Sugar Sweetened Research Articles

No Effect of Sugar Sweetened or Diet Beverages on Performance of a Battery of Cognitive Assessment Tests

IntroductionDietary sugar has been alleged to contribute to the obesity epidemic. As a primary source of sugar in the American diet Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSB) have been specifically targeted for caution. It has been argued that it is not just an issue of calories or metabolic products, but also sweetness of beverages as both SSB and diet beverages which may produce changes in cerebral activity and associated cognitive impairment under experimental conditions. However, few data exists on how typical consumption of these beverages may affect cognitive function.MethodsFor six months all participants followed the ADA Exchange Diet, individually tailored according to each participant's caloric needs. Participants were required to incorporate 2 servings (12oz) per day of a Sugar Sweetened Beverage (SSB) or Diet Beverage (Diet), both caffeine free. A third group who drank only water were also included as a control. Before and after the intervention participants were assessed on a battery of tests that measure a wide variety of cognitive functions (CANTAB). The tests used were: Spatial Working Memory (SWM), Intra‐Extra Dimensional Set Shift (IED), Stop Signal Task (SST), Delayed Matching to Sample (DMS), Paired Associates Learning (PAL), and Rapid Visual Information Processing (RVP). In additional participants also performed the Iowa Gambling Test (IGT). Data presented are means ± SD.ResultsNone of the groups gained a significant amount of weight in the combined study population (161. ± 24 vs 162 ± 23.9 lbs, p=0.075), nor were there any differences among groups (interaction p=0.899). There was a decrease in the strategy score for SWM in the pooled study population (32.5 ± 5.7 vs 30.8 ± 6.5, p<0.05), yet this coincided with a decrease in SWM errors (26.0 ±20.2 vs 21.3 ± 16.0, p<0.01). RVP A’ also increased (0.90 ± 0.06 vs 0.92 ± 0.5, p<0.05). Diet showed a greater improvement in memory in PAL relative to the water group (respectively 19.9 ±3.9 vs 21.8 ± 2.8 and 21.9 ± 3.2 vs 20.0 ± 4.6, p<0.05). No other measures changed from pre to post intervention and none other than PAL Memory were affected by group assignment (p>0.05).ConclusionThese data do not support the theory that regular consumption of sweet beverages, either SSB or diet, cause cognitive changes that have previously been associated with the development of obesity.Support or Funding InformationSupported by an unrestricted grant from The Coca Cola Company

Factors that Affect Sugar Sweetened Beverage Intake in Rural, Southern College Students in the US.

The objective of the present study was to investigate factors that affect sugar sweetened beverage (SSB) intake in rural, southern college students in the US. The majority of the participants were male (58 %) and Caucasian (63 %). The average total SSB consumption was 79.4 fl oz/day (2.35 L/d). Results of binary logistic regression analyses of total SSB intake greater than 57.4 fl oz/day (1.8 L/d) versus less than 57.4 fl oz/day showed that factors associated with greater odds for high SSB intake were age greater than 20 years old (odds ratio [OR] = 3.551, 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 1.385 - 9.104, p = 0.008) and being African American (OR = 3.477, 95 % CI = 1.291 - 9.363, p = 0.013). Results of binary logistic regression analyses of total bottled water intake greater than 39.4 fl oz/day (median) versus less than 39.4 fl oz/day showed that consuming alcohol was significantly related to an increased probability of drinking more than 39.4 fl oz (1.17 L/d) of bottled water per day (median; OR = 2.914, 95 % CI = 1.223 - 6.943, p = 0.016). Culturally sensitive strategies are needed to raise awareness for making healthy beverage choices when dining on campus to effectively reduce college student's SSB consumption.

Readiness to Change Sugar Sweetened Beverage Intake among College Students in USA and Thailand: An Exploratory Study

Participants will be able to compare the pattern of readiness to change sugar sweetened beverage intake between USA and Thailand.

Assessment of Body Mass Index, Sugar Sweetened Beverage Intake and Time Spent in Physical Activity of American Indian Children in Oklahoma.

