Sugar-sweetened Beverage Intake Research Articles

Association between diet quality and malnutrition: pooled results from two population-based studies in older adults

BackgroundThe role of diet quality on malnutrition in older adults is uncertain, due the paucity of the research conducted and the use of use of screening tools that did not consider phenotypic criteria of malnutrition.ObjectiveTo evaluate the association of two indices of diet quality, namely the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) and the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI-2010), with malnutrition among community-dwelling older adults in Spain.MethodsCross-sectional analysis of data from 1921 adults aged ≥ 60 years from the Seniors-ENRICA-1 (SE-1) study, and 2652 adults aged ≥ 65 years from the Seniors-ENRICA-2 (SE-2) study. Habitual food consumption was assessed through a validated diet history. Malnutrition was defined according to the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) phenotypic criteria. Statistical analyses were performed with logistic regression with adjustment for socioeconomic and lifestyle variables as well as for total energy and protein intake.ResultsThe prevalence of malnutrition in the SE-1 study was 9.5% (95% confidence interval: 8.2 to 10.9) and 11.7% (10.5 to 13.9) in the SE-2. Adherence to the MEDAS score was associated with lower prevalence of malnutrition [pooled odds ratio for high (≥ 9 points) vs. low adherence (< 7 points): 0.64 (0.48–0.84); p-trend < 0.001]. Higher adherence to the AHEI-2010 also showed an inverse association with malnutrition (pooled odds ratio for quartile 4 vs. 1: 0.65 (0.49–0.86); p-trend 0.006). Among the individual components, higher consumption of fish and long-chain n-3 fatty acids in MEDAS and AHEI-2010, and of vegetables and nuts and legumes in AHEI-2010, and lower intake of trans-fat and sugar-sweetened beverages and fruit juice in AHEI-2010 were independently associated with lower odds of malnutrition.ConclusionAdherence to high diet-quality patterns was associated with lower frequency of malnutrition among older adults.Clinical trial registryClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02804672. June 17, 2016.; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03541135. May 30, 2018.

Kids SIPsmartER reduces sugar-sweetened beverages among Appalachian middle-school students and their caregivers: a cluster randomized controlled trial

BackgroundHigh consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) is a global health concern. Additionally, sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption is disproportionately high among adolescents and adults in rural Appalachia. The primary study objective is to determine the intervention effects of Kids SIPsmartER on students’ SSB consumption. Secondary objectives focus on caregivers’ SSB consumption and secondary student and caregiver outcomes [e.g, body mass index (BMI), quality of life (QOL)].MethodsThis Type 1 hybrid, cluster randomized controlled trial includes 12 Appalachian middle schools (6 randomized to Kids SIPsmartER and 6 to control). Kids SIPsmartER is a 6-month, 12 lesson, multi-level, school-based, behavior and health literacy program aimed at reducing SSB among 7th grade middle school students. The program also incorporates a two-way text message strategy for caregivers. In this primary prevention intervention, all 7th grade students and their caregivers from participating schools were eligible to participate, regardless of baseline SSB consumption. Validated instruments were used to assess SSB behaviors and QOL. Height and weight were objectively measured in students and self-reported by caregivers. Analyses included modified two-part models with time fixed effects that controlled for relevant demographics and included school cluster robust standard errors.ResultsOf the 526 students and 220 caregivers, mean (SD) ages were 12.7 (0.5) and 40.6 (6.7) years, respectively. Students were 55% female. Caregivers were mostly female (95%) and White (93%); 25% had a high school education or less and 33% had an annual household income less than $50,000. Regardless of SSB intake at baseline and relative to control participants, SSB significantly decreased among students [-7.2 ounces/day (95% CI = -10.7, -3.7); p < 0.001, effect size (ES) = 0.35] and caregivers [-6.3 ounces/day (95% CI = -11.3, -1.3); p = 0.014, ES = 0.33]. Among students (42%) and caregivers (28%) who consumed > 24 SSB ounces/day at baseline (i.e., high consumers), the ES increased to 0.45 and 0.95, respectively. There were no significant effects for student or caregiver QOL indicators or objectively measured student BMI; however, caregiver self-reported BMI significantly decreased in the intervention versus control schools (p = 0.001).ConclusionsKids SIPsmartER was effective at reducing SSB consumption among students and their caregivers in the rural, medically underserved Appalachian region. Importantly, SSB effects were even stronger among students and caregivers who were high consumers at baseline.Trial registrationClincialtrials.gov: NCT03740113. Registered 14 November 2018– Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03740113.

