Sugary Soda Research Articles

High glucose promotes regulatory T cell differentiation.

The consumption of processed foods and sugary sodas in Western diets correlates with an increased incidence of obesity, metabolic syndromes such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune diseases including inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis. All these diseases have an inflammatory component, of which T lymphocytes can play a critical role in driving. Much has been learned regarding the importance of sugar, particularly glucose, in fueling effector versus regulatory T cells that can promote or dampen inflammation, respectively. In particular, glucose and its metabolic breakdown products via glycolysis are essential for effector T cell differentiation and function, while fatty acid-fueled oxidative phosphorylation supports homeostasis and function of regulatory T cells. Nevertheless, a critical knowledge gap, given the prevalence of diabetes in Western societies, is the impact of elevated glucose concentrations on the balance between effector versus regulatory T cells. To begin addressing this, we cultured naïve CD4+ T cells with different concentrations of glucose, and examined their differentiation into effector versus regulatory lineages. Surprisingly, high glucose promoted regulatory T cell differentiation and inhibited Th1 effector differentiation. This skewing towards the regulatory lineage occurred via an indirect mechanism that depends on lactate produced by activated glycolytic T cells. Addition of lactate to the T cell differentiation process promotes the differentiation of Treg cells, and activates Akt/mTOR signaling cascade. Hence, our findings suggest the existence of a novel feedback mechanism in which lactate produced by activated, differentiating T cells skews their lineage commitment towards the regulatory fate.

Study Protocol: Sensory Effects of Replacing Sugar Sweetened Sodas With Unsweetened, Flavored Sparkling Water

Abstract Objectives Excess sugar consumption contributes to numerous chronic diseases. Prior work has typically emphasized replacing sugar-sweetened beverages, a key source of excess dietary sugar, with low-calorie sweetened beverages. Our protocol aims to instead replace sugar sodas with unsweetened, flavored sparkling water products, which are available in the same containers and at comparable prices to sugary sodas. Methods Participants who consume at least 2 sugar-sweetened sodas per day are being recruited for this project. Flavored, unsweetened sparkling waters will be provided to participants for 2 weeks, with sensory evaluations at baseline, 1 week, and 2 weeks. At the end of the 2-week intervention, we will provide participants with information on the costs and how to find the flavored, unsweetened sparkling water products. Two weeks post intervention, participants will be asked whether they continued to consume the sparkling waters or if they reverted back to sugar-sweetened soda consumption. We will use linear mixed models with subject as a repeated measure to determine the effect of replacement of sugar-sweetened sodas beverages with sparkling waters on: liking of sweetness in soda-like beverages, “just about right” concentration of sugar/intensity of sweetness in soda-like beverages, and post-intervention beverage selection. Results As this is a protocol abstract, results have yet to be obtained. However, we hypothesize that participants who comply with substituting sparkling waters for sweetened sodas will exhibit sensory shifts to prefer lower concentrations of sugar and liking for lower sweetness intensity in beverages. We expect these participants will also report continuing to consume the sparkling water products at 2 weeks post intervention. Conclusions Data from this study will inform future work on whether commercially available water products could shift sensory preferences for sweetness, which could aid in interventions to curb added sugar intake. Funding Sources This study is supported by a Pilot and Feasibility Award within the Indiana CTSI/CDMD, an initiative funded by the NIH/NIDDK.

The inflammatory food index and its association with weight gain and incidence of diabetes: Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil)

Background and aimsDiet plays a central role in regulating inflammation and is closely related to the development of chronic diseases. We aimed to develop an inflammatory food index (IFI) based on the relationship of food items with biomarkers of inflammation and to evaluate its association with weight gain and type 2 diabetes. Methods and resultsA sample of 9909 participants of the ELSA-Brasil study was analyzed. Standardized measurements including interviews, anthropometry, and laboratory exams were performed at baseline and follow-up. A baseline food frequency questionnaire was used to derive IFI scores using reduced rank regression (RRR). The inflammatory pattern derived included 11 pro-inflammatory food groups: processed meat, red meat, pork, sugary soda, and hot dogs. The anti-inflammatory pattern included seven food groups: fruits, nuts, and wine. The IFI score, adjusted through logistic regression for multiple sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical covariates, including body mass index, predicted the development of a large weight gain (tertile 3 vs. 1: OR = 1.30; 95%CI 1.08–1.55). The score, adjusted for sociodemographic factors through proportional hazard models, predicted incident diabetes (tertile 3 vs. 1: HR = 1.26; 95%CI 1.04–1.52). ConclusionThese findings support the hypothesis that subclinical inflammation caused by a pro-inflammatory food pattern, characterized mainly by greater ultra-processed food consumption, underlies weight gain and the development of type 2 diabetes.This study was registered at clinicaltrials.com as NCT02320461.

