Effects Of Sugar-sweetened Beverages Research Articles

Sugar-sweetened beverage but not diluted cloudy apple juice consumption induces post-prandial endotoxemia in healthy adults

Sugar beverages are discussed as critical in the development of metabolic endotoxemia. Here, employing a cross-over design study we assessed the effect of diluted cloudy apple juice (AJ), an iso-caloric and -sweetened placebo (P), or water (W) on post-prandial endotoxemia in healthy, normal weight adults. After obtaining fasting blood, 19 healthy men and women consumed 500 mL AJ, P, or W in a randomized order and blood was taken 120 and 180 min later. Caco-2 cells were incubated with the beverages. Markers of intestinal barrier function were assessed. The intake of P but not of AJ or W was associated with a significant increase in TLR2 ligands and bacterial endotoxin in serum after 120 min and 180 min, respectively. P but not AJ significantly increased bacterial toxin permeation in Caco-2 cells. Our results suggest that the effects of sugar-sweetened beverages on markers of intestinal barrier function markedly differ from those of fruit juices.

Planning parental ehealth education about healthy-weight lifestyle in pediatric primary care patients 6-12 years

Background: Childhood obesity is a pandemic with immediate and future health risks that demand holistic, personalized, and innovative treatments. Healthcare providers struggle to provide such treatment within the constraints of medical visits. A theoretical and evidence-based eHealth intervention could engage parents and caregivers to improve health behaviors and increase reach to low-income vulnerable families, a high-risk chort often neglected in clinical research. This study aims to identify needs and preferences of potential users of an eHealth intervention.
 Methods: Focus groups and interviews of ethnically diverse, low-income parents and semi-structured interviews of primary healthcare staff obtained perspectives on the content and structure of a eHealth intervention intended to improve lifestyle habits to reduce childhood obesity. Research team members analyzed the data to identify specific needs and communication strategies for the target population.
 
 Results: Parents endorsed learning more about healthy eating, physical activity, and the effects of sugar-sweetened beverages on their child’s weight. Parents reported a preference for bright colors, short texts, videos, summary quizzes, and additional resources to explore on their own and with their child. Healthcare staff reported time limitations during clinical visits and an interest in looping family progress into their EHR. Using an eHealth intervention, parents expect an improved relationship and increased trust with their child’s pediatrician.
 
 Conclusion: Parents and staff saw value in this tool and provided useful recommendations for its design. This eHealth intervention could create a health alliance between the healthcare provider and family, provide personalized content, and be scaled to address health disparities broadly.

Exercising Uncertainty: Identifying and Addressing “Grey Areas” in a Case Study involving Corporate-Funded Research on the Effects of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages

Rhetoric of health and medicine (RHM) scholars posit that health and medicine texts cannot be divorced from the rhetorical conditions in which they are shaped and disseminated. This assertion runs counter to traditional biomedical values grounding messages about the body in positivist evidence and universal standards. As this issue of the founding journal in RHM demonstrates, a disciplinary response to a biomedical ideology should undergird not only the approaches scholars take to their research, but also the models of learning they bring to the classroom. In this essay, I present a case study assignment used in an undergraduate science writing course that aims to encourage critical thinking skills that extend beyond dichotomous understandings of both the material body and knowledge-production influencing how the body is situated in institutional settings. Following a discussion of relevant RHM scholarship, I provide details about the institutional context in which I work, a description of the assignment developed for this student population including sample student responses, and consideration of the strengths and limitations of the approach alongside strategies for adapting the assignment to other student populations and environments.

Willingness to pay for an intervention that reduces soda consumption among a sample of middle-class adult Mexicans.

Despite the growing public awareness of the adverse health effects of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) consumption in Mexico, little is known about the population's intention to reduce SSB consumption and the social value of interventions to accomplish such behavioral change. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the willingness to pay (WTP) for an intervention that reduces soda consumption by half in Mexico. We applied contingent valuation methods in a sample of 471 Mexican adults from a cohort study. We assessed the relative value of benefits by providing incremental information to participants in three scenarios: soda consumption reduction, + health benefits, + social benefits. To estimate factors associated with the WTP, we ran an interval regression. 87% of respondents reported they would like to reduce SSB consumption. High soda consumption, intention to reduce soda consumption and higher household income are associated with higher WTP. We found that the WTP increases as additional benefits are provided. The WTP, as a proportion of income, is higher for the lowest income level. The average WTP per person may be seen as the minimum amount the country should invest on interventions to reduce soda consumption.