“Coke’s not a food”: A critical discourse analysis of sugar-sweetened beverage tax acceptability by white residents from an upper-middle class neighborhood in Winnipeg Manitoba

Increasing concerns about the health impacts of sugar consumption has led to the proposition of a sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax in Canada. However, competing concerns related to stigma and equity remain and have not been explored in a Canadian context. As part of a broader study examining the perspectives of various populations on SSB tax acceptability, we examined how residents of an upper-middle class neighborhood conceptualize SSB tax acceptability, and we explored the discourses that inform their discussion. We conducted and analyzed qualitative, semi-structured interviews with residents of an upper-middle class neighborhood in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Recruitment criteria were residence, adults, and English speaking. Critical discourse analysis methodology was used, and healthism (health moralism) and tax psychology informed the analysis. Eighteen participants volunteered: 15 females and 3 males; all self-identified as white, and all spoke about (grand)parenting. Healthist discourse was utilized in supportive discussion of SSB taxation. With the mobilization of healthism, ideal citizens and parents were described as “health conscious” and those who might be likely to reduce SSB intake because of taxation. Healthism also contributed to their identification of beverages targeted by a tax, versus those they deemed as having redeeming nutritional qualities. Limits to SSB tax support were expressed as fairness concerns, with a focus on the procedural justice of the tax. Participants supported SSB taxation and the discourses they employed suggested support for the tax was perceived as contributing to their construction of the kind of ideal, health-valuing citizens they hoped to embody. However, participants were also concerned about the fairness of implementation, although this did not outweigh the prioritization of good health.

Association between sugar-sweetened beverages and pure fruit juice with risk of six cardiovascular diseases: a Mendelian randomization study.

In observational and prospective cohort studies, intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and pure fruit juice (PFJ) has been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Still, the causality of the connection has not yet been determined. Our objective was to uncover the relationship between SSBs/PFJ and CVD. Genetically predicted causal associations between SSBs/PFJ (obtained in a published genome-wide association study) and six common CVDs (atrial fibrillation (AF), angina, heart failure (HF), acute myocardial infarction, hypertension, and coronary atherosclerosis) were assessed using MR analytic modeling. The primary analysis method utilized was the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method, complemented by additional methods such as the weighted median method, MR Egger regression, Cochran's Q test, MR pleiotropy residual, funnel plot, Bonferroni correction, and others for MR analysis. To ensure the robustness of the findings, F-values were calculated as a complementary test to set looser thresholds for exposing genetic instrumental variables (P < 1e-5). The results of MR analysis suggested genetically causal associations between SSBs and AF (odds ratio (OR): 1.023; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.007-1.038; P = 0.0039) as well as between PFJ and angina (OR: 0.968; 95% CI, 0.943-0.993; P = 0.0138) there was genetic causality. However, MR analysis showed no causal association between SSBs/PFJ and other CVD risks. This study suggests that there may be a potential causal relationship between SSBs intake and AF and a causal negative association between PFJ intake and angina.

Intakes from healthy and unhealthy food groups and obesity among 5- to 9-year-old South African children