Oral health and oral health behavior in young adults with caries disease

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to describe and analyze oral health, oral health behaviors, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in relation to the level of caries disease among caries-active young adults.Material and methodsThis study presents data from a sample of young adults (n = 135) with active caries disease who were enrolled in a clinical, randomized controlled trial. The independent variables of sociodemographics, oral health (gingivitis, plaque), oral health behaviors (such as toothbrushing, dental attendance, sugar-containing sweets and drinks), dental anxiety, self-rated oral health, and OHRQoL were collected. Multinomial logistic regression was used to simultaneously evaluate the associations between the independent variables and caries severity.ResultsMultinominal logistic regression showed that poor OHRQoL and gingivitis were associated with caries severity in a gradient fashion in accordance with caries disease activity. Also, irregular dental care and frequent consumption of sugary soda were significantly associated with very high caries severity.ConclusionsThe risk factors related to caries severity among young adults were poor OHRQoL, gingivitis, consumption of sugary soda and irregular dental care attendance, indicating the need for a combination of different interventions specifically health behavior change. Furthermore, these findings may contribute to identifying high caries-risk individuals.

Lifestyle habits among a sample of middle school adolescents in Tunisia

Abstract Introduction Adolescent health is a major global concern today. In fact, adolescence is the period of life where different risky behaviors can take hold and is therefore the best prevention phase to guarantee healthy lifestule in adulthood. We aimed to assess the lifestyle of middle school adolescents and to highlight the main behaviors such as the eating habits, the physical activity and the personal hygiene. Methods We carried out a cross sectional study among a sample of adolescents from December 2017 to January 2018 and we involved two middle school schools in the region of Monastir in Tunisia. The questionnaire GSHS (the Global school-based student health survey) was used. Results In total, 802 participants were enrolled with a mean age of 13.6 ±1.9 years, ranged from 11 to 16 years old. Females represented 51.9% of the study population. More than one third of the students (36%) reported rarely or never eating breakfast with a significant difference in girls more than in boys (62.8% vs 37.2%, p < 10-3). Almost half of students (46.2%) reported drinking sugary sodas at least once a day and 86.3% of them reported consuming fast food more than two times per week. In addition, 59.4% of middle school students reported eating fruit more than twice a day and 24.3% eating vegetables at least three times a day. Regarding physical activity, our results showed that 24.4% of middle school students were physically active (1 hour minimum during the day) every day for the last 7 days, boys more than girls (56.5% vs 43.5%, p = 0.02). In addition, 39.7% of students declared they sit at least three hours a day. As for personal hygiene, our study found that 9.3% of students never, or rarely, washed or brushed their teeth; boys more than girls (69.3% vs 30.7%, p = <0.001). Conclusions Our results provide additional evidence on the need to combat sedentary lifestyle and encourage healthy nutrition and physical activity among adolescents. Key messages Understanding the health needs and concerns of young people contribute to implement effective health programs. Interventions in young people should act on various aspects of the lifestyle to ensure an optimal effect.

The role of psychosocial factors and treatment need in dental service use and oral health among adults in Norway.

