Is Sugar's Metabolism Linked to Depression Risk in Men?

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The discussion centers on a study examining the effects of sugar, particularly fructose, on mental health and its potential link to increased depression risk. A key point raised is the lack of mention of byproducts from fructose metabolism in the study, which could influence the findings. A commentary from a scientist suggests skepticism about the unique impact of sugar on mental health, arguing that sugar and other carbohydrates are metabolized similarly in the body. The conversation also touches on the challenges of reducing sugar intake due to its addictive nature and the personal benefits experienced from lowering sugar consumption, such as improved well-being.
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According to this study:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-05649-7

What I find interesting is that the authors did not list the byproducts produced when fructose is metabolized as a possible vehicle for what they found.

In fact, in one news article a scientist commenting on the study almost denied the possibility.
Here is the article:
https://www.theguardian.com/society...ncrease-depression-risk-in-men-study-suggests
Here is the quote:
From a scientific standpoint it is difficult to see how sugar in food would differ from other sources of carbohydrate on mental health, as both are broken down to simple sugars in the gut before absorption and the glycemic index of sugar is less than refined starchy foods such as white bread and rice.
To be precise, sugar is broken down into glucose and fructose in the gut. And fructose has a fairly low glycemic index. But that's because it needs to be processed in the liver.
http://advances.nutrition.org/content/4/2/226.long
 
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