Dampak Konsumsi Gula pada Mikrobiota Usus dan Kesehatan Mental Pada Remaja: Narrative Review

The Impact of Sugar Consumption on Gut Microbiota and Mental Health in Adolescents: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Adolescence is a critical period of neurological development and gut microbiota maturation that coincides with heightened vulnerability to mental health disorders. Current adolescent dietary patterns, characterized by excessive sugar and ultra-processed food consumption, may disrupt gut microbiota homeostasis through the gut brain axis. This narrative review aimed to explore the relationship between sugar consumption, gut microbiota alterations, and mental health outcomes in adolescents, while identifying the underlying biological mechanisms. A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, covering studies published between 2015 and 2025 that examined adolescents aged 10–19 years. Four studies met the inclusion criteria. High sugar intake was consistently associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis, characterized by reduced microbial diversity, increased pro-inflammatory bacteria, and decreased SCFA-producing bacteria. These alterations impaired intestinal barrier integrity, triggered systemic inflammation, and dysregulated the HPA axis, contributing to depressive and anxiety symptoms. Excessive sugar consumption is mechanistically linked to gut microbiota dysbiosis and mental health impairment in adolescents through neural, endocrine, immune, and metabolic pathways. Dietary interventions emphasizing sugar restriction alongside increased fiber, prebiotic, and probiotic intake represent promising strategies for preventing and managing mental health disorders in this population.