Carbonated Soft Drinks Research Articles

Assessment of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural levels in carbonated soft drinks and milk products on the markets in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana

Processing of food products makes them palatable, edible, provides options to consumers and prolong their life spans. Irrespective of these benefits, some of these processes have also shown to increase the build-up of potential toxic metabolites, for example, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF). 5-HMF production results from caramelization and/or Maillard reactions involving carbohydrates and some proteins. Its levels are thus used as an indicator of thermal treatment and suitability of storage conditions. At significantly, higher levels in products, they have been shown to elicit deleterious effects on consumers. The current study was carried out to monitor the levels of 5-HMF in carbonated soft drinks (CSDs) and milk products (MPs) on the market as their consumptions have increased in recent years. Using a validated spectrophotometric method, it was shown that 5-HMF levels in MPs ranged between 1.165 ± 0.007 g/L and 2.638 ± 0.010 g/L and that in the CSDs was between 0.0294 ± 0.00018 g/l and 0.0845 ± 0.00049 g/L. However, the estimated 5-HMF exposure levels from the consumption of these products were shown to be within internationally acceptable limits of 0.005 g/L – 0.15 g/L. The 5-HMF levels observed however demonstrated differences in the two types of products analysed, differences in different brands of similar products, batch-to-batch variations for same brands, and differences in products from different origins. These observations may be indicative of inconsistencies in applicable industrial processing systems. The outcome of this study calls for the need to appraise existing processing systems, to assure reproducible quality products.

Impact of Brand Equity on Consumer Purchasing Decision: A Study on Carbonated Soft Drinks Product in Khulna City

In Bangladesh, the carbonated soft drinks industry is characterized by some domestic and a few global brands. In recent years, the purchasing tendency of carbonated soft drinks products by young adults has elevated significantly. Considering the underlying issue, this study has gone to significant lengths to determine the degree to which brand equity factors influence consumers’ purchasing decisions. Data for statistical analysis were collected from the non-probabilistic convenience method sampling 120 respondents of Khulna city. Based on the previous studies a structured questionnaire was developed to conduct the survey. To depict and prove the statistically significant factors impacting consumers’ purchase decisions, multiple regressions were conducted. Among the brand equity elements, brand loyalty and brand awareness result in a significant positive impact on consumers to purchase carbonated soft drinks products. Where brand image and perceived quality have no significant influence on consumers to purchase carbonated soft drinks products. The findings of the study will be essential for brand owners and decision-makers who are vigorously seeking to develop loyal customers to get a competitive advantage and improve the financial condition of their company.

Beverage Consumption and Ulcerative Colitis: A Case-Control Study from Saudi Arabia.

Background: The association between beverage intake and ulcerative colitis (UC) is not well-established, with no available data from Arab countries. Herein, we investigated the potential association of consuming coffee, tea, and carbonated soft drinks with UC among a population from Saudi Arabia. Methods: This hospital-based case-control study used data of 171 newly diagnosed UC patients and 400 patients with other gastrointestinal conditions who served as controls. All UC cases were ascertained by endoscopy, while beverage intake was assessed by a questionnaire that was completed before diagnosis. We computed odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of UC and UC extension for frequent versus infrequent intakes of coffee, tea, and carbonated soft drinks using logistic regression. Results: Overall, 23.4% of UC patients had pancolitis, 21.1% extensive, 51.4% left-sided, and 4.1% proctitis. UC patients had a similar sex distribution to the controls but were older and had a lower BMI. After adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, and smoking history, frequent intakes of coffee and tea were associated with lower odds of UC: 0.62 (0.42, 0.91) and 0.53 (0.35, 0.79), respectively. On the other hand, frequent intakes of carbonated soft drinks were associated with increased odds of UC: 9.82 (6.12, 15.76). The frequency of beverage consumption was not associated with UC extension. Conclusion: UC was negatively associated with frequent coffee and tea consumption but positively associated with frequent carbonated soft drink intake in Saudi people. More population-based prospective cohort studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Longitudinal geo-referenced field evidence for the heightened BMI responsiveness of obese women to price discounts on carbonated soft drinks