American Indian (AI) children have a combined overweight and obesity prevalence of 53%. Behaviors that contribute to obesity, such as sugar sweetened beverage (SSB) intake and time spent in physical activity (PA), have been poorly explored in this population. The purpose of this study is to report body mass index (BMI), SSB intake, and time spent in PA of 7-to-13-year-old AI children who reside in rural and urban areas in Oklahoma. Cross-sectional survey study. Self-reported SSB intake in the last month, and time spent in PA were collected via questionnaires. Height and weight were professionally measured. The sample included 124 7-to-13-year-old AI children who attended a diabetes prevention summer camp in 2013. BMI percentile, overweight and obesity prevalence, SSB intake, time spent in PA, and number of participants meeting the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Descriptive characteristics for BMI percentile, overweight and obesity, SSB intake, time spent in PA, and meeting PA recommendations were calculated using means, standard deviations, and frequencies. Independent t test and Chi square analyses were used to test for gender differences. Participants were 10.2 ± 1.5 years old and 57% female. Sixty-three percent were overweight or obese. Children consumed 309 ± 309 kcal/day of SSB and spent 4.4 ± 3.8 h per week in moderate-to-vigorous PA. Approximately 32% met the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. No gender differences were observed. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher than previously reported in a similar population, and higher than that of US children in the general population. SSB intake and physical activity levels were also found to be higher in this group than in the general population.

Calorie Trilogy: The Calorie Decline across Multiple United States Sources

To better understand what dietary changes are related to consumption of a low-Calorie, low-fat diet and improve weight loss, this secondary data analysis examined relationships between changes in food group intake and reductions in energy and fat intake and weight during a lifestyle intervention in 162 participants. Participants were aged 52.5 8.4 years, 57.4% female, and 92.0% white, with a body mass index (BMI) of 34.9 + 4.5 kg/m2. Anthropometric and physical activity measurements and three, telephone, 24-hour dietary recalls were collected at 0, 6, and 18 months. Hierarchical regressions examined relationships between changes in food group intake and changes in energy and percent energy from fat intake and weight from 0 to 6 months (weight loss) and 6 to 18 months (weight loss maintenance). Food group intake changes with significant positive (p < 0.05) associations to energy and fat intake changes from 0 to 6 months were: Oils, Meat, Fats, and Dairy. Food group intake changes with significant (p < 0.05) associations to weight changes from 0 to 6 months were: Sugar Sweetened Sweets and Modified Lower Fat Sugar Sweetened Fats Oils and Sweets (positive relationship), and Artificially Sweetened Beverages and Unsweetened Beverages (negative relationship). Food group intake changes with significant (p < 0.05) positive associations to energy and fat intake changes from 6 to 18 months were Nuts, Fats, and Modified Regular Fat Dairy. Future research should examine if providing goals for these food groups within the context of a low-Calorie, low-fat dietary prescription enhances outcomes.

Abstract MP49: Sugar Sweetened and Artificially Sweetened Beverages and risk of Mortality in US adults