Association of oral microbiota profile with sugar-sweetened beverages consumption in school-aged children

Evidence that common beverage consumption is associated with oral ecosystem. However, little is known about the effect of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) on composition and functional potential of childhood oral microbiota. We aim to examine associations between SSBs consumption with oral microbiota diversity and function among school-aged children. Oral microbiota in buccal swab samples was collected from 180 children (11.3 ± 0.6 years) from an ongoing child growth and development cohort established in 2016, using 16S rDNA gene sequencing. Higher SSBs consumption (≥1 serving/day) was associated with lower oral microbiota richness and diversity. Children with higher SSBs consumption showed decreased abundance of genus Fusobacterium, Lachnoanaerobaculum, Soonwooa, Tannerella and Moraxella (p < 0.05). However, more SSBs intake selectively increases the dominance of aciduric bacteria (Neisseria and Streptococcus), which can lead to dental caries and other oral problems. Furthermore, PICRUSt analysis illustrated that oral microbiota was more conducive to the pathway activated of protein export (p = 0.020), D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism (p = 0.013), and pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis (p = 0.004), indicating vigorous microbial metabolism in oral bacterial community in higher SSBs intake groups. Overall, our finding suggests that higher SSBs consumption may disturb oral microecology and reduce diversity of microbiota during childhood, stimulating an increase in cariogenic genera, which contributes to increased susceptibility of SSBs-related oral diseases.

The effect of sugar-sweetened beverages at 4 years of age on appetitive behaviours of 7-year-olds from the Generation XXI birth cohort.

The consumption of energy-dense sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and its low satiating effects may influence the development of child eating behaviours. We aimed to investigate the association of SSB consumption at 4 years on appetitive behaviours at age 7 years. Children from the Generation XXI birth cohort were included (n 3880). SSB consumption was evaluated through a FFQ and appetitive behaviours were evaluated through the Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire, which includes eight subscales. Two composite factors, derived by principal component analysis (Appetite Restraint - related to Food Fussiness, Enjoyment of Food, Slowness in Eating and Satiety Responsiveness - and Appetite Disinhibition - related to Food Responsiveness, Emotional Under- and Overeating and Desire to Drink), were also investigated. The dose-response relationship between SSB consumption and appetitive behaviours was examined using multivariable linear regression (continuous eating behaviour scores) and multinomial logistic regression (tertile categories of eating behaviour scores). Child SSB consumption at 4 years was associated with higher Appetite Disinhibition and Desire to Drink and lower Food Fussiness and Slowness in Eating at 7 years. Consuming SSB ≥1 times/d (compared with a lower intake) was associated with 29 % increase in the odds of Desire to Drink (3rd v. 1st tertile). Pre-schoolers' SSB consumption was associated with higher food approach and less food avoidant behaviours later in childhood. Family characteristics, particularly maternal SSB consumption, explained part of these associations. It is essential to promote the intake of water, instead of sugary drinks, and make parents and caregivers aware of the importance of this exposure, since they have a pivotal role in shaping children's eating behaviours.

Effect of sugar-sweetened beverages on oral health: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The impact of consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) on health outcomes such as obesity have been studied extensively, but oral health has been relatively neglected. This study aims to assess the association between SSB consumption and dental caries and erosion. Systematic review of observational studies. Search strategy applied to Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, SciELO, LILACS, OpenGrey and HMIC. The risk of bias was assessed using the NIH Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cross-Sectional Studies and evidence certainty using Grading of Recommendation Assessment Development and Evaluation. Relationships between SSB consumption and caries and erosion were estimated using random-effects model meta- and dose-response analyses. A total of 38 cross-sectional studies were included, of which 26 were rated as high quality. Comparing moderate-to-low consumption, there was significantly increased risk of both caries [OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.28-1.92; decayed, missing and filled teeth weighted mean differences (DMFT WMD) = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.38-1.26] and erosion (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.01-2.03). Comparing high-to-moderate consumption, there was further increased risk of caries (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.17-1.99; DMFT WMD = 1.16, 95% CI: -0.59-2.91) and erosion (OR = 3.09, 95% CI: 1.37-6.97). A dose-response gradient and high certainty of evidence was observed for caries. Increasing SSB consumption is associated with increased risk of dental caries and erosion. Studies were cross-sectional, hence temporality could not be established, but the positive dose-response suggests this relationship is likely to be causal. These findings illustrate the potential benefits to oral health of policies that reduce SSB consumption, including sugar taxation.