There is increasing interest in the effect that food environments may have on obesity, particularly through mechanisms related to the marketing and consumption of calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods and sugary beverages. Price promotions, such as temporary price discounts, have been particularly effective in the marketing of carbonated soft drinks (CSDs) among consumers. Research has also suggested that the purchasing behavior of consumer groups may be differentially sensitive to price discounts on CSDs, with obese women particularly sensitive. In addition, the intensity of price discount in a person’s food environment may also vary across geography and over time. This study examines whether the weight change of obese women, compared to overweight or normal BMI women, is more sensitive to the intensity of price discounts on CSDs in the food environment. This study used longitudinal survey data from 1622 women in the Montreal Neighborhood Networks and Health Aging (MoNNET-HA) Panel. Women were asked to report their height and weight in 2008, 2010 and 2013 in order to calculate women’s BMI in 2008 and their change of weight between 2008 and 2013. Women’s exposure to an unhealthy food environment was based on the frequency in which their neighborhood food stores placed price discounts on CSDs in 2008. The price discount frequency on CSDs within women’s neighborhoods was calculated from Nielsen point-of sales transaction data in 2008 and geocoded to participant’s forward sortation area. The prevalence of obesity and overweight among MoNNET-HA female participants was 18.3% in 2008, 19.9% in 2010 and 20.7% in 2013 respectively. Results showed that among obese women, exposure to unhealthy food environments was associated with a 3.25 kilogram (SE = 1.35, p-value = 0.02) weight gain over the five-year study period. Exposure to price discounts on CSDs may disproportionately affect and reinforce weight gain in women who are already obese.

Do Consumers Order More Calories in a Meal with a Diet or Regular Soft Drink? An Empirical Investigation Using Large-Scale Field Data

Diet carbonated soft drinks (CSDs) were introduced to help consumers lower caloric intake. However, critics suggest that these drinks can provide an excuse to consume more calories, a so-called “Big Mac and Diet Coke” mentality that is consistent with behavioral theories such as moral licensing (e.g., combining a healthy eating choice with an indulgent, less healthy one). Using individual-level food and drink consumer panel data from a major fast-food restaurant chain, the authors empirically examine meals with a regular CSD versus a diet CSD. Results after controlling for drink size and demographics show that consumers generally do not order higher total calories from a meal with a diet CSD; rather, the authors find significant reductions in calorie count, suggesting that within a single meal, diet CSDs can help consumers unwilling to stop drinking CSDs to reduce calories. So, despite popular beliefs to the contrary, policy makers can consider diet CSD availability as a “calorie-reduction” strategy to lower calorie consumption within a meal.

Consumption of carbonated soft drinks, fruits and vegetables and association with macroeconomic indicators: the analysis of students from seventy-four countries (2003-2015).

This study aimed to compare fruits and vegetables (FV), and carbonated soft drink (CSD) consumption among adolescents from seventy-four countries, according to macroeconomic indicators. This is an ecological study, developed with countries evaluated through the Global School-based Student Health Survey (2003-2014) and the National School Health Survey (PeNSE-Brazil, 2015). The percentages of students in each country who consumed CSD and FV daily and their association with the Human Development Index (HDI) and the Gross National Income per capita (GNIpc) were assessed. Scatter plots were constructed for each marker, and a multilevel model was tested to consider the effects of region in the associations. The overall prevalence of daily CSD consumption was 54·1 %. CSD consumption was positively associated with HDI and GNIpc through multilevel models, and Central and South America showed a considerable higher consumption compared with other regions. Overall, FV daily consumption was 67·9 % and 74·6 %, respectively, and no associations with macroeconomic indicators were found. The study shows concerning rates of CSD consumption among adolescents, and a trend of increased consumption with the improvement of the country's development and GNIpc. This points for the importance of public policies that regulate food and beverage industries to reduce CSD consumption and related co-morbidities among adolescents.

