LONDON: Drinking just two soft drinks a day could increase the risk of premature death, new research suggests.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) study analyzed data from more than 450,000 adults across 10 European countries.
Participants had an average age of just over 50, and those with health conditions such as cancer, heart disease or diabetes at the outset were not included in the analysis.
Individuals joined the study between 1992 and 2000 and were then followed up for an average of 16 years, during which time more than 41,600 deaths were recorded.
During the study, participants were asked a number of questions about aspects of their lifestyle such as exercise, smoking, and weight as well as diet and nutrition – including their average consumption of fizzy drinks, fruit squash, and energy drinks.
The report, which was published in JAMA Internal Medicine, showed that 9.3 percent of those who drank less than one glass of soft drink a month died during the 16 years the study went on for, compared with 11.5 percent of those who drank two or more 250ml glasses a day.
The researchers said that when other factors such as body mass index, diet, physical activity, smoking, and education were taken into consideration, the figures translated to a 17 percent higher risk of death among those consuming two glasses a day compared with those drinking less than one glass a month.
The trend was seen for both sugar-sweetened and artificially-sweetened beverages, and similar results were also seen for both men and women.
When the researchers looked at specific causes of death among participants, they found frequent consumption of artificially sweetened soft drinks was associated with a higher risk of death from circulatory diseases.
Meanwhile, sugar-sweetened soft drinks were associated with a higher risk of death from the digestive disease.
All soft drinks were also associated with a greater risk of death from Parkinson’s disease.
The findings showed that people who drank a daily 350ml glass of juice had a 24 percent greater chance of dying during the study, compared to an 11 percent increase among those drinking any daily sugary soft drink.
(Agencies)
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