Consumption of the Artificial Sweetener Acesulfame Potassium throughout Pregnancy Induces Glucose Intolerance and Adipose Tissue Dysfunction in Mice

Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption is associated with metabolic dysfunction. Artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs) are often promoted as an alternative. However, evidence for the safety of ASB consumption during pregnancy is lacking. The effects of sugar-sweetened beverage and ASB consumption during pregnancy in mice were examined, and we hypothesized that both sugar-sweetened beverages and ASBs would impair maternal metabolic function. Pregnant female C57BL/6J mice received control drinking water (CD), high-fructose corn syrup (Fr; 20% kcal intake; 335 mM), or the artificial sweetener acesulfame potassium (AS; 12.5 mM) in their drinking water, from gestational day (GD) 0.5 (n=8/group). Body weights and food and water intakes were assessed every second day, an oral-glucose-tolerance test (OGTT) was performed at GD 16.5, and mice were culled at GD 18.5. RT-PCR was carried out on adipose tissue, liver, and gut. Adipose tissue morphology was assessed using histological methods. In a separate cohort of animals, pregnancy length was assessed. Repeated-measures ANOVA was performed for the OGTT and weight gain data. All other data were analyzed by 1-way ANOVA. Fr and AS significantly impaired glucose tolerance, as demonstrated by OGTT (21% and 24% increase in AUC, respectively; P=0.0006). Fr and AS reduced expression of insulin receptor (39.5% and 33% reduction, respectively; P=0.02) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (45.2% and 47%, respectively; P=0.039), whereas Fr alone reduced expression of protein kinase B (36.9% reduction; P=0.048) and resulted in an increase in adipocyte size and leptin concentrations (40% increase; P=0.03). AS, but not Fr, reduced male fetal weight (16.5% reduction; P=0.04) and female fetal fasting blood glucose concentration at cull (20% reduction; P=0.02) compared with CD. AS significantly reduced the length of pregnancy compared with the CD and Fr groups (1.25 d shorter; P=0.02). Fr and AS consumption were associated with maternal metabolic dysfunction in mice. AS was also associated with reduced fetal growth and fetal hypoglycemia. Therefore, ASBs may not be a beneficial alternative to sugar-sweetened beverages during pregnancy.

Fizzy foibles: examining attitudes toward sugar-sweetened beverages in Michigan

ABSTRACT Health educators are increasingly publicizing the noxious health effects of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB). American counties are implementing SSB taxes, as modeled after the ‘success’ of tobacco policies, to address the ‘obesity crisis’. Under-explored is how the linking of SSB to a stigmatized condition, ‘obesity’, has affected attitudes toward the purchasing and consumption of SSB and those individuals who purchase and consume SSB. This study sought to explore individuals’ attitudes and experiences with SSB in rural Michigan. Three themes emerged: Negativity, Egregious beverages and Implicated imbibers. These attitudes were situated within a context of increased exposure to SSB health discourses, particularly among younger participants. Additional themes arose regarding which SSB were labelled especially problematic, who should or should not be drinking SSB, as well as the consequences of drinking SSB. Pop/soda, energy drinks, and diet pop/soda were identified as particularly harmful, albeit for different reasons – sugar, caffeine, and unnatural additives. Many participants reported reacting negatively when they saw children of higher weights drinking SSB, though judgement was reserved for parents. Ultimately, SSB and their consumers appear increasingly stigmatized in ways that carry important equity implications for already marginalized groups.

Sugar-sweetened beverage intake in relation to semen quality in infertile couples − a prospective observational study

Aims: This cross-sectional study was designed to evaluate effect of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) on semen parameters in infertile couples. Setting: Men attending infertility clinic. Design: prospective, observational study. Methods and material: Participants were assessed the type and frequency of SSB intake in the past month by a previously validated beverage intake questionnaire (BEVQ-15) and provided one semen sample for analysis. The primary outcome were semen parameters; namely volume (in mL), total sperm count (in millions/ejaculate), sperm concentration (in million/mL), sperm motility% (PRM+NPM+IM), progressive motility% (PRM), vitality% and sperm morphology% (per 200 spermatozoa). The main independent variable was SSB intake. Statistical analysis: Multiple linear regression models were used to predict semen parameters based on SSB intake and potential confounders, compared across quartiles using Kruskal-Wallis test. Non-linearity was examined by fitting models with linear and quadratic terms. Results: 385 men were included in the study. A significant decline in crude sperm motility% (P<0.001), progressive motility% (P<0.001), vitality% (P=0.017) and normal sperm morphology (P=0.006) with increasing SSB intake was found, along with a significant decline in volume and sperm concentration in the adjusted model (P<0.05). Significant decrease was noted in sperm motility and progressive motility percentages in both lean (BMI <25) and overweight and obese men (BMI ≥25) with increasing SSB intake. However, in presence of other potential confounders, SSBs lost its impact on semen parameters in the linear and quadratic fitted models, possibly due to interdependence of the confounders. Conclusion: Intake of SSBs negatively affect sperm parameters, except total sperm counts. But with other stronger confounders, its impact needs to further evaluated in larger populations of men.

