| Title: | Examining the non-linear relationship between sugar consumption and anxiety symptoms in UK biobank data |
| Journal: | Nutrition Journal |
| Published: | 26 Jan 2026 |
| Pubmed: | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41582118/ |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12937-025-01277-4 |
Publication 18469
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Abstract
PurposeGeneralized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common psychiatric condition. The role of sugar in emotional health is becoming more apparent. This cross-sectional study investigated the potential non-linear associations of sugar on GAD and identified thresholds that would be associated with GAD if these non-linear associations were significant, using the UK Biobank.MethodA sample of 84,087 subjects was included. Total energy and sugar consumption were calculated using Oxford WebQ. Total sugar, glucose, fructose, maltose, and sucrose as dietary exposure. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire was used to measure anxiety symptoms. The non-linear relationship between sugar and GAD scores was examined using generalized additive models (GAMs).ResultsSignificant non-linear relationships were found between sugar consumption and GAD score, and were modified by gender and age. Total sugar and sucrose consumption demonstrated non-linear associations with GAD scores among those aged 45 or younger. In those aged 46 to 64 years, non-linear associations of GAD score were found in total sugar consumption in both genders. Additionally, in females, non-linear associations were also observed across all the sugar types; compared to males, only sucrose consumption showed a significant association. Specifically, the association between sucrose consumption and GAD score followed a J-shaped pattern in both genders. Only sucrose consumption demonstrated a non-linear association with GAD scores in females aged 65 or above.ConclusionThis study identified non-linear and dose-dependent associations between various types of sugar on anxiety in different gender and age groups, which may have implications for lifestyle psychiatry.</p>
6 Authors
- Xue Yang
- Agassi Chun Wai Wong
- Qian Li
- Hannah Xiaoyan Hui
- Liping Zhang
- Samuel Yeung-shan Wong
1 Application
| Application ID | Title |
|---|---|
| 64457 | Genetic, lifestyle, and socio-demographic determinations to the development of hypertension and its associated complications |
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