9 Jan 2013 - Food Navigator - Study links carbonated drinks to depression while coffee is tied to lower risk

Drinking sugary or sweetened soft drinks is associated with an increased risk of depression - with those consuming diet versions at the highest risk - while drinking coffee may be linked to a reduced risk, according to US-based researchers.

Led by Dr Honglei Chen from the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), the researchers found that people who drank more than four cans of soda per day were 30% more likely to develop depression than those who drank no soda, while people who drank four cups of coffee per day were around 10% less likely to develop depression than those who drank no coffee.

Those who drank diet versions of soda, iced tea or other sweetened beverages including fruit punches, were found to be at a higher risk of developing depression than people who drank 'regular' versions of the drink, said the research team.