Sugary drinks in childhood linked to higher risk of adult hypertension

A new scientific study suggests that frequent intake of sugary drinks during childhood could have lasting consequences for cardiovascular health, increasing the likelihood of hypertension later in life.

Researchers reached this conclusion after analyzing data from more than 25,000 participants who were followed for a period of 25 years. Throughout the study, participants regularly provided detailed information about their dietary habits, including their consumption of soft drinks, sports beverages, fruit juices, and fresh fruits.

The findings revealed that individuals who consumed at least two servings of sugary beverages per day during childhood faced a 52% higher risk of developing high blood pressure in adulthood compared with those who consumed such drinks fewer than three times per week.

The study also found that each additional daily serving of soft drinks was associated with a 23% increase in hypertension risk, while sports drinks were linked to a 36% rise in risk.

Unexpectedly, researchers observed a similar association with natural fruit juices. Participants who consumed at least one and a half servings of juice per day had a 35% greater risk of developing hypertension. Orange juice, in particular, showed a strong association, with each daily serving linked to a 20% increase in risk.

In contrast, whole fruits did not demonstrate any adverse effects. Researchers estimated that replacing one daily serving of sugary beverages with fresh fruit could reduce the risk of hypertension by 22%, while substituting fruit for juice could lower the risk by 19%.

The authors of the study emphasized that maintaining cardiovascular health requires prioritizing whole fruit consumption and limiting the intake of sweetened beverages, including 100% natural fruit juices.