• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Nutraceuticals
    • Markets
    • Health
    • Blogs
    • Jobs
    • Events
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Showcases
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Nutraceuticals
  • Markets
  • Health
  • Blogs
  • Jobs
  • Events
  • Buyers' Guide
  • Showcases
  • Current & Past Issues
    Features
    Columns
    Editorials
    Digital Edition
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    eNewsletter
    Editorial Guidelines
    Top Features
    What Women Want: Clean, Transparent & Personalized Products

    Demand for Protein Propels Market Diversity & Product Innovation

    The Future of Nutraceuticals Packaging

    Swisse Wellness Adopts Unique Label, Branded Desiccant to Protect Product Authenticity

    Consumers Seek Added Nutritional Boost from Antioxidants
    Blogs & Guest Articles
    Breaking News
    Certifications, Approvals and Patents
    Exclusives
    Industry & Market News
    People
    Products
    Regulatory
    Research
    Supplier News
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    New Nutrition Business Sees No Limit to Snacks Market

    Compounds in Grapes, Dark Chocolate, Coffee, & Blueberries May Treat Depression

    Research Finds Fatty Fish and Camelina Oil Benefit Cholesterol

    Industry Interest in Nutrigenomics is Growing

    Omax Health Unveils Alpha & Omega Cognitive Boost
    Antioxidants
    Dairy-Based Ingredients
    Enzymes
    Fatty Acids
    Fiber & Carbohydrates
    Green Foods
    Herbs & Botanicals
    Marine Nutraceuticals
    Minerals
    Omega 3s
    Probiotics & Prebiotics
    Proteins, Peptides, Amino Acids
    Sweeteners
    Vitamins

    Collagen Products Gain Mass Appeal

    Research Finds Fatty Fish and Camelina Oil Benefit Cholesterol

    Omax Health Unveils Alpha & Omega Cognitive Boost

    Study Examines Vitamin K2 Content in Cheese

    Probi Probiotics Show Benefits for Bone Health
    Consumer Trends
    Contract Manufacturing
    Cosmeceuticals / Nutricosmetics
    Delivery & Dosage Technologies
    Dietary Supplements
    Flavors & Colors
    Functional Foods & Beverages
    Healthcare Trends
    Medical Nutrition
    Mergers & Acquisitions
    Natural/Organic
    Nutrition Bars
    Packaging
    Pet Nutraceuticals
    Quality & Safety
    Regulations
    Research
    Testing
    World Markets

    New Nutrition Business Sees No Limit to Snacks Market

    Collagen Products Gain Mass Appeal

    Compounds in Grapes, Dark Chocolate, Coffee, & Blueberries May Treat Depression

    Research Finds Fatty Fish and Camelina Oil Benefit Cholesterol

    Industry Interest in Nutrigenomics is Growing
    Bone & Joint Health
    Cancer Risk
    Cardiovascular Health
    Cognitive Function
    Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management
    Digestive Health
    Energy
    Eye Health
    Healthy Aging
    Immune Function
    Infant & Children's Health
    Inflammation
    Men's Health
    Mood Health & Sleep
    Oral Health
    Sexual & Reproductive Health
    Skin Health
    Sports Nutrition
    Weight Management/Weight Loss
    Women's Health

    Collagen Products Gain Mass Appeal

    Compounds in Grapes, Dark Chocolate, Coffee, & Blueberries May Treat Depression

    Research Finds Fatty Fish and Camelina Oil Benefit Cholesterol

    Omax Health Unveils Alpha & Omega Cognitive Boost

    Study Examines Vitamin K2 Content in Cheese
    Industry Events
    Live From Show Events
    Webinars
    All Companies
    Categories
    Trade Associations
    Company Capabilities
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Global Prebiotic Association

    CoQ10 Association

    Marcor, an Azelis Company

    FutureCeuticals, Inc.

    Horphag Research
    Companies
    Product Releases
    News Releases
    Literature / Brochures
    White Papers
    Jobs
    VIdeos
    Services
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Stepan Lipid Nutrition