Modifiable risk factors of cardiovascular diseases in university students

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction. Currently, the risk factors are known for many diseases, including cardiovascular diseases. A part of the risk factors are modifiable, and therefore depend on health behaviour of every person. Young student age is the time to build the habits for a healthy lifestyle. Purpose. To study the modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, alcohol abuse and smoking in young university students. Material and methods. The study included 136 university students (24 males and 112 females), median age was 20 (20; 21). The risk factors such as sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, alcohol abuse and smoking were assessed using a questionnaire developed with the help of the adapted international methodologies. Results. The research revealed that 91 (67 %) students have never smoked, 29 (21 %) quit smoking and 16 (12 %) are current smokers. The physical activity analysis showed that 58 (43 %) students have 150 or more minutes of walking activity a week (excluding a way to the study place). 47 (35 %) students have workouts 2-3 times a week and 9 (7 %) do it 5-7 times a week. 50 (37 %) students do not drink alcohol. Almost half of the students (66 (46 %) people) rarely drink alcohol (up to once a week), 10 (7 %) students drink alcohol 2-3 times a week; 10 (7 %) students drink alcohol often (4-6 times per week). The assessment of the eating habits showed that only 26 (19 %) students include vegetables and fruits into their regular diet (6-7 times a week). 78 (57 %) students eat vegetables and fruits rarely (up to 2 times a week). The rest of students (32 (24 %)) almost never eat vegetables and fruits (0-1 times a week). The bratwursts and sausages are included in the daily diet in 20 (14 %) students. 62 (46 %) students eat bratwursts and sausages very often (up to 3-5 times a week). A considerable part of the students (54 (40 %)) completely refuse or rarely eat these products. Most of the students (98 (72 %)) do not drink or drink rarely (1-2 times a week) sweet carbonated soft drinks. 6 (4 %) students often (up to 6-7 times a week) drink sweet carbonated soft drinks, the median daily consumption is 500 (250; 500) ml. 50 (37 %) students refuse to visit fast food restaurants. 40 (29 %) students visit them rarely (0-1 times a week). The rest of the students (46 (34 %)) visit fast food restaurants quite often (2-3 times a week). Conclusions. The research allows to conclude that the university students don"t have the habits for keeping a healthy lifestyle. The proportion of the students who smoke is 12 %, and the number of students who often drink alcohol (more than 3 times a week) is 14 %. More than half of the students (58 %) lead a sedentary lifestyle, most of the students (60 %) eat bratwursts and sausages daily or very often. 34 % of the students often visit fast-food restaurants. But a considerable part of the students (72 %) refuse to drink sweet carbonated beverages.

Spectrophotometric determining of caffeine content in the selection of teas, soft and energy drinks available on the Croatian market

This study aimed to determine concentrations of caffeine in the samples of the selected brands of teas, soft carbonated and energy drinks that are commercially available on the Croatian market. Quantitative analysis of caffeine content in the chosen beverage samples was done with UV/Vis spectrophotometric method. Chloroform was used as the solvent and concentrations of caffeine were measured at the wavelength of 274 nm for three samples of each of the selected beverages. Among the analyzed tea samples the highest caffeine concentration was found in Franck's Black Tea (1471.021 ppm) and the lowest in Naturavita's Green Tea with Ginger (588.138 ppm). Between the analyzed carbonated soft drinks, the highest caffeine concentration was measured in Fresh Cola (136.036 ppm) and the lowest in Sky Cola (48.198 ppm). The highest caffeine concentration in the analyzed energy drink samples was measured in Hell energy drink (394.670 ppm) while the lowest was in Coca Cola Energy drink (173.574 ppm). The results of this study gave preliminary information about caffeine levels in often consumed teas, carbonated soft drinks and energy drinks in Croatia. The caffeine content in the analyzed teas and drink samples in this study was under the allowed one except for Red Bull and Hell.