This study aimed to explore whether population characteristics were associated with the use of dental services, individual's personal oral health practices, dental caries and oral health-related impacts using the revised Andersen's behavioural model as the theoretical framework. This cross-sectional study included participants from a Norwegian general population (N=1840; 20-79years) included in the Tromstannen-Oral Health in Northern Norway (TOHNN) study. The variables included in the model were social structure (income, education, urbanization), sense of coherence (SOC), enabling resources (difficulties accessing the dentist, declined treatment, dental anxiety), treatment need, use of dental services, toothbrushing frequency, sugary soda drink consumption, decayed teeth and oral health-related impacts (OHIP-14). Structural equation modelling was used to test the direct and indirect effects within Andersen's behavioural model of access and health outcomes. Andersen's behavioural model fit the data well and explained a large part of the variance in use of dental services (58%), oral health-related impacts (48%) and, to a lesser extent, decayed teeth (12%). More social structures and a stronger SOC was associated with more enabling resources, which in turn, was associated with more use of dental services. Social structures were not directly associated with use of dental services or decayed teeth but were predictive of oral health-related impacts. A stronger SOC was associated with more frequent toothbrushing, less soda drink consumptions, fewer decayed teeth and less oral health-related impacts. Self-perceived need did not predict dental attendance but was associated with decayed teeth. A less frequent use of dental services, less frequent toothbrushing and more frequent sugary soda drink consumption were associated with more decayed teeth. Decayed teeth were not associated with oral health-related impacts. The findings suggests that, in addition to focusing on reducing socioeconomic inequalities in relation to oral health in the Norwegian population, it is also important to consider how people perceive their own resources (eg financial, psychological, social) as well as their access to dental care in order to support regular dental attendance and potentially, in turn, enhance oral health.

Association between preconception maternal beverage intake and in vitro fertilization outcomes

To study whether maternal intake of beverage type affects IVF outcomes. A prospective study. Tertiary, university-affiliated center. Three hundred forty women undergoing IVF from 2014 through 2016 for infertility as well as for pregenetic diagnosis for autosomal recessive diseases were enrolled during ovarian stimulation and completed a questionnaire describing their usual beverage consumption. None. IVF outcomes were abstracted from medical records. Total caffeine intake was estimated by summing the caffeine content for specific beverages multiplied by frequency of intake. Associations between specific types of beverages and IVF outcomes were analyzed using Poisson and logistic regression models adjusting for possible confounders. Higher intake of sugared soda was associated with lower total, mature, and fertilized oocytes and top-quality embryos after ovarian stimulation. Women who consumed sugared soda had, on average, 1.1 fewer oocytes retrieved, 1.2 fewer mature oocytes retrieved, 0.6 fewer fertilized oocytes, and 0.6 fewer top-quality embryos compared with women who did not consume sugared soda. Furthermore, compared with women who did not drink sugared soda, the adjusted difference in percent of cycles resulting in live birth for women consuming 0.1-1 cups/day and >1 cup/day were -12% and -16%, respectively. No associations were found between consumption of coffee, caffeine, or diet sodas and IVF outcome. Sugared beverages, independent of their caffeine content, may be a bigger threat to reproductive success than caffeine and caffeinated beverages without added sugar.

Beverage Intake During Pregnancy and Childhood Adiposity.

To examine associations of sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) and other beverage intake during pregnancy with adiposity in midchildhood (median age of 7.7 years). We studied 1078 mother-child pairs in Project Viva, a prospective prebirth cohort study. Exposures were sugary and nonsugary beverage intake assessed in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy by using a food frequency questionnaire. Main outcome measures were offspring overall adiposity (BMI z score, fat mass index [FMI, kg/m2] from dual-energy radiograph absorptiometry, and sum of subscapular [SS] and triceps [TR] skinfold thicknesses) and central adiposity (SS:TR ratio and waist circumference). In the second trimester, mean (SD) SSB intake was 0.6 (0.9) servings per day. Thirty-two percent of mothers were multiracial or people of color, 68% were college graduates, and 10% smoked during pregnancy. In midchildhood, mean (SD) BMI z score was 0.38 (1.00), and the FMI was 4.4 (1.9) kg/m2. In multivariable models adjusted for multiple maternal and child covariates, each additional serving per day of SSB was associated with higher BMI z scores (0.07 U; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.01 to 0.15), FMI (0.15 kg/m2; 95% CI: -0.01 to 0.30), SS + TR (0.85 mm; 95% CI: 0.06 to 1.64), and waist circumference (0.65 cm; 95% CI: 0.01 to 1.28). Stratified models suggested that the associations were due primarily to maternal, not child, SSB intake and to sugary soda rather than fruit drinks or juice. We did not find differences between boys and girls, nor did we observe the effects of sugar-free soda or of first-trimester beverage intake. Higher SSB intake during the second trimester of pregnancy was associated with greater adiposity in midchildhood.

