Sugar beverages
Sugar beverages are drinks that contain added sugars, such as sucrose or high-fructose corn syrup. These can include sodas, fruit drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, sweetened waters, and coffee and tea beverages with added sugars. They are often high in calories and provide little to no nutritional value.
- Category
- Beverage
- Molecular Formula
- Varies by specific beverage and type of sugar used
- Mechanism of Action
- Sugar in these beverages is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, causing a spike in blood glucose levels and prompting the pancreas to release insulin to help the cells take in the sugar.
- Evidence Grade
- A
Other Names
- Sugary drinks
- Sweetened beverages
- Sugar-sweetened beverages
- Soft drinks
Primary Benefits
- Provides quick source of energy
- Temporarily increases alertness and focus
Recommended Dosage
| Amount |
Limited consumption |
| Frequency |
Not specified |
| Timing |
Not specified |
Side Effects
- Weight gain
- Increased risk of type 2 diabetes
- Dental cavities
- Increased risk of heart disease
Precautions
- Should be consumed in moderation due to high sugar content
- Not recommended for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of obesity
Interactions
- May interact with insulin or other diabetes medications
- May impact effectiveness of weight loss strategies
Key References
- Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Health: Current State of Scientific Understandings and Research Needs
- Circulation, 2012
- Dietary sugars and body weight: systematic review and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials and cohort studies
- BMJ, 2013
No comments yet.