Metabolic Syndrome and Dietary Habits in Hospitalized Patients with Schizophrenia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and Objectives: The true prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the reason for it being higher in patients with schizophrenia when compared to general population have not yet been fully determined. Although being considered as one of the major causes, currently there are limited findings regarding differences in dietary patterns of schizophrenic patients with and without MetS. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of MetS among hospitalized patients with schizophrenia, to investigate the differences in socio-demographic, clinical, and lifestyle characteristics between participants with and without MetS, with the special emphasis being put on their dietary habits, and to ascertain the correlation between dietary habits and MetS components. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study included 259 hospitalized patients with schizophrenia aged ≥ 18 years. All participants underwent basic anthropometric measurements, blood sampling and blood pressure assessment, and provided relevant socio-demographic and lifestyle information. The presence of MetS was determined according to the Joint Interim Statement definition and dietary habits were assessed using a non-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Results: The overall prevalence of MetS was 47.9%. No socio-demographic or lifestyle differences were found between participants with and without MetS. A large number of participants (42.9%) reported consuming carbonated soft drinks on a daily basis. Daily frequency of fruit (11.6%) and vegetables intake (29.3%) was far below recommended. Dietary habits of participants with and without MetS did not significantly differ, while consumption frequencies of some of the studied food and beverage items and groups significantly correlated with certain MetS components (such as statistically significant positive correlation between cured meat products consumption frequency and waist circumference, as well as between red meat consumption frequency and systolic blood pressure). Conclusions: The concept of the present study did not allow us to distinguish to what extent the participants’ dietary habits were influenced by independent procurement of food products, nor has it allowed us to quantify the portion sizes of consumed food and beverage items and groups. Nevertheless, the findings indicate the need for early identification of individuals with high MetS risk and for the incorporation of nutritional support programs into hospital treatment of patients with schizophrenia.

Neera, a non-fermented traditional drink from coconut spadix restores the redox status in sodium fluoride intoxicated mice.

Neera, non-fermented coconut inflorescence sap (NFCIS) and its fermented form, toddy (FCIS) are the two well-known traditional drinks in South India. Both the saps show high rejuvenation effect and NFCIS is used for the curing of bronchial suffocation, anemia, tuberculosis and piles in traditional medicine. But, a few scientific studies have been reported on their health benefits so far. Presently, the antioxidant effect of both non-fermented (NFCIS) and fermented form (FCIS) of coconut inflorescence were analyzed in experimental animals. The free radical scavenging property of FCIS and NFCIS was analyzed in vitro. The effect of these saps on mitigating sodium fluoride (NaF) deteriorated redox status was evaluated in mice. NFCIS exhibited high antioxidant activity than its fermented form. NFCIS reduces metal ions and scavenge hydroxyl and DPPH radicals with IC50 values 6.5±1.9 and 44±3.14µL/mL, respectively. Supplementation of NFCIS for 14 days increased SOD, CAT and GPx activities and GSH level in liver by 51.67, 52, 27.88 and 35.77%, respectively against NaF induced decline with a concomitant decrease in lipid peroxidation to 40.76%. Saps rich in minerals indicate pharmaceutical and nutritional value. The study revealed the antioxidant efficacy of non-alcoholic natural drink, Neera and recommends an alternative for synthetic carbonated soft drinks. The regular consumption of Neera may protect the body from various chronic diseases especially where the oxidative stress played as a key role.

Analysis of Greenhouse Gas Emissions for Carbonated Soft Drinks Using LCA Methodology

Objectives:In accordance with the concern of global warming problem, many companies in Korea are striving to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with consumer awareness. Many studies have been reported for various products; however it is difficult to find carbonated soft drinks in Korea. The purpose of this study is to the impact of the greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbonated soft drinks in Korea.Methods:Calculation method of the greenhouse gas emissions followed “Guidelines for Carbon Footprint of Products” used in Korean Carbon Footprint Labeling. It was developed based on international standards such as ISO 14040 series. Life cycle of carbonated soft drinks was considered as a pre-manufacturing stage, manufacturing stage, distribution and disposal stage. Use stage of the product was excluded.Results and Discussion:This study shows that the package types and amounts for pre-manufacturing, manufacturing and disposal steps of carbonated soft drinks (the unit contents: 500 mL/unit, 1.5 L/unit), and also shows the results of greenhouse gas emissions. From the results, the pre-manufacturing stage of PET bottle manufacturing is the first contributor that occupy above 60% of greenhouse gas emissions. For reducing carbon emissions, low carbon manufacturing techniques for PET bottle are important. Sensitivity analysis was performed for PET bottle manufacturing, cap manufacturing and waste plastic disposal including site data and assumptions made. The sensitivity of each item was less than 7%.Conclusions:In conclusion, this study shows that the pre-manufacturing step of PET bottle and cap production have very significant impact on the greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore lightweight packages and usage of recycled plastics would be main techniques for reducing greenhouse gas emissions of carbonated soft drinks. From this study, the increment of product’s carbon footprint certification would be used as an effective policy instrument for achieving reduction goals of Korea Government. And also it could be used to spread the culture of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Adverse effect of consumption of carbonated soft drinks on orthodontic treatment - A systematic review.