Taxes on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages to Reduce Overweight and Obesity in Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review.

BackgroundThe consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), which can lead to weight gain, is rising in middle-income countries (MICs). Taxing SSBs may help address this challenge. Systematic reviews focused on high-income countries indicate that taxing SSBs may reduce SSB consumption. Responsiveness to price changes may differ in MICs, where governments are considering the tax. To help inform their policy decisions, this review compiles evidence from MICs, assessing post-tax price increases (objective 1), changes in demand for SSBs and other products, overall and by socio-economic groups (objective 2), and effects on overweight and obesity prevalence (objective 3).Methods and FindingsWe conducted a systematic review on the effectiveness of SSB taxation in MICs (1990–2016) and identified nine studies from Brazil, Ecuador, India, Mexico, Peru, and South Africa. Estimates for own-price elasticity ranged from -0.6 to -1.2, and decreases in SSB consumption ranged from 5 to 39 kilojoules per person per day given a 10% increase in SSB prices. The review found that milk is a likely substitute, and foods prepared away from home, snacks, and candy are likely complements to SSBs. A quasi-experimental study and two modeling studies also found a negative relationship between SSB prices and obesity outcomes after accounting for substitution effects. Estimates are consistent despite variation in baseline obesity prevalence and per person per day consumption of SSBs across countries studied.ConclusionsThe review indicates that taxing SSBs will increase the prices of SSBs, especially sugary soda, in markets with few producers. Taxing SSBs will also reduce net energy intake by enough to prevent further growth in obesity prevalence, but not to reduce population weight permanently. Additional research using better survey data and stronger study designs is needed to ascertain the long-term effectiveness of an SSB tax on obesity prevalence in MICs.

Soda Consumption Among Methamphetamine Users in the USA: Impact on Oral Health.

Dental disease is associated with methamphetamine (MA) use and partly attributed to excessive consumption of sugared sodas. Hence, the purpose of this study was to verify patterns of sugared soda intake and their relationship to oral health. Detailed assessments with 541 MA users at two dental clinics were conducted. Assessment included a lifetime history of methamphetamine use, sugared soda consumption and a dental exam. Subjects were predominantly male (80.8%; mean age 44.4 years), on average had used MA for 11.6 years and drank an average of 35.3 sodas per month. Number of days of MA use over the past 30 days was significantly associated with soda consumption. Increased years of MA use was associated with the likelihood of users reporting less overall satisfaction with life because of their teeth, specifically difficulty eating, and dry mouth. This is the first study to show a statistically significant association between MA use and sugared soda consumption. MA users' consumption of sugared sodas is higher than in the adult general population, and this is the first study to show a statistically significant association between MA use and sugared soda consumption. In addition, increased soda consumption was associated with more dental problems among MA users.

Perspectives on Energy Drinks

Nutritionists and health care professionals strive for preserving the health of the public by following the guidelines of healthy dietary patterns and being engaged into a regular physical activity routine. Dietary guidelines stress the notion that all required nutrients for the body ought to be provided by a variety of nutritious food items, while refraining from the intake of highenergy/non-nutritious items. The term “empty calories” was coined for the energy that is derived from the latter group, such as sugary soda drinks and high sugar-containing juices. Because of the wide publicity for what are called “energy drinks”, it has become necessary to have a rational view of several aspects of such drinks. Therefore, this article explores this topic from nutritional and public health perspectives.

Energy Drinks: a Potentially Overlooked Obesity Correlate

Submit Manuscript | http://medcraveonline.com Adv Obes Weight Manag Control 2015, 2(3): 00019 Sugar sweetened drinks, a daily fixture in American life, are highly linked to obesity and other health problems such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease [5]. Consequently, there are many campaigns being launched to reduce consumption of soda and sugar sweetened beverages in cities and communities [6]. To create healthier choices for citizens many hospitals and organizations have banned sugary drinks including fruit juices in addition to sugary soda drinks [7].