The global pandemic of paediatric overweight and obesity, along with undernutrition among children in low-income countries pose challenges for future health. Unhealthy dietary intake among children is of great concern(1). The aim of this study was to determine the association between intakes from healthy and unhealthy food groups and adiposity among 5- to 9-year-old South African children (n = 920). Conventional dietary intake assessment methods are burdensome; therefore, a short unquantified food frequency questionnaire was developed based on the WHO Global school-based student health survey, which focused on healthy and unhealthy food groups. The new questionnaire includes four healthy food groups (fruits, vegetables, milk, meats) and six unhealthy food groups (hot sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), cold SSBs, cookies, candies, salty snacks, fast foods) with five different responses of frequency of intake per week. The food groups reflect foods generally eaten by South African school children. The questionnaire was completed by the parents. Weight and height were measured and WHO BMI z-score (BAZ) was calculated(2). Descriptive statistics were reported using median and interquartile range. Frequency of intakes from food groups were compared across tertiles of BAZ using the Kruskal-Wallis test. The correlation between frequency of intakes from different food groups, and between the food groups and BAZ was calculated. The children reported similar daily intakes from the milk (35.3%), cold SSBs (33%) and hot SSBs groups (27%). Fruit (14%) and vegetables (9.6%) were consumed daily by a small percentage of children, while animal source protein foods (meat, fish, poultry, eggs) were consumed daily by 39% of children. The most frequent daily consumed snacks were salty snacks, e.g. crisps (13.2%), candy (11.1%) and cookies (5.3%), while fast foods were consumed once per week by the largest proportion of children (60.7%). Based on the WHO BMI z-scores, 15.2% of children were overweight, 4.4% were obese and 3.8% were underweight. Children in the highest two tertile groups of BAZ had a higher median weekly frequency of SSB intake (5, IQR 1,7), compared to those in the lowest BAZ tertile (3, IQR 1,7). No other differences were found between frequency of food group intake across BAZ tertiles. There was a weak positive correlation between BAZ and the frequency of SSB intake (r = 0.08, = 0.015), as well as between frequency of milk intake and frequency of SSB intake (r = 0.13, P&lt;0.001), but a weak negative correlation between the frequency of vegetable intake and frequency of SSB intake (r = −0.08, P = 0.01). In conclusion, low fruit and vegetable intakes, combined with regular SSB intakes are evident in this group of children. The frequency of SSB intake was positively associated with adiposity, and SSB intake apparently replaced vegetable intake, but not milk intake among the children.

Identifying sources of variation in added sugar intake for Alaska Native children using a hair biomarker

ABSTRACT Sugars from sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are an important risk factor for tooth decay. The study goal was to determine if there was variation in added sugar intake across communities and between and within households. In this cross-sectional study, intakes of total sugar, added sugar, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) were estimated for 282 Alaska Native children ages 0–10 years from 131 households in three Yukon-Kuskokwim (YK) Delta communities using biomarker equations based on hair carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios previously developed for the Yup’ik population. ANOVA was used to assess associations between each predictor (community and household) and outcome (estimated total sugars, added sugars, and SSB intake). Between- and within-household variation was estimated using a linear mixed-effects model with a random intercept for households with three or more children. There was no significant difference in mean estimated total sugar (p = 0.29), added sugar (p = 0.24), or SSB intake (p = 0.40) across communities. Significant variations were observed between and within households, with within-household variation amounting to 59% of the between-household variation. Added sugar intake in Alaska Native children from the three study communities is higher than the recommended maximum, and the variation is greater within households than between households.

Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption and Its Association With Dental Caries Among Adolescents in Erbil, Iraq: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Sugar-sweetened beverages are one of the most common sources of added sugar in the diet and have been associated with an increased risk ofdental caries, obesity, major chronic diseases, and possibly cancer. Dental caries is a diet-related, highly prevalent, and preventable oral disease.The objective of this study was to assess the frequency of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and its association with dental caries in adolescents in Erbil, Iraq. Methods This is a cross-sectional study that invited 11- to 16-year-old intermediate school students (n=380) in Erbil, Iraq. Data collection comprised a validated questionnaire and a clinical examination.In addition, dietary data were collected by using two non-consecutive 24-hour recalls. The mean of the daily consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages over a two-day period was calculated.Dental caries was diagnosed based on World Health Organization (WHO)criteria and was reported as a decayed, missing, and filled permanent tooth (DMFT). A multiple regression model was used to assess the influence of sugar-sweetened beverages on dental caries experience (DMFT). SPSS version 26 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp) was used to analyze the data at the 5% significance level. Results Of the 380 students interviewed, one participant was excluded because of incomplete data. The participant's mean age and standard deviation (SD) were 13.3±1.2. A total of 54.1%of the students were female. The mean daily intake of sugar-sweetened beverages was 686.71±197.50 mL per day.Male students consumed more beveragesthan femalestudents (p<0.001). The most frequently consumed sugar-sweetened beverages were sweetened tea and coffee, and the least frequently consumed beverages were milk and dairy products. The mean decayed, missing, and filled permanent tooth (DMFT) was 94.58±2.73.Results of multiple regression analysis showed that caries experience (DMFT) was associated with insufficient toothbrushing (p<0.001), plaque-affected sextants (p=0.001), and male sex (p=0.016). The model also showed a significant association between sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and dental caries experience (DMFT) (regression coefficient=0.008, CI: 0.006-0.009, p<0.001). Conclusions Adolescents in Erbil, Iraq, consumed sugar-sweetened beverages on a frequent basis, and male students consumed more sugary beverages than females. The higher frequency of these beverage consumptions was associated with a higher dental caries experience. Consequently, reducing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption could have a significant positive public health impact.