    PLT Health Solutions

    Sabinsa Corporation
    • Magazine
      • Current / Back Issue
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Editorial Guidelines
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers' Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Trade Associations
      • Company Capabilities
      • Add Your Company
    • Nutraceuticals
      • Antioxidants
      • Dairy-Based Ingredients
      • Enzymes
      • Fatty Acids
      • Fiber & Carbohydrates
      • Green Foods
      • Herbs & Botanicals
      • Marine Nutraceuticals
      • Minerals
      • Omega 3s
      • Probiotics & Prebiotics
      • Proteins, Peptides, Amino Acids
      • Sweeteners
      • Vitamins
    • Markets
      • Consumer Trends
      • Contract Manufacturing
      • Cosmeceuticals / Nutricosmetics
      • Delivery & Dosage Technologies
      • Dietary Supplements
      • Flavors & Colors
      • Functional Foods & Beverages
      • Healthcare Trends
      • Medical Nutrition
      • Mergers & Acquisitions
      • Natural/Organic
      • Nutrition Bars
      • Packaging
      • Pet Nutraceuticals
      • Quality & Safety
      • Regulations
      • Research
      • Testing
      • World Markets
    • Health
      • Bone & Joint Health
      • Cancer Risk
      • Cardiovascular Health
      • Cognitive Function
      • Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management
      • Digestive Health
      • Energy
      • Eye Health
      • Healthy Aging
      • Immune Function
      • Infant & Children's Health
      • Inflammation
      • Men's Health
      • Mood Health & Sleep
      • Oral Health
      • Sexual & Reproductive Health
      • Skin Health
      • Sports Nutrition
      • Weight Management/Weight Loss
      • Women's Health
    • Online Exclusives
    • Slideshows
    • Blogs & Guest Articles
    • Health E-Insights
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • Whitepapers
    • Research
      • TrendSense
      • Monograph Center
      • White Papers
      • Research News
    • Jobs
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Supplier Showcases
      • Companies
      • Product Releases
      • News Releases
      • Literature / Brochures
      • White Papers
      • Jobs
      • VIdeos
      • Services
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Online Exclusives

    The Sugary Beverage Backlash

    Americans love their sodas and sugar-sweetened beverages, but research warns they aren’t healthy when consumed without moderation, touching off another battle between consumers, beverage advocates and health policy makers.

    Related CONTENT
    • Beverages: Size vs. Substance
    • New York Investigates Energy-Drink Makers
    • The Weight Loss Market: A SuperSIZED Opportunity
    • Young Americans Must Cut Calorie Intake
    • AMA Adopts Policy to Remove Sugary Drinks from SNAP
    Joanna Cosgrove, Online Editor10.11.12
    Sugar-laden soft drinks and other sweet beverages have lately borne the brunt of the burden for America’s obesity crisis. There have been battles in Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Texas over the implementation of soda taxes. And last month, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg famously eschewed personal choice in favor of imposed moderation when he outlawed the availability of so-called "Super-Sized" soft drinks measuring more than 16 oz. When the law goes into effect in the spring, other legislators will closely watch how it plays out with the hope of curtailing the expanding waistlines in their cities too. While research into the detrimental dietary effect of sugary beverages continues to accumulate, the public tug of war pitting personal choice against health rages on.
     
    The latest development in the sugary beverage battle included the publication of a study in the New England Journal of Medicine that gained national attention, and a rounded rejection by the American Beverage Association (ABA).
     
    In the National Institutes of Health-funded study titled, “Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Genetic Risk of Obesity,” researchers analyzed the interaction between genetic predisposition and the intake of sugar-sweetened beverages in relation to the body mass index (BMI) of 33,000 adults enrolled in other ongoing health studies.  
     
    “During the past 30 years, the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages has increased dramatically,” the researchers wrote. “Compelling evidence supports a positive link between the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and the risk of obesity.
     
    “The temporal patterns in the increasing consumption of these beverages have paralleled the rise in the prevalence of obesity; in the United States, both the intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and the prevalence of obesity have more than doubled since the late 1970s,” they added. “Therefore, we hypothesized that a high intake of sugar-sweetened beverages would influence the association between the genetic predisposition and adiposity.”
     
    The study participants were categorized into four groups depending upon their self-reported sugar-sweetened beverage intakes: less than one serving per month, one to four servings per month, two to six servings per week or one or more servings per day. Sugar-sweetened beverages included caffeinated colas, caffeine-free colas, carbonated non-cola soft drinks and noncarbonated sugar-sweetened beverages (fruit punches, lemonades or other fruit drinks).
     
    The researchers found “a significant interaction” in those who had the highest number of obesity-related gene variants, as they were more than twice as likely to become obese if they fell among the group that consumed the most servings of sugary beverages. “Our findings further underscore the need to test interventions that reduce the intake of sugary drinks as a means of reducing the risk of obesity and related diseases,” the researchers wrote.

    In response, the American Beverage Association (ABA) issued a statement critical of the study’s blame on sugar-sweetened beverages as a singular culprit in the rise of obesity. “We know, and science supports, that obesity is not uniquely caused by any single food or beverage,” ABA said. “Thus, studies and opinion pieces that focus solely on sugar-sweetened beverages, or any other single source of calories, do nothing meaningful to help address this serious issue.”

    The group also pointed out the study limitations, which were acknowledged by the authors. “In particular, the authors state, ‘it is unclear whether these factors linking the intake of SSBs to obesity modify the genetic effect, accounting for the observed interventions,’” ABA said. “They also note that the mechanisms by which most of the established BMI-associated genes work are largely unknown, so the underlying mechanisms interaction between the intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and a genetic predisposition to elevated adiposity or obesity need to be clarified.”