Background: Sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) are the single largest source of calories and added sugars in the US diet and regular consumption has been associated with weight gain and risk of chronic diseases. Artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs) are often suggested as alternatives to SSB but little is known about their long-term health effects. Whether consumption of SSBs or ASBs is associated with risk of mortality is unknown. Methods: We prospectively followed 38,602 men from the Health Professional’s Follow-up study (1986-2010) and 82,592 women from the Nurses’ Health study (1980-2010) who were free from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer at baseline. Diet was assessed using validated food frequency questionnaires every 4 years and Cox Proportional Hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: We documented 27,691 deaths (6,631 CVD and 10,447 cancer deaths) during 3.14 million person-years. After adjusting for major dietary and lifestyle risk factors, and BMI, baseline diabetes, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia, consumption of SSBs was associated with an increased risk of total mortality, which was mainly driven by CVD mortality among individuals consuming at least 2 servings per day; pooled HRs (95% CIs) across categories (&lt;1/month, 1-4/month, 2-6/week, 1-&lt;2/day and ≥2/day) were 1.00, 0.95 (0.91, 0.98), 0.96 (0.93, 0.99), 1.02 (0.96, 1.08), and 1.18 (1.04, 1.33), respectively (P-trend= 0.0001) for total mortality, and 1.00, 0.97 (0.90, 1.02), 0.96 (0.90, 1.02), 1.04 (0.93, 1.16) and 1.28 (1.09, 1.51), respectively (P-trend=0.007) for CVD mortality. In contrast, ASBs were not associated with mortality; pooled HR’s (95% CIs) across categories (&lt;1/month, 1-4/month, 2-6/week, 1-&lt;2/day and ≥2/day) were 1.00, 0.92 (0.89, 0.95), 0.91 (0.86, 0.97), 0.91 (0.86, 0.95) and 0.99 (0.85, 1.15), respectively (P-trend=0.50) for total mortality and 1.00, 0.86 (0.80, 0.92), 0.87 (0.81, 0.94), 0.96 (0.88, 1.06) and 0.96 (0.74, 1.25), respectively (P-trend=0.99) for CVD mortality. No associations were observed with cancer mortality for either SSBs or ASBs in multi-variable adjusted models. Conclusion: Regular consumption of SSBs is associated with an increased risk of total and CVD mortality, providing additional support for recommendations and policies to limit intake of these beverages.

Relationship between artificially sweetened and sugar-sweetened cola beverage consumption during pregnancy and preterm delivery in a multi-ethnic cohort: analysis of the Born in Bradford cohort study

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the intake of sugar-sweetened (SS) and artificially sweetened (AS) cola beverages during pregnancy and the risk of preterm delivery (PTD). At baseline (2007-2010), 8914 pregnant women were recruited to the Born in Bradford birth cohort study at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy. Women completed a questionnaire describing their health and lifestyle behaviours, including their consumption of AS and SS cola beverages reported as cups per day, which were then linked to maternity records. The relationship between SS and AS cola beverage consumption was examined using logistic regression analyses. No relationship was observed between daily AS cola beverage consumption and PTD. Women who drank four cups per day of SS cola beverages had higher odds of a PTD when compared with women who did not consume these beverages daily. We conclude that high daily consumption of SS cola beverages during pregnancy is associated with increases in the rate of PTD.

Menu-Labeling Usage and Its Association with Diet and Exercise: 2011 BRFSS Sugar Sweetened Beverage and Menu Labeling Module

IntroductionThe primary objective of our study was to investigate the association between menu-labeling usage and healthy behaviors pertaining to diet (consumption of fruits, vegetables, sodas, and sugar-sweetened beverages) and exercise.MethodsData from the 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, Sugar Sweetened Beverage and Menu-Labeling module, were used. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between menu-labeling usage and explanatory variables that included fruit, vegetable, soda, and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption as well as exercise.ResultsNearly half (52%) of the sample indicated that they used menu labeling. People who used menu labeling were more likely to be female (odds ratio [OR], 2.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.04–2.58), overweight (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.00–1.29) or obese (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.12–1.50), obtain adequate weekly aerobic exercise (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.06–1.32), eat fruits (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.12–1.29) and vegetables (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.05–1.20), and drink less soda (OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.69–0.83).ConclusionAlthough obese and overweight people were more likely to use menu labeling, they were also adequately exercising, eating more fruits and vegetables, and drinking less soda. Menu labeling is intended to combat the obesity epidemic; however the results indicate an association between menu-labeling usage and certain healthy behaviors. Thus, efforts may be necessary to increase menu-labeling usage among people who are not partaking in such behaviors.