Impact of COVID-19 restriction on weight, physical activity, diet and psychological distress on people with polycystic ovary syndrome

People with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have higher weight gain and psychological distress compared to those without PCOS(1). While COVID-19 restrictions led to population level adverse changes in lifestyle, weight gain and psychological distress(2), their impact on people with PCOS is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact the 2020 COVID-19 restrictions had on weight, physical activity, diet and psychological distress for Australians with PCOS. Australian reproductive-aged women participated in an online survey with assessment of weight, physical activity, diet and psychological distress. Multivariable logistic and linear regression were used to examine associations between PCOS and residential location with health outcomes. On adjusted analysis, those with PCOS gained more weight (2.9%; 95% CI; 0.027–3.020; p = 0.046), were less likely to meet physical activity recommendations (OR 0.50; 95% CI; 0.32–0.79; p = 0.003) and had higher sugar-sweetened beverage intake (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.10–2.75; p = 0.019) but no differences in psychological distress compared to women without PCOS. People with PCOS were more adversely affected by COVID-19 restrictions, which may worsen their clinical features and disease burden. Additional health care support may be necessary to assist people with PCOS to meet dietary and physical activity recommendations.

Consumption of sucrose in maternal and postnatal stage triggers to kidney affectation in adult male rats

High sugar-sweetened beverage intake has been related to kidney disease and metabolic alterations in humans. We determine the impact of high sucrose intake from pregnancy until early postnatal days, and during postweaning on kidneys from adult male offspring rats. Wistar female rats were mated and assigned into two groups: one control drinking tap water (CM) and another drinking 5% sucrose diluted in water (SM). At weaning, two offspring per mother were randomly allocated into two experimental groups, one of them had free access to simple water (CO) and the other to 5% sucrose (SO) for 14 weeks. After treatment, levels of relative aquaporin-2 (AQP2), glomerulosclerosis index (GI), collecting tube area, perirenal fat, creatinine and blood ureic nitrogen concentration (BUN) were determined. Two-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post-hoc test was used considering P ≤ 0.05 as a significant statistical difference. Sucrose consumption during gestation/lactation and interaction showed an increased AQP2 expression in renal cortex and BUN concentration, while gestation/lactation consumption increased collecting tube area, postweaning consumption increased perirenal fat, and finally, gestation/lactation, postweaning and the interaction causes glomerulosclerosis. Our results suggest that the consumption of sucrose water during gestation/lactation or postweaning or combination triggers pathological changes in the kidney of adult rats.

Student and caregiver acceptability of a school-based intervention to improve sugar-sweetened beverage behaviors: a mixed methods study.

Kids SIPsmartER is a 6-month behavioral and health literacy intervention effective at reducing sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake among middle school students and their caregivers in the rural Appalachian region. This exploratory mixed methods study utilized a convergent parallel design to assess participant acceptability of a school-based curriculum for students and a text messaging program for caregivers. Acceptability was assessed using surveys (873 students and 453 caregivers), five focus groups (34 students) and telephone interviews (22 caregivers). Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, and qualitative data were content coded. On a 5-point scale, average quantitative survey acceptability ratings ranged from 2.7 to 3.3 among three student-rated questions and 4.1 to 4.2 among four caregiver-rated questions. Qualitative focus group findings suggested that students preferred curricular activities that were hands-on and involved social interaction, while caregiver interview results showed high acceptability of the text messaging program's design, including usability, content messages and personalization. Students and caregivers reported similar program benefits: increased knowledge of SSBs and health risks, increased awareness of SSB behaviors and support to make beverage behavior changes. Results from this study can be used to understand Kids SIPsmartER's effectiveness data, communicate the intervention's acceptability with stakeholders and plan for future implementation studies.

Factors Associated with Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake Among Young Children - United States, 2021.

