Effects on uric acid, body mass index and blood pressure in adolescents of consuming beverages sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The dietary intake of fructose-rich sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) may have a significant role in raising serum uric acid (SUA) levels as well as the risk of contracting gout and cardiovascular risk factors. Our objective was to investigate the impact of SSB intake on SUA, body mass index (BMI) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) among adolescents in Taiwan. METHODS: We evaluated data from 2727 representative adolescents who were multistage sampled from 36 Junior High schools in Taiwan. We cross-sectionally collected demographic, physical, dietary and anthropometric variables, and prospectively measured clinical outcomes. Data were analyzed using multiple regression and logistic models adjusted for covariates. RESULTS: We found that 87.7% of adolescents were SSB drinkers, with 25.1% drinking 4500 ml per day of such beverages. Increased SSB intake was associated with increased waist and hip circumferences, body fat, BMI, SBP and SUA. As compared with non-drinkers, SSB drinkers had a 3.2-4.9 elevated risk of obesity. The prevalence of hyperuricemia in heavy SSB users (40.2-49.4%) was appreciably greater than that for non-users (24.2%). Adolescents who consumed 4500 ml per day of heavy high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) containing beverages had a 0.42 mg dl À 1 higher SUA level and a 2.0-2.1 increased risk of developing hyperuricemia than non-drinkers. The consumption of HFCS-rich beverages was also found to interact with obesity in determining higher levels of SUA (2.2-2.4 mg dl À 1 increases). CONCLUSION: High SSB consumption has a notable effect on increased levels of BMI and SUA. The intake of HFCS-rich beverages and BMI were likely to interactively strengthen SUA levels among obese adolescents.

A systematic literature review and meta-analysis: The Theory of Planned Behavior's application to understand and predict nutrition-related behaviors in youth

“…The use of individual food groups and foods in TPB research in youth can provide understanding of why certain nutrition-related behaviors are performed or intended to be performed. For example, exploring sugarsweetened beverage and added sugar consumption in youth may hinder unhealthy weight gain and other health problems associated with excessive intake of such foods and beverages (Ambrosini et al, 2013;Johnson, Appel, Brands, et al, 2009;Lin, Huang, Huang, et al, 2013;Malik, Pan, Willett, & Hu, 2013). Similarly, using valid and reliable nutrition assessment instruments is imperative (Johnson, Yon, & Hankin, 2008;Thompson & Subar, 2013;Harris et al, 2009).…”

Increased Serum Uric Acid Levels Blunt the Antihypertensive Efficacy of Lifestyle Modifications in Children at Cardiovascular Risk

“…Epidemiological reports describe an increase in children BP levels and a rise in prevalence of hypertension, which is largely driven by escalation in childhood obesity with concurrent changes in diet habits, including salt and possibly fructose exposure. 20,21 Although a Dietary Approches to Stop Hypertension (DASH)-type diet, weight loss, and increases in physical activity are being advocated by leading health experts to treat high BP in childhood and adolescence, 15,22 the efficacy of the diet and intervention strategies that maximize such efficacy in real-life settings among youth is yet to be ascertained. 23 .Few studies demonstrated the effect of body weight changes on BP values, 20 and only one randomized study showed the effectiveness of physical exercise in lowering elevated BP in obese hypertensive children.…”

Acute effect of fructose intake from sugar-sweetened beverages on plasma uric acid: a randomised controlled trial

“…4 Other scientists maintain that the increased proportion of fructose in our diet is causal in the increased prevalence of negative health outcomes and non-communicable diseases including obesity, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes. [5][6][7][8][9][10] Certainly, long-term consumption of sucrose-sweetened beverages has been found to increase ectopic fat accumulation and blood lipids. 11 To what extent these detrimental effects are due to fructose consumption is of particular interest.…”