A 25-year study of nearly 26,000 people found that consuming two or more servings of sugar-sweetened beverages per day during childhood was associated with a 52% higher risk of developing high blood pressure later in life, compared to those who drank fewer than three servings per week. A typical serving was defined as a 12-ounce can or glass.
Study details and findings
Researchers analysed data collected every one to four years on participants' diet, drinking habits, body measurements, exercise and smoking. Sugar-sweetened beverages included fizzy drinks, ice teas, sports drinks and non-carbonated fruit drinks. Fruit juice intake of 1.5 or more eight-ounce servings per day was linked to a 35% higher risk of high blood pressure than fewer than one serving per week.
Among sugary drink subtypes, each daily serving of soda was associated with a 23% higher risk, and each daily serving of sports drinks with a 36% higher risk of high blood pressure.
Impact and recommendations
Study leader Dr Vasanti Malik, associate professor and nutrition expert at the University of Toronto, said: “Dietary habits in early life can have lasting health consequences. High blood pressure is also emerging earlier in life, with growing rates being seen in younger adults, in children and adolescents, which highlights the importance of early detection and prevention.”
The researchers estimated that swapping a daily serving of sugary beverage or juice with whole fruit could cut the risk of developing high blood pressure by around 20%.
Dr Malik added: “Sugar-sweetened beverages, such as soda and sports drinks, which are often marketed as somewhat healthy, should be limited. Fruit juice intake may be harmless at low levels yet harmful at higher intake levels. They should always be 100% fruit juice, and even so, consumed only in moderation. Whole fruit should be emphasised over sugary beverages.”
Broader context and limitations
Around one in three adults in the UK has high blood pressure, with millions unaware they have the condition, which raises the risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and vascular dementia. The study was observational and could not prove causation, but previous research has shown similar associations. The findings were published in the American Heart Association's flagship journal Circulation.
