A recent study published in Frontiers in Public Health found that consuming added sugars can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, the sources of these added sugars may play a crucial role in determining this risk.
The study, which included data from 69,705 participants, examined the association between different types of added sugar and cardiovascular disease risk. The researchers found that sweetened beverages were associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and abdominal aortic aneurysm.
On the other hand, consuming treats like pastries and sweets was linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, this association was non-linear, meaning that very low or high intakes of added sugar may actually increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The study’s lead author noted that different sources of added sugars have varying impacts on cardiovascular diseases. For example, sweetened beverages were associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, while treats like pastries and sweets were linked to a lower risk.
However, the study has some limitations. The data was explicitly from participants in Sweden, limiting the findings’ generalizability. Additionally, participants self-reported dietary data, which may not be accurate. Further research is necessary to confirm the results and understand their meaning.
The study’s findings suggest that added sugar intake overall does not have to be completely eliminated for optimal health. Instead, moderate intakes of certain sources of added sugar may be healthy. This approach can help inform how we counsel patients about healthy eating habits and lifestyle modifications.
Overall, while the study suggests that added sugars can increase cardiovascular disease risk, it also highlights the importance of considering the source of these added sugars when making dietary choices.
Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/pastries-sodas-not-all-added-sugars-pose-same-heart-disease-risk