Because limited data exist about factors related to sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake among younger children, we investigated factors associated with SSB intake among US children aged 1 to 5 years. We examined SSB intake (0, 1-3, or ≥4 times/week) by using data from the 2021 National Survey of Children's Health. We performed a multinomial logistic regression to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for select sociodemographic and household factors associated with moderate (1-3 times/week) and high (≥4 times/week) SSB intake. Overall, 36% of children consumed SSBs 1 to 3 times/week and 21% consumed 4 or more times/week. Both moderate and high SSB intake were associated with child's age, child's race and ethnicity, highest caregiver education level, household income, primary household language, and frequency of family meals. For example, children who lived in households with caregiver education level of high school graduate or less were significantly more likely to have moderate (aOR, 2.06) and high (aOR, 2.81) SSB intake than those who lived in households with caregiver education level of college degree or higher. High SSB intake was also associated with marginal household food sufficiency, nonmetropolitan statistical area status, and receipt of government food benefits. Several sociodemographic and household factors were significantly associated with SSB intake among children aged 1 to 5 years. Public health initiatives designed to address SSB intake among young children in various settings including pediatric health care, early care and education, and the child's home could consider key associated factors.

The Prevalence and Associated Factors of Impaired Fasting Glucose among Children and Adolescents in Urban China: A Large-Scale Cross-Sectional Study

This study aimed to investigate the level of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), the prevalence of impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and the associated factors among children and adolescents in urban China. Based on a cross-sectional study conducted in three Chinese metropolises during 2013–2014, this analysis included 7,143 participants aged 7–18 years. Information on demographics, family environment, diet, and physical activity was collected by questionnaires. Anthropometric parameters and blood biochemical indicators were measured. Logistic regression models were applied to assess risk factors of glucose level. Results revealed that the average FPG level was 4.81 ± 0.53 mmol/L, and the prevalence of IFG was 3.3%. Trends of these two variables varied significantly with age increasing (all p&lt;0.001), reaching double peaks at 10–12 and 15–17 years. IFG was positively associated with the male sex, age increasing, obesity, higher triglyceride (TG) levels, and living in northern China. When stratified by sex, family history of diabetes, elevated total cholesterol levels, and higher intake of sugar-sweetened beverages were positively associated with IFG only in females, suggesting these parameters were female-specific risk factors of IFG. We concluded that the prevalence of IFG among children and adolescents aged 7–18 years in urban China was higher than that reported in previous regional studies and was associated with obesity and higher levels of TG. Therefore, sex-specific lifestyle interventions should be provided to promote healthy weight and lipids and stem the upward trend of IFG.

Estimated reductions in type 2 diabetes burden through nutrition policies in AZAR cohort population: A PRIME microsimulation study for primary health care.

Given the impact of high intake of sugar-sweetened beverages on type 2 diabetes, intervention to reduce their consumption can be a top priority for any health system. Thus, the purpose of the present study is to simulate the impact of policy options related to reduce consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) on the prevalence and mortality of type 2 diabetes in Iranian men and women. A discrete event simulation (DES) model was used to predict the effect of several policy options on the prevalence and death from type 2 diabetes in Azar Cohort Databases. Population age- and sex-specific prevalence and incidence rate of diagnosed diabetes were derived from the national health data. The Preventable Risk Integrated Model (PRIME) model was used for coding the input parameters of simulation using R and Python software. The prevalence and mortality rate of type 2 diabetes under the scenario of reduced consumption of SSBs indicated that the highest and the lowest prevalence and mortality rates of type 2 diabetes for men and women were related to no policy condition and replacing SSBs with healthy drinks, like water, respectively. Also, the maximum "number of deaths postponed/ prevented" from type 2 diabetes was related to replacing SSBs with water (n=2015), and an integration of reformulation and applying 10% tax on SSBs (n=1872), respectively. Simulating the effect of different policy options on reducing the consumption of SSBs showed "replacing of SSBs with water" as the most effective policy option in Iranian setting.

Sugar-sweetened beverage intake and long-term mortality in individuals with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: a longitudinal analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database.

Consuming sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) has been linked to the development of various adverse health conditions, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This study evaluated associations between SSB intake and long-term mortality among individuals with MASLD using a nationally representative database. This population-based, longitudinal study extracted data of adults aged 20-79 years with MASLD from the USA (US) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database 2003-2014. Associations between the amount of SSB intake and all-cause, cancer and cardiovascular disease mortality until the end of 2019 were determined using Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. A total of 12 965 individuals aged 20-79 years who had MASLD were identified in the database. After exclusion, 5630 participants remained for the analyses. This cohort can be extrapolated to 43 420 321 individuals in the entire US after proper weighting. The mean age of the study cohort was 44.1 years. After adjusting for confounders, no significant association was observed between SSB intake (tertile 3 vs. tertile 1) and all-cause [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.60-1.76) or cancer mortality (aHR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.15-1.16). However, higher SSB intake (tertile 3 vs. tertile 1) was significantly associated with elevated cardiovascular disease mortality risk (aHR = 2.83; 95% CI, 1.01-7.91). In US adults with MASLD, high SSB intake is associated with nearly three-fold increased cardiovascular disease mortality risk. The findings underscore the critical need for concerted action on the part of healthcare providers and policymakers.