The Water Wagon: H2O on the go

Since its inception in 2007, the Water Wagon program at Niagara Region, Ontario, has grown significantly. This 2,400‐L (634‐gal) portable water hauler provides clean, cold tap water at local nonprofit and charitable events. Best of all, this service is free. The Water Wagon is unique and simple in design. Comparable units often require electricity and a direct connection to a municipal water supply. The Water Wagon requires neither. It encourages residents and visitors to make environmentally responsible choices outside of the home and on the go. It also supports healthy lifestyles, providing an alternative to sugary sodas and juice beverages.

Food Fights - Southern California Style

Childhood and adult obesity have become national concerns with roughly one in five children overweight. The primary causes of weight gain are genetic, dietary, and exercise, or the lack thereof.Exercise was emphasized beginning in the 1950's with President Eisenhower creating the President's Council on Youth Fitness on July 16, 1956 to encourage physical fitness in our youth. President Kennedy changed it to the President's Council on Physical Fitness in 1963. Physical fitness, PE, was required in our schools from K-12.The push for physical exercise has been deemphasized in recent years as our life styles have changed. The government is now emphasizing dietary restrictions as the means to reduce childhood obesity. The restrictions are being led by leaders in New York City and Los Angeles. Thus, sugared sodas and junk foods have been banned in schools and Los Angeles Unified has banned flavored milks. LA is restricting the opening of new fast food restaurants. Other communities have banned Happy Meals. Mayor Bloomberg of New York City proposed a ban on sugared drinks of 20oz or more. Taxes are proposed on sodas to reduce their sales.Changes to school menus often meet with consumer resistance as with Los Angeles’ revolutionary change in the school lunch menu.The purpose of this paper is to show that many of the proposals are ill-advised, often ineffective, and sometimes counter-productive.

Food sources of sodium, saturated fat and added sugar in the Spanish hypertensive and diabetic population

ObjectivesPrevious research has shown that the diet of hypertensive and diabetic patients has a low accordance with the main nutritional recommendations, mostly due to the high intake of sodium, saturated fat and added sugars. This is the first study to identify the main food sources of these nutrients in these patients. MethodsCross-sectional study conducted in 2008–2010 in a representative sample of the Spanish adult population, including 2323 patients with hypertension and 635 with diabetes. The habitual diet was assessed using a validated diet history. The intake of sodium, saturated fat and added sugars was estimated with Spanish food composition tables. ResultsThe hypertensive and diabetic population showed, respectively, an intake of 2.9 and 3.1 g/day of sodium, 26 and 26 g/day of saturated fat, and 33 and 24 g/day of added sugar. In hypertensive and diabetic patients, respectively, most sodium intake came from bread (35%, 34%), raw-cured sausages (15%, 15%), cooked sausages (6%, 7%), and soup (5%, 6%). The main sources of saturated fat were cured cheese (13%, 13%), bakery products (12%, 11%), red meat (10%, 11%), raw-cured sausages (8%, 9%) and whole milk (4%, 4%). The food groups that most contributed to added sugar intake were sugar directly added to coffee and other beverages (27%, 19%), bakery products (15%, 19%), sugary soft drinks (10%, 13%), and whole yogurt (9%, 12%). The main food sources of nutrients were similar in all sex and age groups. ConclusionsIn patients with hypertension and diabetes, the intake of sodium, saturated fat and added sugar can be substantially reduced by prioritizing low-salt varieties of bread, reducing the consumption of bakery products and sausages, replacing cured cheese and other whole dairy products by low-fat products, using non-sugary sweeteners, and substituting sugar-free soft drinks, or plain water, for sugary sodas.

Changes in Eating and Physical Activity Behaviors Across Seven Semesters of College

The transition from adolescence to adulthood is an important period for establishing behavioral patterns that affect long-term health and chronic disease risk. Nelson and colleagues speculated that developmental changes and changes in living situation may play an important role in the nutrition and physical activity behaviors of college students. Data from the University Life Study, a longitudinal study of college students that includes web-based surveys administered 14 consecutive days each semester, were used to examine fruit, vegetable, and sugared soda consumption, physical activity, and sedentary activity behaviors across seven semesters. Estimates for each semester were calculated to determine the frequency with which students consumed fruits, vegetables, and sugared soda, engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity, and engaged in sedentary activities. Four models, estimated with HLM 6.04, were used to predict changes in these behaviors across the seven semesters. Living on or off campus was included to determine if this explained additional variance. Results indicated that few college students consumed fruits and vegetables or exercised at optimal levels during the seven semesters surveyed. Daily fruit and vegetable consumption and daily physical activity declined significantly from the first to the seventh semester. For both of these findings, living off campus exacerbated the problem. Average number of hours of sedentary behaviors declined over time, as did number of days on which at least one sugared soda was consumed. Living location did not explain additional variance in these positive trends. Implications for policy, practice, and future research are discussed.