The complications of soft drink consumption during orthodontic treatment includes degradation of enamel, reduction in the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets, and also corrosion of orthodontic wires. The main objective of this review is to discuss the adverse effects of carbonated soft drink (CSD) consumption on patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. A search of studies in MEDLINE (via PubMed), the Cochrane library, Web of science, IndMED, EMBASE, Google scholar and limited grey literature on the effects of consumption of CSDs was conducted. All pertinent abstracts were reviewed for inclusion. Full articles were retrieved for abstracts or titles that met the initial inclusion criteria or lacked sufficient detail for immediate exclusion. Out of the 4484 results obtained from search, 16 articles were selected based on title and 6 articles were eliminated after reading the abstracts. 10 articles were selected for systematic review which included 6 invitro studies, 1 animal study, 1 observational study and 2 invivo studies. Of these, six studies evaluated the effects of carbonated drinks on the shear bond strength of brackets on enamel of which two evaluated the microhardness of enamel, two studies evaluated the mechanical and chemical properties of wires, one evaluated tooth movement and one study focussed on white spot lesions. The results from the selected articles showed that with the consumption of carbonated drinks, there was reduced shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets, altered enamel characteristics, alteration of mechanical and physical properties of orthodontic wires and decrease in rate of orthodontic tooth movement. Based on the available evidence, CSD consumption during orthodontic treatment definitely has an effect on orthodontic appliances, enamel and possibly on tooth movement.

PREVALENCE OF CARBONATED SOFT DRINK CONSUMPTION AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG MALAYSIAN ADOLESCENTS: A NATIONWIDE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY 2017

Carbonated soft drinks (CSD) consumption is one of the contributing factors to weight gain, dental caries and non-communicable diseases among adolescents. This study aims to determine CSD consumption among Malaysian adolescents and their associated factors. The Adolescent Health Survey 2017, was a nationally representative survey sampled school-going adolescents aged 13 to 17 years. Findings reported that 36.9% of adolescents reported CSD consumption at least once daily in the past 30 days, and the prevalence was higher than a similar study conducted in 2012. Boys, schools in rural areas, lower secondary schoolers, not physically active, consuming fast food, having food insecurity, and truancy problem reported significantly higher odds of consuming CSD compared to their counterparts. By ethnicity, Bumiputera Sarawak adolescents showed the highest odds of consuming CSD and followed by Bumiputera Sabah. Thus, interventions to limit CSD consumption among Malaysian adolescents should consider the factors highlighted in this study.

Association of Internet Addiction with Adolescents' Lifestyle: A National School-Based Survey.

Internet addiction (IA) among adolescents is an issue of growing concern with adverse effects on adolescents’ health and social functioning. This study aims to determine the prevalence of IA among school-going adolescents in Malaysia and its associated factors—specifically, lifestyle factors. A nationwide cross-sectional school-based health survey was conducted in 2017 among 27,497 students from 212 randomly selected secondary schools. Information regarding sociodemography, lifestyle, and internet use was obtained using a self-administered questionnaire. IA was measured using the Malay Version of Internet Addiction Test (MVIAT). The prevalence of internet addiction was 29.0%. A multivariable logistic analysis revealed that inadequate fruit and vegetable intakes, consumed carbonated soft drinks at least once a day, consumed fast food at least three days/week, sedentary behavior, current E-cigarette users, and ever/current alcohol drinkers were lifestyle factors significantly associated with IA. Adolescents from urban schools, of higher school grade, and those whose parents are married but living apart were also found to have a greater risk for internet addiction. A positive association was found between IA with unhealthy dietary and lifestyle behaviors among adolescents. The modification of lifestyle factors needs to be considered while developing strategies and interventions for awareness-raising and prevention of IA among adolescents.