Obesity contagion among classmates: Children's relation with each other regarding weight status, physical activity, and dietary intake

A series of influential articles suggests that obesity may spread between couples, siblings, and close friends via an obesity contagion phenomenon. Classmates, as important structural equivalents in one's social network, may experience obesity contagion. However, this has rarely been examined. Anthropometric measurements, questionnaire surveys, and geographic information were collected from 3670 children from 26 schools in Northeast China. We found that classmates were positively related in terms of body mass index (BMI), body fat, physical activity, and intake of vegetables, fruits, fast food, snacks, and sugar-sweetened beverages. One standard deviation (SD) increase in classmates' mean BMI and percentage body fat was associated with 0.19 SD higher individual BMI (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.00, 0.39) and 0.31 SD higher percentage body fat (95% CI: 0.13, 0.48). Coefficients ranged from 0.48 to 0.76 in models for physical activity, and the dietary intake of vegetables, fruit, fast food, snacks, and sugar-sweetened beverages. Children's BMI and body fat were more strongly associated with the maximum and minimum body fat levels of their same-sex classmates than with those of their general classmates. Their dietary intake and physical activity were more strongly associated with the mean/median levels of their general classmates than with those of their same-sex classmates. This study suggests that children's BMI, body fat, physical activity, and dietary intake may be related to those of their classmates. Modeling healthy behaviors in the classroom may help children develop habits that support achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. Future interventions should consider the inclusion of classmates as a social network strategy for obesity prevention.

A preconception cohort study of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and semen quality.

Dietary factors, including high sugar intake, may have adverse effects on male reproduction. Studies of the association between sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake and semen quality have reported inconsistent results. We estimated the effects of SSB consumption on semen quality in a North American preconception cohort study. We analyzed baseline data from 690 males (n=1,247 samples) participating in Pregnancy Study Online (PRESTO) during 2015-2022. Participants aged ≥21 years completed a baseline questionnaire on which they reported information about intake of SSBs, including sodas, energy drinks, sports drinks, and fruit juices. After enrollment, we invited U.S. participants to a semen testing substudy, in which they collected and analyzed two samples using an at-home semen testing kit. We used linear regression models to estimate adjusted percent differences (%D) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations of SSB intake with semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count (TSC), motility, and total motile sperm count (TMSC). We used modified Poisson regression models to estimate adjusted risk ratios (RRs) and 95% CIs for the association of SSB intake with World Health Organization semen parameter cut points. Relative to non-consumers of SSBs, those who consumed ≥7 SSBs/week had lower semen volume (%D=-6, 95% CI: -13, 0), sperm concentration (%D=-22, 95% CI: -38, 0), TSC (%D=-22, 95% CI: -38, -2), motility (%D=-4, 95% CI: -10, 2), and TMSC (%D=-25, 95% CI: -43, -2). High SSB consumers also had greater risks of low sperm concentration (≤16 million/mL; RR=1.89, 95% CI: 1.11, 3.21), low TSC (≤39 million; RR=1.75, 95% CI: 0.92, 3.33), low motility (≤42%; RR=1.23, 95% CI: 0.87, 1.75) and low TMSC (≤21 million; RR=1.95, 95% CI: 1.12, 3.38). Associations were stronger among participants with body mass index ≥ 25kg/m2 . Greater SSB consumption was associated with reduced semen quality in a North American preconception cohort.

Impact of a school-based intervention on sugar-sweetened beverage intake substitution by water in Mexican scholars.

