SYDNEY, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Eating an extra serving of fruit each day was associated with a lower risk of depression and anxiety symptoms in teenagers, while higher consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks was linked to an increased risk, an Australian study shows.
Researchers followed 6,537 adolescents from 71 secondary schools across the states of New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia over four years, beginning when participants were about 12.5 years old on average, according to a statement released Monday by Australia's University of Sydney.
The study found that one additional daily serving of fruit was associated with a 13 percent lower risk of depression symptoms and a 7 percent lower risk of anxiety symptoms. Average daily fruit consumption ranged from two to 2.5 servings during the study period.
Higher consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, including soft drinks, cordials and sports drinks, was associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety. The association was observed in both sexes but was stronger among boys, particularly for anxiety, according to the study published in Child and Adolescent Mental Health.
The study excluded adolescents who already had elevated depression or anxiety symptoms at the start and accounted for factors including physical activity, age, sex and socioeconomic status.
The researchers called for greater efforts to make nutritious foods more accessible and affordable and reduce young people's exposure to sugary drinks. ■