Causal or Casual?—The Association Between Consumption of Artificially Sweetened Carbonated Beverages and Vascular Disease

Causal or Casual?—The Association Between Consumption of Artificially Sweetened Carbonated Beverages and Vascular Disease

Forbidden Fruit Tastes the Sweetest—A Study of Norwegians’ Consumption Pattern of Chocolate, Sweets, Salty Snacks, Soft Drinks and the Like

The theme of this study is eating and drinking patterns for products of which the health authorities want the Norwegian people to reduce their consumption. Although consumption development has shown positive trends over the past few years, Norwegians still have a much higher intake of such products than what is advisable. The study showed that only a small proportion had not eaten chocolate, sweets, sweet pastries, salty snacks etc. in the last seven days. Young people, men, people with low education and people living in households with children had the highest eating and drinking frequency of these kinds of products. Gender and age had the strongest impact on eating and drinking frequency. However, women had a higher eating rate of chocolate and sweets, and men had a higher eating and drinking frequency of salty snacks and sugary soda. People with low education had a considerably higher frequency of drinking sugary soda than people with high education. Among those who ate these products weekly, there were many who expressed that they would prefer to avoid such products, but that they were often tempted. Among those who ate these products a few times a month or less, few said that they did not like chocolate, sweets, etc. The main reason for having a relatively low eating and drinking frequency was that they perceived such products as unhealthy and fattening. Although there were only a few in the group of respondents who were concerned with healthy eating that had not eaten any of the listed products in the past seven days, this group had a significantly lower frequency of eating chocolate, sweets, etc. than the group that was not concerned with this. It was also clear that people who were health conscious to a greater extent limited eating of such products to the weekends and special occasions than those who were not. In order to succeed in reducing eating and drinking frequency of these products, it will be necessary to draw attention to product availability and social acceptance.

Nutrition transition in the United Arab Emirates.

The United Arab Emirates has undergone remarkable economic and social transformations over the past few decades. We present findings on the prevalence of overweight and obesity, dietary and activity patterns among Emiratis in 2009/10, and explore associated urbanization and wealth factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 628 randomly selected households in all seven emirates. Sociodemographics, 24-h dietary recalls, physical activity and anthropometric data were collected from adult females (≥ 19 years), adolescents (11-18 years) and children (6-10 years) in each family via in-person interviews using validated questionnaires. In 2009/10, 65% of adult women, 28% of male adolescents and 40% of female adolescents, 25% of male children and 41% of female children were overweight or obese. 43% of girls and 38% of boys (6-10 years) consumed more calories than their estimated energy requirements. Snacking represents a major source of Emirati caloric intake (>20%) of total calories. In addition, caloric beverages account for 8-14% of total calories. Meanwhile, physical activity levels are low, especially among females Emiratis and those living in urban areas. These trends represent the potential risk for severe cardiometabolic problems in the United Arab Emirates. The significant gender differentials among children and adolescents are driven by diet and activity differences. More attention should be paid to educate the public on nutrition (for example, limit the consumption of sugared sodas, fruit drinks and whole milk, promote water and low-fat/skim milk consumption instead) and encourage physical activity from a young age, especially among females. Built environments and social support for improved lifestyle choices by individuals are needed.

Does Sugary Soda Make Youth Violent

Some evidence suggests that consumption of sugary soft drinks is associated with adverse mental health outcomes. To explore whether soft drinks are also associated with violent behavior, investigators analyzed data from 1618 9th to 12th grade students in Boston public schools who reported how much soda they consumed during the past 7 days (students were specifically instructed not to include diet soda). They also reported if they had carried a gun or knife …