Knowledge, Attitude and Consumption Pattern of Alcoholic and Sugar Sweetened Beverages among Undergraduates in a Nigerian Institution

High consumption of alcoholic and sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) remains a public health problem among the young adults. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude and consumption pattern of alcohol and SSBs among the undergraduate students. A pretested, self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on the socio-demographic characteristic, knowledge, attitude and consumption pattern of the students regarding the negative social and health implications of excessive consumption of alcohol and SSBs from 376 undergraduate students from the University of Ibadan. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi square at P<0.05 was considered significant. The mean age of the students was 22.5±2.3 years. Large proportion (83.0% and 86.7%) had adequate knowledge of the health implications of excessive consumption of alcohol and SSBs respectively. Majority (85.4%) had positive attitude towards intake of alcoholic drinks while 83.5% had negative attitude towards the intake of SSBs. Majority (83.0%) of the respondents considered high intake of alcoholic drinks as dangerous to health while only 32.5% considered regular consumption of SSBs as dangerous to health. Majority (75.0%, 63.3% and 79.3%) of the respondents abstained from intake of beers, alcoholic wines and spirits respectively. Significant relationship was observed between the knowledge of social and health implication of excessive consumption of alcohol and the abstinence of the participants (p<0.05). A significant relationship was also observed between frequent consumption of SSBs by the respondents and being overweight (P<0.05). Knowledge of the undergraduate students on the social and health implication of excessive consumption of alcohol and sugar sweetened beverages was adequate. Majority had negative attitude towards alcohol intake but positive attitude towards the intake of sugar sweetened beverages. Frequent consumption of sugar sweetened beverages could contribute to being overweight. Nutrition education to encourage healthful dietary practices regarding the intake of sugar sweetened beverages should be intensified. Key words : Knowledge, Attitude, Consumption pattern, Sugar Sweetened Beverages, Alcoholic drink

Effects of Price Inflation Policy on Obesity: Focused on Sugar Sweetened Beverages

Background: Many countries have implemented their own price policies based on socioeconomic cost of obesity since WHO declared obesity as a worldwide epidemic disease. Korea’s obesity rate is accelerating. Methods: This study reviews 19 articles which have analysed the effect of price inflation policy, especially on sugar sweetened beverages. We assessed the effect of price policy on obesity using vote counting method, which is one of the methods of meta-analysis. Results: Based on the analysis of 19 research papers regarding the effectiveness of sugar tax, soda beverage tax and price inflation of fast food, 12 research papers proved that tax increase has positive impact in reducing obesity, while 7 research papers reported neutral effect. There was not a single paper stating that this policy negatively affects obesity reduction. Conclusion: Price policies may prove to be an effective method of intervention for controlling obesity. However, Korea should be cautious in introducing those policies since raising food prices is a sensitive issue in Korea. One major limitation of this study is the fact that not all of the papers concerning this field were included. Furthermore, there are difficulties in drawing a definite conclusion because of different indexes in evaluating policy effectiveness.

Effect of replacing sugar with non-caloric sweeteners in beverages on the reward value after repeated exposure.

BackgroundThe reward value of food is partly dependent on learned associations. It is not yet known whether replacing sugar with non-caloric sweeteners in food is affecting long-term acceptance. ObjectiveTo determine the effect of replacing sugar with non-caloric sweeteners in a nutrient-empty drink (soft drink) versus nutrient-rich drink (yoghurt drink) on reward value after repeated exposure. DesignWe used a randomized crossover design whereby forty subjects (15 men, 25 women) with a mean±SD age of 21±2 y and BMI of 21.5±1.7 kg/m2 consumed a fixed portion of a non-caloric sweetened (NS) and sugar sweetened (SS) versions of either a soft drink or a yoghurt drink (counterbalanced) for breakfast which were distinguishable by means of colored labels. Each version of a drink was offered 10 times in semi-random order. Before and after conditioning the reward value of the drinks was assessed using behavioral tasks on wanting, liking, and expected satiety. In a subgroup (n=18) fMRI was performed to assess brain reward responses to the drinks.ResultsOutcomes of both the behavioral tasks and fMRI showed that conditioning did not affect the reward value of the NS and SS versions of the drinks significantly. Overall, subjects preferred the yoghurt drinks to the soft drinks and the ss drinks to the NS drinks. In addition, they expected the yoghurt drinks to be more satiating, they reduced hunger more, and delayed the first eating episode more. Conditioning did not influence these effects.ConclusionOur study showed that repeated consumption of a non-caloric sweetened beverage, instead of a sugar sweetened version, appears not to result in changes in the reward value. It cannot be ruled out that learned associations between sensory attributes and food satiating capacity which developed preceding the conditioning period, during lifetime, affected the reward value of the drinks.