    ABA additionally questions the possibility of measurement errors during the self-reporting process; the lack of evaluation of the proportion of the total energy intake derived from sugar-sweetened beverages; and the study cohort restriction to persons only of European ancestry. “Furthermore, the analysis has been done for only the 32 known genes associated with BMI to date, but these genes account for only a small amount of variation in BMI,” they said.

    To support its claim that “sugar-sweetened beverages are not driving obesity,” ABA countered with its own facts and figures:
    • While Americans consume about 617 more calories today than they did in 1970, more than 90% of those incremental calories come from sources other than beverages.
    • Sugar-sweetened beverages contribute about 7% of the calories in the average American’s diet.
    • Caloric intake from sugar-sweetened beverages declined by more than 20% between 2001 and 2010, yet obesity rates continued to rise.
    • The average number of calories per beverage serving is down 23% since 1998 and about 45% of all non-alcoholic beverages purchased today have zero calories.
    • Forty-eight percent of overweight and obese individuals drink no sugar-sweetened beverages.
    “Importantly, what this issue reinforces is that all calories count, and if excess calories are not balanced out through physical activity, weight gain will occur,” the group said. “It should also be noted that several of these studies suggest that diet beverages can be a useful weight management tool, a position already supported by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.”
    Related Searches
    • Drink
    • Research
    • Beverages
    • Nutrition
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Men's Health
    • Women's Health
    • Healthcare Trends
    Suggested For You
    AND Asks Congress to Fund Food, Nutrition & Health Programs AND Asks Congress to Fund Food, Nutrition & Health Programs
    Securing the Supply Chain for Enhanced Brand Protection Securing the Supply Chain for Enhanced Brand Protection
    Natural Sweeteners Spell Success Natural Sweeteners Spell Success
    Study Suggests Omega-3s Decrease Childhood Aggression Study Suggests Omega-3s Decrease Childhood Aggression
    FMC to Establish European HQ and R&D Center in Denmark FMC to Establish European HQ and R&D Center in Denmark
    L. reuteri Probiotic Shown to Modulate Gut Insulin Metabolism L. reuteri Probiotic Shown to Modulate Gut Insulin Metabolism
    Strawberries May Help Improve Insulin Sensitivity Strawberries May Help Improve Insulin Sensitivity
    USDA Nutrition Standards Could Improve School Nutrition USDA Nutrition Standards Could Improve School Nutrition
    Quality of U.S. Diet Improves, Gap Widens Between Rich & Poor Quality of U.S. Diet Improves, Gap Widens Between Rich & Poor
    Report Spotlights U.S. Hospital-Based Malnutrition Report Spotlights U.S. Hospital-Based Malnutrition
    AMA Adopts Policy to Remove Sugary Drinks from SNAP AMA Adopts Policy to Remove Sugary Drinks from SNAP
    Young Americans Must  Cut Calorie Intake Young Americans Must Cut Calorie Intake
    The Weight Loss Market: A SuperSIZED Opportunity The Weight Loss Market: A SuperSIZED Opportunity
    New York Investigates Energy-Drink Makers New York Investigates Energy-Drink Makers
    Beverages: Size vs. Substance Beverages: Size vs. Substance

    Related Online Exclusives

    • Bone & Joint Health | Cancer Risk | Cardiovascular Health | Delivery & Dosage Technologies | Dietary Supplements | Digestive Health | Functional Foods & Beverages | Healthcare Trends | Herbs & Botanicals | Inflammation | Sports Nutrition
      A Golden Opportunity: The Rise of Turmeric & Curcumin

      A Golden Opportunity: The Rise of Turmeric & Curcumin

      This traditional botanical has long roots in history that are finally reaching consumers around the world.
      By Sean Moloughney, Editor 03.28.18

    • Cancer Risk | Minerals | Research | Women's Health
      Could Calcium Increase Risk of Colorectal Polyps?

      Could Calcium Increase Risk of Colorectal Polyps?

      Researchers unsure of possible mechanisms by which calcium may influence risk of serrated polyps.
      03.05.18

    • Bone & Joint Health | Cognitive Function | Delivery & Dosage Technologies | Minerals | Mood Health & Sleep | Research | Sports Nutrition | Women's Health
      Magnesium in Focus

      Magnesium in Focus

      Recognition of wide-scale deficiency could bring more interest to the magnesium supplement category.
      By Lisa Olivo, Associate Editor 02.21.18


    • Healthcare Trends | Infant & Children's Health | Minerals | Vitamins
      American Academy of Pediatrics Aims to Ensure Kids Get Key Nutrients for Brain Development

      American Academy of Pediatrics Aims to Ensure Kids Get Key Nutrients for Brain Development