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children has increased in recent years, associated with substituting plain water intake with sugar-sweetened beverages. To evaluate the impact of a school-based intervention that aimed to replace sugar-sweetened beverages with water in Mexican scholars. We included 314 children aged 9-11 from three public schools of the State of Hidalgo, Mexico, randomized to intervention (two schools from the municipality of Apan; six classes with 146 participants) or control group (one school from the municipality of Emiliano Zapata; six classes with 168 participants) and followed for six months. The intervention consisted of placing drinking fountains at school and classrooms with nutritional education lessons to increase water consumption and decrease sugar-sweetened beverages. Mixed models for repeated measures were used to assess the impact of the intervention. At the end of the study, water consumption was higher (200 mL/day, p=0.005), and flavored milk consumption was lower (94 mL/day, p=0.044) in the intervention group compared with the control group. There was also a statistically significant reduction for energy (p=0.016) and sugar intake (p=0.007). The school-based intervention favorably modified the consumption pattern of sugar-sweetened beverages and water in Mexican students.

Sweetened Beverage Intake and Incident Chronic Kidney Disease in the UK Biobank Study

An increasing body of evidence indicates an association between consuming sugar or its alternatives and cardiometabolic diseases. However, the effects of the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, artificially sweetened beverages, and natural juices on kidney health remain unclear. To investigate the association of the intake of sugar-sweetened beverages, artificially sweetened beverages, and natural juices with the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and the effect of substituting these beverage types for one another on this association. This prospective, population-based cohort study analyzed data from the UK Biobank. Participants without a history of CKD who completed at least 1 dietary questionnaire were included. The follow-up period was from the date of the last dietary questionnaire until October 31, 2022, in England; July 31, 2021, in Scotland; and February 28, 2018, in Wales. Data were analyzed from May 1 to August 1, 2023. Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, artificially sweetened beverages, and natural juices. The primary outcome was incident CKD. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the associations between the 3 beverage types and incident CKD. A substitution analysis was used to evaluate the effect on the associations of substituting one beverage type for another. A total of 127 830 participants (mean [SD] age, 55.2 [8.0] years; 66 180 female [51.8%]) were included in the primary analysis. During a median (IQR) follow-up of 10.5 (10.4-11.2) years, 4459 (3.5%) cases of incident CKD occurred. The consumption of more than 1 serving per day of sugar-sweetened beverages was associated with higher risk of incident CKD (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 1.19 [95% CI, 1.05-1.34]) compared with not consuming sugar-sweetened beverages. The AHR for participants consuming more than 0 to 1 serving per day of artificially sweetened beverages was 1.10 (95% CI, 1.01-1.20) and for consuming more than 1 serving per day was 1.26 (95% CI, 1.12-1.43) compared with consuming no artificially sweetened beverages. By contrast, there was no significant association between natural juice intake and incident CKD (eg, for >1 serving per day: HR, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.87-1.11]; P = .10). Substituting sugar-sweetened beverages with artificially sweetened beverages did not show any significant difference in the risk of CKD (HR, 1.03 [95% CI, 0.96-1.10]). Conversely, replacing 1 serving per day of sugar-sweetened beverage with natural juice (HR, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.87-0.97]) or water (HR, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.88-0.99]) or replacing 1 serving per day of artificially sweetened beverage with natural juice (HR, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.84-0.96]) or water (HR, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.86-0.96]) was associated with a reduced risk of incident CKD. Findings from this cohort study suggest that lower consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages or artificially sweetened beverages may reduce the risk of developing CKD.

A cluster randomized controlled trial of a brief positive healthy eating intervention.

Excessive sugar intake poses a significant risk factor for non-communicable diseases. A positive healthy eating (PHE) intervention was developed to promote low-sugar dietary practices in families. The PHE intervention capitalized on positive psychological constructs to overcome barriers to health behavior change by helping families associate feelings of joy, gratitude, and savoring with healthy eating. In a cluster randomized controlled trial, 1983 participants from 1467 families were recruited in Hong Kong. PHE included a core and booster session. Data were collected at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at 1-month and 3-month follow-up. Compared to the control, PHE showed greater increase in intention to change at post-intervention, engagement in low-sugar dietary practices individually and with family members at 3-month follow-up, and greater reduction in sugar-sweetened beverage intake at 1-month and 3-month follow-up. Intentions to change mediated PHE's effects on low-sugar dietary practices. Focus group interviews revealed the behavior-change process and family quality of life.

Early-life diet and risk of inflammatory bowel disease: a pooled study in two Scandinavian birth cohorts

ObjectiveWe assessed whether early-life diet quality and food intake frequencies were associated with subsequent IBD.DesignProspectively recorded 1-year and 3-year questionnaires in children from the All Babies in Southeast Sweden and...