Randomized clinical trials on the sugar sweetened beverages on adiposity in olders than 13 y; systematic review

An association between consumption of sugar sweetened beverages (SSB) and metabolic diseases has been observed. The aim of this study was to analyze randomized clinical trials (RCT) of 18 or more weeks of intervention among ≥ 13 year old individuals, which examined the consumption of SSB on adiposity indicators. An electronic literature search was conducted in the PubMed database of RCT studies published up to April 10th, 2013. Term used for this search was "Sugar Sweetened Beverages". Four studies were found. In one of the studies, after the reduction of SSB consumption, a small reduction of BMI was observed (p = 0.045). Another study showed that the reduction of 355 ml/day was associated with a weight loss of 0.7 kg (95% CI: 0.2-1.1, p = 0.01). In a different study, in the group consuming regular Coke, an increase in the visceral: abdominal subcutaneous fat ratio, was observed (p = 0.01). In another study, there were no differences on adiposity between the intervention and control groups. The results of this review indicate a trend toward an effect of the consumption of SSB on adiposity.

Estudios aleatorizados sobre el efecto del consumo de bebidas azucaradas sobre la adiposidad en menores de 16 años; revisión sistemática

Introduction: Association between sugar sweetened beverages consumption and several metabolic diseases has been observed. Aim: To analyze randomized studies among ≤ 16 yo children of ≥ 52 weeks of intervention assessing the effect of the reduction of sugar sweetened beverages, carbonated drinks, flavored drinks, and fruit juices on adiposity indicators. Methods: Medline was searched for randomized controlled trials published up to August 21st, 2013. The following search terms were used: “Sugar Sweetened Beverages” and “Weight gain”. Papers without basal or final data, without accurate description of control groups and those without the eligibility criteria were excluded. Results: Three studies met the eligibility criteria. In the three studies an increase among the adiposity indicators were observed among those with sugar beverage consumption or a reduction in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among those with reduction of sugar beverages. Conclusion: This result show the evidence of a positive effect of the consumption of sugar sweetened beverages on adiposity indicators.

Randomized clinical trials of the effect of sugar sweetened beverages consumption on adiposity in youngers than 16 y old; systematic review

Association between sugar sweetened beverages consumption and several metabolic diseases has been observed. To analyze randomized studies among ≤ 16 yo children of ≥ 52 weeks of intervention assessing the effect of the reduction of sugar sweetened beverages, carbonated drinks, flavored drinks, and fruit juices on adiposity indicators. Medline was searched for randomized controlled trials published up to August 21st, 2013. The following search terms were used: "Sugar Sweetened Beverages" and "Weight gain". Papers without basal or final data, without accurate description of control groups and those without the eligibility criteria were excluded. Three studies met the eligibility criteria. In the three studies an increase among the adiposity indicators were observed among those with sugar beverage consumption or a reduction in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among those with reduction of sugar beverages. This result show the evidence of a positive effect of the consumption of sugar sweetened beverages on adiposity indicators.

Evidence Mapping: Methodological Foundations and Application to Epidemiologic Research on Sugar Sweetened Beverages and Health

Evidence Mapping: Methodological Foundations and Application to Epidemiologic Research on Sugar Sweetened Beverages and Health

Talking About Sugar Sweetened–Beverage Taxes: Will Actions Speak Louder Than Words?

In this issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Colleen Barry and her colleagues1 present results from a national public opinion survey assessing the level of support for arguments commonly used in public debate about instituting taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages. Many in public health want to learn what will persuade the public to support taxing sugary beverages because they are eager to mimic the success in tobacco control, where increasing excise taxes on cigarettes is the single most effective way to reduce consumption, especially among youth.

