Eating more fruit linked to lower depression and anxiety in teens

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 18 Oct, 20:31 · Archive

A University of Sydney study found eating one extra serve of fruit daily was linked to a 13 per cent lower risk of depression symptoms in teenagers.

A University of Sydney study has found that eating one extra serve of fruit daily is linked to a 13 per cent lower risk of depression symptoms in teenagers, and a 7 per cent lower risk of anxiety symptoms. The research surveyed more than 6500 students at high schools across Western Australia, Queensland and New South Wales, following them annually from about age 12 until age 15.

Higher consumption of sugary drinks—including soft drinks, cordials and sports drinks—was associated with increased risk of both depression and anxiety. The link was particularly strong in male teenagers, especially for anxiety.

Lily Davidson, lead author and Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Sydney's Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, said the study was notable for excluding adolescents who already had depression or anxiety, helping answer whether poor nutrition precedes mental health problems or whether mental health struggles lead to worse eating habits. Davidson emphasised that 'eating an apple will not prevent depression', and that mental health involves multiple factors, but noted that diet is 'one part of a young person's life that can potentially be changed'.

How it is being reported

• Eating fruit linked to better mental health for teensEating more fruit and drinking less sugary drinks has been linked in a new study with a reduced likelihood of developing anxiety or depression.Perth Now · 18 Oct, 20:01
• Eating fruit linked to better mental health for teensEating more fruit and drinking less sugary drinks has been linked in a new study with a reduced likelihood of developing anxiety or depression.The West Australian · 18 Oct, 20:01
• Child and Adolescent Mental Health study shows eating more fruit could reduce depression and anxiety in teensPersuading teenagers to eat more fruit could help reduce their risk of experiencing depression or anxiety, new research suggests.The West Australian · 18 Oct, 20:00

In this story: University of Sydney · Lily Davidson · Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use · Western Australia · Queensland · New South Wales

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