A cross-national relationship between sugar consumption and major depression?

This 2002 study investigated the role of sugar intake in major depression by correlating the per capita consumption of sugar with the prevalence of major depression. Depression incidence data was taken from the Cross-National Epidemiology of Major Depression and Bipolar Disorder study (1996), while the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations published in 1991 showed how much sugar was consumed. When sugar intake rates (calories per day) across 6 countries were analyzed against the annual report of major depression, there was a highly significant relationship identified between the two variables. Although these results do not imply any causative relationship between the two variables examined, sugar consumption may have a direct influence on major depression occurrence. But it should be added that the data was based on a limited number of countries. The paper also discusses the potential link between sugar consumption, beta-endorphins, and oxidative stress. [NPID: sugars, diet, nutrition, depression, depressive, mental health, snacks, calories, unhealthy]

Year: 2002

Reference: Westover, A. N., & Marangell, L. B. (2002). A cross-national relationship between sugar consumption and major depression?. Depression and anxiety, 16(3), 118–120. https://doi.org/10.1002/da.10054

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