ABSTRACT

Background:
Depression, anxiety, and stress represent a major global public health burden. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the association between nonalcoholic beverage consumption and these mental health outcomes.

Methods:
We systematically searched four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and EMBASE) through November 19, 2024. Random-effects models were used to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), with subgroup analyses and meta-regression to explore heterogeneity sources.

Results:
The analysis included 59 studies comprising 132 independent reports with 2,050,716 participants. Higher nonalcoholic beverage consumption was significantly associated with depression (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.11-1.26) and anxiety (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.12-1.55). For stress, the main pooled analysis was not statistically significant (OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 0.98-1.35), whereas sensitivity analysis excluding Sangsefidi et al. was significant (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.06-1.38). Beverage-specific analyses revealed that coffee was inversely associated with depression (OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.76-0.99), while sugar-sweetened beverages, bubble tea, carbonated beverages, and energy drinks were positively associated with depression, and bubble tea and carbonated beverages were positively associated with anxiety.

Conclusions:
Nonalcoholic beverage consumption was associated with depression and anxiety, whereas evidence for stress was less stable. Coffee showed an inverse association with depression, while most other beverage types showed positive associations with depression or anxiety. These findings may help inform future mental health-related dietary research and public health strategies, particularly regarding the assessment of beverage consumption patterns, while further prospective and interventional studies are needed before specific dietary recommendations can be made.

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