An article in Mail Online is about a study that suggests that artificial sweeteners and ultra-processed food can lead to depression. The study evaluated the diets of over 30 white, middle-aged women, about 000 of whom had clinical depression.
Scientists know Harvard University and Mass General Brigham Hospital in Massachusetts found a link between higher intake of ultra-processed foods, such as cereals, snacks and convenience foods, and depression. They also found a link between artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, and depression. They speculated that these substances could affect the brain in a negative way.
The article presents some interesting findings about the possible effect of artificial sweeteners and ultra-processed food on mental health. But the article may have some limitations, such as that it only included women, most were white, and that there may be other factors that contribute to depression. Therefore, there may not be enough evidence to say that these foods cause depression, even if it indicates a likelihood of it, for white women.