March 25, 2020: Recent Findings
Haslam et al., 2020 find sugar sweetened beverages may raise triglycerides and lower HDL cholesterol
Clinical Perspective
What is New?
- In this cohort of US adults followed for a mean of 12.5 years, regular consumption of sugar‐sweetened beverages, which includes sodas and fruit drinks, was associated with adverse changes in lipoprotein concentrations and increased incidence of dyslipidemias related to triglyceride and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol.
- While we observed some adverse changes in lipoprotein concentrations and incidence of dyslipidemia with recent consumption of low‐calorie sweetened beverages, which includes naturally and artificially sweetened “diet” drinks, we observed no significant relationship between long‐term low‐calorie sweetened beverage consumption and incidence of dyslipidemias.
- Our study suggests that regular consumption of 100% fruit juice up to 1.5 servings per day was not associated with adverse changes in lipoprotein concentrations or incident dyslipidemias, but further research is warranted.
What Are the Clinical Implications?
- Our results support the recommendations to limit sugar‐sweetened beverage intake and suggest that dyslipidemia may be one mechanistic pathway whereby sugar‐sweetened beverage intake may increase cardiovascular disease risk.
- Dietary patterns low in sugar‐sweetened beverages may contribute to maintenance of favorable plasma lipoprotein profiles.
- Consumption of low‐calorie sweetened beverages and limited amounts of 100% fruit juice (up to 1.5 servings per day) do not appear to adversely influence lipoprotein concentrations.