      Policy statement to help children get specific nutrients needed to build healthy brains between conception and age 2.
      01.31.18

    • Bone & Joint Health | Cardiovascular Health | Dietary Supplements | Healthcare Trends | Vitamins
      Vitamin K in Focus

      Vitamin K in Focus

      Important for bone and cardiovascular health, vitamin K2 has benefited from strong science and growing awareness.
      By Sean Moloughney, Editor 01.25.18

    • Probiotics & Prebiotics | Regulations | World Markets
      International Probiotics Association Takes Aim at Harmonized Probiotic Guidelines

      International Probiotics Association Takes Aim at Harmonized Probiotic Guidelines

      Discussions with Codex look to establish a universal standard promoting worldwide quality and safety.
      By Lisa Olivo, Associate Editor 01.16.18


    • Consumer Trends | Healthcare Trends | Natural/Organic
      Focus on Clean Label

      Focus on Clean Label

      Transparency and clean label attributes have gone mainstream, and are significant sales drivers.
      By Sean Moloughney, Editor 12.20.17

    • Cardiovascular Health | Consumer Trends | Fatty Acids | Healthcare Trends | Healthy Aging | Marine Nutraceuticals | Omega-3s
      Omega-3 Index Takes Center Stage in Short Film

      Omega-3 Index Takes Center Stage in Short Film

      Aker BioMarine partnered with filmmakers to raise awareness for omega-3 deficiency.
      By Lisa Olivo, Associate Editor 12.05.17

    • Cognitive Function | Consumer Trends | Delivery & Dosage Technologies | Dietary Supplements | Digestive Health | Functional Foods & Beverages | Healthcare Trends | Immune Function | Probiotics & Prebiotics | Sports Nutrition
      Focus on Probiotics

      Focus on Probiotics

      Overwhelming demand for digestive support catapults growth for the probiotic market.
      By Lisa Olivo, Associate Editor 11.30.17


    • Quality & Safety | Regulations | Sports Nutrition
      FDA Warns Against SARMs in Body-Building Products

      FDA Warns Against SARMs in Body-Building Products

      Selective androgen receptor modulators are not approved for human use or consumption in the U.S.
      11.14.17

    • Cardiovascular Health | Proteins, Peptides, Amino Acids | Regulations
      FDA Considers Revoking Soy Protein’s Authorized Heart Health Claim

      FDA Considers Revoking Soy Protein’s Authorized Heart Health Claim

      If rule finalized, agency intends to allow the use of a qualified health claim 'as long as there is sufficient evidence.'
      By Sean Moloughney, Editor 11.01.17

    • Antioxidants | Consumer Trends | Dietary Supplements | Eye Health | Healthcare Trends | Healthy Aging | Herbs & Botanicals | Infant & Children's Health
      Macular Carotenoids Offer Protection from Blue Light at Every Age

      Macular Carotenoids Offer Protection from Blue Light at Every Age

      High-energy blue light exposure is becoming a significant concern for consumers as use of digital devices grows.
      By Lisa Olivo, Associate Editor 10.25.17

    • Consumer Trends | Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management | Healthcare Trends | Sweeteners | Weight Management/Weight Loss | World Markets
      Focus on Sweeteners

      Focus on Sweeteners

      As more shoppers shun sugar, natural alternatives are stepping in to satisfy consumers’ sweet tooth.
      By Lisa Olivo, Associate Editor 09.29.17

    • Consumer Trends | Healthcare Trends | Mergers & Acquisitions | Quality & Safety
      What Could Amazon’s Acquisition of Whole Foods Mean for the Natural Products Industry?

      What Could Amazon’s Acquisition of Whole Foods Mean for the Natural Products Industry?

      Amazon's purchase of the natural products retailer could shake things up for the health and wellness category.
      By Lisa Olivo, Associate Editor 07.27.17

    • Research | World Markets
      Student Uses NASA Technology to Tackle Hunger

      Student Uses NASA Technology to Tackle Hunger

      Nikian Aghababaie simplified high-tech aeroponic farming techniques in a sustainable, low-cost grow kit.
      By Lisa Olivo, Associate Editor 07.26.17

    Breaking News
    • Bioenergy Life Science Debuts RiaGev
    • New Nutrition Business Sees No Limit to Snacks Market
    • Epic Products Issues Voluntary Recall of Euphoric Capsules
    • AHPA Adds to Online Botanical Safety Handbook
    • P&G Acquires Merck's Consumer Health Business for $4.2 Billion
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    April 2018

    • What Women Want: Clean, Transparent & Personalized Products
    • Demand for Protein Propels Market Diversity & Product Innovation
    • The Future of Nutraceuticals Packaging
    • Swisse Wellness Adopts Unique Label, Branded Desiccant to Protect Product Authenticity
    • View More >

    Copyright © 2018 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.