lily Davidson, the study’s lead author, cautioned that fruit does not prevent mental illness outright but highlighted nutrition as a changeable element in prevention strategies. Associate Professor Katrina Champion noted the importance of making healthy foods more accessible to support youth mental health. The researchers excluded participants already showing elevated symptoms at the start, aiming to clarify the direction of the diet-mental health relationship.
Why it matters
The research suggests simple dietary changes could help lower teen depression rates, informing public-health and school nutrition policies.
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