A new study published in the American Heart Association's journal Circulation reveals that drinking fruit juice and sugar-sweetened beverages from childhood through adulthood may increase the risk of developing high blood pressure later in life. The research, which followed over 25,000 participants for up to 25 years, found that those who consumed two or more servings of sugary drinks per day had a 52% higher risk of high blood pressure compared to those who drank less than three servings per week.
Senior study author Vasanti Malik, Sc.D., M.Sc., an associate professor at the University of Toronto, emphasized that dietary habits in early life can have lasting health consequences. High blood pressure is emerging earlier in life, with growing rates in younger adults and children, highlighting the importance of early prevention. The study analyzed data from the Growing Up Today Study, where participants reported their intake of sugary beverages, fruit juice, and whole fruits, along with other health factors.
Key findings include that each daily serving of soda was associated with a 23% higher risk of high blood pressure, and sports drinks increased risk by 36%. Drinking 1.5 or more servings of fruit juice per day was linked to a 35% higher risk, with orange juice specifically associated with a 20% higher risk. However, substituting a daily serving of sugary beverage with whole fruit was linked to a 22% lower risk, and replacing fruit juice with whole fruit reduced risk by 19%. Substituting with milk or water lowered risk by up to 13%.
The American Heart Association's dietary guidance recommends minimizing added sugars. Amit Khera, M.D., FAHA, noted that these findings add new insights, particularly the importance of childhood behaviors and the misconception that fruit juice is beneficial. The study's population was mostly white, but the findings may be even more relevant for non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic populations, who have higher sugary drink intake. The Association advocates for policies like taxing sugary drinks and improving nutrition standards in schools to reduce consumption.
The study's limitations include reliance on self-reported data and the inability to prove causation. However, the results underscore the need to limit sugary drinks and fruit juice in favor of whole fruits, milk, or water to reduce the long-term risk of high blood pressure.