Association of carbonated soft drink and fast food intake with stress-related sleep disturbance among adolescents: A global perspective from 64 countries.

BackgroundPoor quality sleep adversely impacts on adolescent wellbeing. More multinational research is needed to understand modifiable risk factors, such as dietary behaviours. This study aimed to examine the association of carbonated soft drink and fast food intake with stress-related sleep disturbance among adolescents across 64 countries.MethodsWe analysed the Global School-based Student Health Survey data from 175,261 adolescents (mean age 13.8 [0.98]; 48.5% females). Adolescents reported frequency of stress-related sleep disturbance and consumption of carbonated soft drinks and fast foods. Country-level estimates were obtained by using multivariable logistic regression and meta-analysis to obtain pooled estimates.FindingsOverall, 7.5% of adolescents reported sleep disturbance during the past 12 months (males: 6.6%; females: 8.4%). Meta-analysis showed that adolescents having carbonated soft drinks ≥3 times/day had over 50% higher odds of reporting sleep disturbance than <once/day (OR=1.55, 95% CI 1.42–1.70 for males; 1.51, 1.37–1.68 for females). Adolescent males who had fast foods ≥4 days/week had 55% higher odds of reporting sleep disturbance than ≤1 day/week (1.55, 1.39–1.73), while the odds was 50% higher in females (1.50, 1.32–1.70). Carbonated soft drinks ≥3 times/day and fast foods ≥ 4 days/week were significantly associated with sleep disturbance in all but low-income countries for both genders; while the associations were significant in males and mixed in females across WHO regions.InterpretationOur findings suggest strong positive associations between carbonated soft drink and fast food intake with stress-related sleep disturbance. Prospective studies are needed to understand the directionality of the relationship.

Feeding habits, Overweight, Obesity and Hypertension and Associated Factors among Polytechnic Students in Ekiti State, Southwest Nigeria

Overweight and obesity is a risk factor to chronic non-communicable diseases. This study assessed level of overweight/obesity and blood pressure among students of a higher institution in Southwest Nigeria. This cross-section study involved 300 students of a public higher institution in Ado- Ekiti, Southwest, Nigeria. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on personal characteristics, feeding pattern and lifestyle of the students. Body Mass Index (BMI) was categorized into normal weight (BMI&lt;25) and overweight/obesity (BMI ≥ 25). Waist circumference and waist-hip-ratio (WHR) were classified as normal and at risk. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 90 mmHg. Chi square test was used to establish relationship between variables at 5% level of significance. The mean age of the students was 22.25 years and 62.8% were above 20years. Monthly allowance less than ₦30000.00 was received by 64.4% of the students, 47.3% skipped breakfast meal, 96% consumed carbonated soft drinks and 37.1% did not engaged in physical exercise. Prevalence of general obesity was 17.1% (BMI≥25); 7% and 15.5% were at risk of abdominal and central obesity respectively. Students in systolic pre-hypertension and stage I hypertension were 33.3% and 3% respectively whereas 15.5% and 2.4% were in diastolic pre-hypertension and stage I hypertension respectively. Female gender, monthly allowance less than ₦30000.00 and adolescent stage were associated with obesity. Older age, male gender and monthly allowance less than ₦30000.00 were associated with BP. Nutrition education is recommended for this population group.