Health Promoting Secondary Schools: Community-Based Research Examining Voice, Choice and the School Setting

Background: Health Promoting Secondary Schools (HPSS) was a ‘whole school’ program across five intervention and five control high schools in British Columbia, Canada designed to improve the Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA) and healthy eating behaviors of grade 10 students. HPSS was implemented over one school year (2011-2012) and included classroom activities, changes to school policies, input from teachers and students, student leadership opportunities, and was tailored for each school. Teachers were provided with choicebased Physical Education (PE) and health curricula, as well as monetary grants to purchase equipment and supplies. This manuscript presents an overview of the development and evaluation of HPSS. Methods: This initiative employed mixed methods for data collection and analyses, including standardized questionnaires, focus groups, accelerometers, and fitness testing over three phases of data collection (T1, T2, T3); five key survey variables are discussed here to provide initial results on the effect of the HPSS model. The SHAPES Questionnaire and 20-meter shuttle run were used to assess these outcome measures. Results: A repeated measures ANOVA showed a decline in total MVPA (F=89.29, p<0.01) and weekday MVPA (F=136.33, p<0.01) across groups pre to post-test; an interaction effect for fitness (F=5.66, p<0.05); a significant decline in Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSB) over time for both conditions (F=10.89, p<0.05); a non-significant trend towards decreased screen time for the intervention group; and a significant interaction for fitness (F=5.61, p<0.05).Time 1 to Time 3 was significant for fruit and vegetable intake (F=5.94, p<0.05) and approached a significant interaction in favor of the control group (F=2.95, p=0.06), and an interaction for weekday PA (F=3.38, p<0.05). Conclusions: Although many of the variables in this initial analysis did not yield a statistically significant treatment effect, looking to effect sizes, trends, qualitative data and contextual factors may be helpful at this time in order to refine the program and adhere to the goal of creating an initiative that can be improved and modified to be utilized in other. It is also promising to see that the intervention group fared better in terms of fitness and weekday MVPA decline than the control group despite the obstacles faced during the intervention year.

Association between intake of artificially sweetened and sugar-sweetened beverages and preterm delivery: a large prospective cohort study

Artificially sweetened (AS) and sugar-sweetened (SS) beverages are commonly consumed during pregnancy. A recent Danish study reported that the daily intake of an AS beverage was associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery. We examined the intake of AS and SS beverages in pregnant women to replicate the Danish study and observe whether AS intake is indeed associated with preterm delivery. This was a prospective study of 60,761 pregnant women in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study. Intakes of carbonated and noncarbonated AS and SS beverages and use of artificial sweeteners in hot drinks were assessed by a self-reported food-frequency questionnaire in midpregnancy. Preterm delivery was the primary outcome, and data were obtained from the Norwegian Medical Birth Registry. Intakes of both AS and SS beverages increased with increasing BMI and energy intake and were higher in women with less education, in daily smokers, and in single women. A high intake of AS beverages was associated with preterm delivery; the adjusted OR for those drinking >1 serving/d was 1.11 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.24). Drinking >1 serving of SS beverages per day was also associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery (adjusted OR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.45). The trend tests were positive for both beverage types. This study suggests that a high intake of both AS and SS beverages is associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery.

A Review of the Literature on Policies Directed at the Youth Consumption of Sugar Sweetened Beverages

Sugar sweetened beverages (SSB) constitute a large percentage of energy consumed by youth. This paper reviews the literature on school nutrition policies and price interventions directed at youth SSB consumption. In addition to considering the direct effect of policies on SSB consumption, we provide an overview of the literature on how SSB consumption affects total energy intake (TEI) and BMI, as well as on how TEI affects BMI. By considering each of these links, we attempted to gauge the effect of policies directed at SSB consumption, as well as highlight areas that merit future research. We found that school nutrition and price policies reduce SSB consumption and that reduced SSB consumption is associated with a reduction in energy intake that can influence BMI. Policies directed at SSB consumption can play an important role in reducing youth overweight and obesity.