Fruit juice consumption linked to lower depression scores in clinical trial

A randomized controlled trial conducted at Newcastle University suggests that consuming a daily glass of 100% fruit juice or a smoothie, alongside increased fruit and vegetable intake, may be associated with a modest reduction in depression symptoms.

The study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, followed 42 adults who initially consumed two or fewer portions of fruits and vegetables daily. Participants were divided into three groups: a control group maintaining their usual diet, a group increasing intake to five portions daily using only whole produce, and a group increasing intake to five portions while also adding one daily serving of fruit juice or a smoothie.

After four weeks, the group consuming both whole produce and daily juice or smoothies reported a mean depression score of 2.93 on the PHQ-9 scale, compared to 5.45 in the control group. While the findings link dietary patterns to mental well-being, researchers noted the study was small and limited to a four-week duration.