La financiación de la industria alimentaria y la investigación epidemiológica sobre nutrición y salud

The interests of the food industry to fund nutrition and health research are not limited to promoting scientific advances. Recently, several systematic reviews conducted about the effect of sugar-sweetened beverages and health outcomes have shown some biased conclusions in studies that acknowledge industry sponsorship. In this context, the Nutrition Working Group of the Spanish Epidemiology Society presented a scientific session entitled Food industry and epidemiologic research at its annual meeting. In a round table, four experts in nutrition research presented their points of view about whether the food industry should fund nutrition-related research and the related potential conflicts of interest of the food industry. All the experts agreed not only on defending independence in nutritional epidemiology regarding the design, interpretation and conclusion of their studies but also on the crucial need for guaranteed scientific rigor, scientific quality of the results and measures to protect studies against potential biases related to the conflicts of interest of funding by the food industry. Drs Pérez-Farinós and Romaguera believe that the most effective way to prevent conflicts of interest would be not to allow the food industry to fund nutrition research; Drs Marcos and Martínez-González suggested the need to establish mechanisms and strategies to prevent the potential influences of the food industry in selecting researchers or institutional sponsorship and in the analysis and results of the studies, to ensure maximum independence for researchers, as well as their professional ethics.

Estimating the Effects of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Taxes on Weight and Obesity in New York City Using Dynamic Loss Models

Estimating the Effects of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Taxes on Weight and Obesity in New York City Using Dynamic Loss Models

Short-Term Exposure to Ambient Ozone and Acute Stroke Risk: A Case-Crossover Analysis

Short-Term Exposure to Ambient Ozone and Acute Stroke Risk: A Case-Crossover Analysis

Will reducing sugar‐sweetened beverage consumption reduce obesity? Evidence supporting conjecture is strong, but evidence when testing effect is weak

We provide arguments to the debate question and update a previous meta-analysis with recently published studies on effects of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) on body weight/composition indices (BWIs). We abstracted data from randomized controlled trials examining effects of consumption of SSBs on BWIs. Six new studies met these criteria: (i) human trials, (ii) ≥ 3 weeks duration, (iii) random assignment to conditions differing only in consumption of SSBs and (iv) including a BWI outcome. Updated meta-analysis of a total of seven studies that added SSBs to persons' diets showed dose-dependent increases in weight. Updated meta-analysis of eight studies attempting to reduce SSB consumption showed an equivocal effect on BWIs in all randomized subjects. When limited to subjects overweight at baseline, meta-analysis showed a significant effect of roughly 0.25 standard deviations (more weight loss/less weight gain) relative to controls. Evidence to date is equivocal in showing that decreasing SSB consumption will reduce the prevalence of obesity. Although new evidence suggests that an effect may yet be demonstrable in some populations, the integrated effect size estimate remains very small and of equivocal statistical significance. Problems in this research area and suggestions for future research are highlighted.

Effects of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages on Children

Effects of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages on Children

Effect of sugar-sweetened beverages on body weight in children: design and baseline characteristics of the Double-blind, Randomized INtervention study in Kids

Background Intake of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with overweight in observational studies. A possible explanation is that liquid sugars do not satiate and that their intake is not compensated by reduced caloric intake from other foods. However, evidence from intervention studies for this hypothesis is inconclusive because previous studies were not blinded. Hence results may have been influenced by expectations and behavioral cues rather than by physiological mechanisms. Methods We designed the Double-blind, Randomized INtervention study in Kids (DRINK) to examine the effect on body weight of covertly replacing sugar-sweetened by sugar-free beverages. Children were only eligible if they habitually drank sugar-sweetened beverages. We recruited 642 healthy children (mean age 8.2, range 4.8–11.9). We designed, tested and produced custom-made beverages containing 10% sugar and sugar-free beverages with the same sweet taste and look. Children receive one 250 mL can of study beverage daily for 18 months. We perform body measurements at 0, 6, 12 and 18 months. The primary outcome is the z-score of BMI for age. The maximum predicted difference in this score between groups is 0.72, which corresponds with a difference in body weight of 2.3 kg. Discussion The double-blind design eliminates behavioral factors that affect body weight. If children gain less body fat when drinking sugar-free than when drinking sugar-sweetened beverages that would show that liquid sugar indeed bypasses biological satiation mechanisms. It would also suggest that a reduction in liquid sugars could decrease body fat more effectively than reduction of other calorie sources.