University of Sydney study: Daily fruit intake linked to reduced depression and anxiety symptoms in adolescents

A study conducted at the University of Sydney found that regular fruit consumption is associated with a clear reduction in depressive and anxiety symptoms among adolescents, while consumption of sugar‑sweetened beverages showed the opposite pattern.

Researcher Lily Davidson led the team that followed 6,537 students from 71 schools over three years, collecting data on dietary patterns and psychological symptoms in this age group.

The results indicated that each additional serving of fruit a teenager consumed daily was associated with a 13% lower likelihood of depressive symptoms and a 7% lower likelihood of anxiety symptoms.

By contrast, the researchers found that excessive intake of sugar‑sweetened drinks, such as sodas and energy drinks, was associated with higher risks of mental-health problems in both sexes, with a particular link between these beverages and anxiety symptoms in boys.

The study also noted that there was no statistically significant association between vegetable consumption and improvements in mental‑health indicators among the participating adolescents.

The researchers attributed the link between fruit and mental health to fruit’s richness in fiber, vitamins and plant compounds that may support brain development and gut‑brain communication, while sugary drinks may increase the likelihood of inflammation and metabolic disturbance.

The study concluded by recommending that families and schools provide healthy options, making fresh fruit and water the first choices for adolescents, and stressed that supporting young people’s mental health requires environments that make healthy food accessible and affordable.