Effects of commonly used food additives on haematological parameters of Wistar rats

This study was done to investigate the effects of common food additives such as sodium benzoate (SB) and ascorbic acid (AA) on haematological parameters of male Wistar rats. Forty-eight (48) male albino rats with an average weight of 105 g were grouped into twelve (n = 4) of Basal Control and other 11 groups orally administered 1 mg of SB, 10 mg of SB, 10 mg of AA, 0.2 mg of AA + 0.5 mg of SB, 0.2 mg of AA + 1 mg of SB, 0.2 mg of AA + 10 mg of SB, 0.2 mg of SB + 0.1 mg of AA, 0.2 mg of SB + 0.5 mg of AA, carbonated soft drinks (CSD)+ 0.1 mg of AA, CSD + 1 mg of AA and CSD + 10 mg of AA, respectively for 21 non-consecutive days. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected in EDTA anticoagulant tubes, haematological parameters were evaluated, and data were analyzed. There was a dose-dependent increase (p < 0.05) in White Blood Cell counts of SB treated rats compared with the control group. The lymphocyte exhibited significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the groups treated with 1mg SB and 10mg SB/kg bodyweight of 67 ± 2.96 and 58 ± 4.18%, respectively. The mean corpuscular haemoglobin showed no significant difference at 95% confidence interval. However, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit and platelet were affected by an increase in the concentrations of SB. High SB concentrations increased the destruction of erythrocytes, which directly increased the catabolism of haemoglobin. However, AA administration mitigated the adverse effects of SB on the haematological parameters of the animal.

Medicaid expansion and non‐alcoholic beverage choices by low‐income households

This article investigates the impact of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) on the healthfulness of non-alcoholic beverage (NAB) choices of low-income households. A theoretical analysis proposes an income effect that increases unhealthy beverage purchases after Medicaid expansion and a nutrition education effect that decreases them. To empirically test these effects, we utilize household-level data for NAB purchases in 52 U.S. metropolitan areas. Our identification strategy is based on eligible households following the 2012 Supreme Court ruling that allowed states to opt out of Medicaid expansion. We examine changes in purchases across NAB categories and in purchases at the product-brand level. Empirical results indicate that Medicaid expansion resulted in eligible households buying more diet carbonated soft drinks (CSDs) and bottled water, with no effect on regular CSDs, fruit juice, fruit drinks, milk, or tea. Moreover, the expansion led to decreases in sugar purchases and increases in purchases of NAB products with lower sugar content, highlighting the benefits of supplementing the medical benefits of Medicaid with diet quality programs, such as nutrition education.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward added sugar consumption among female undergraduate students in Madinah, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward added sugar intake and the associations with nutrient intakes and weight status. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 190 healthy female undergraduate students at Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia. Demographic, knowledge and attitudes toward added sugar, dietary intake, and anthropometric data (i.e., height, weight, and waist circumference) were collected during face-to-face interviews. Approximately half of the students (n=106; 55.8%) were aware of the health consequences of excessive intake of added sugar, but only 32.6% (n=62) reported making an effort to reduce their added sugar intake. The data indicated that 8.42% of the students (n=16) consumed carbonated soft drinks daily, 15.8% (n=30) consumed fruit drinks daily, and 45.8% (n=87) consumed sweets daily. Underweight students consumed higher quantities of added sugar (expressed as percent of total energy intake) compared with students in all other weight status groups. Results showed negative associations between percentage of added sugar intake and intakes of fiber, iron, zinc, vitamin D, body mass index, and waist circumference. Our findings indicated that a large proportion of young women had limited knowledge on the health consequences of excessive added sugar intakes. The observed inverse relationships between added sugar and micronutrient intakes and the weight status highlight the urgent need for expanded efforts to improve added sugar-related knowledge and promote the reduction of added sugar intake among young women.

Product Placement Based on Throughput at PT XYZ Warehouse

PT. XYZ is a company engaged in the manufacture of beverages with various types of drinks both carbonated soft drinks and non-carbonated soft drinks. The company’s products are coca cola, fanta, sprite, minute maid, ades, nutriboost, etc. The company has a warehouse to store products that are produced before being distributed to consumers. There are 79 types of products stored in the warehouse. Problems faced by PT. XYZ is a product that does not have a fixed storage block yet and the company does not have a clear product grouping where the product placement is not based on the similarity of product types and the level of product activity so it takes time to look for products stored in the warehouse when needed. Therefore, it is necessary to design warehouse layout PT. XYZ by using the dedicated storage method to place the product in a fixed location and based on the level of activity. The results of product placement in the dedicated storage method show that the highest T / S value is product code 975341, with a value of 5,200 so that the product is placed in the storage block closest to the staging bays (I / O point).