This is the 2nd post in recognition of World Asthma Day, Tuesday May 2nd. This post highlights research from The Netherlands. Researchers took data from the Prevention and Incidence of Asthma and Mite Allergy (PIAMA) birth cohort. For the PIAMA project pregnant mothers were recruited from the general population in The Netherlands, for children born in 1996/1997. Parents were asked to complete questionnaires each year until the children were 8, then again at age 11. The children completed a questionnaire themselves at age 11 as well.

For this cross-sectional study, 2651 children completed their questionnaires. This included questions regarding consumption of six different beverages including diet drinks, energy drinks, 100% fruit juice, sports drinks, sugar added drinks (including soda), and sweetened milk products. Concurrently, parents completed a questionnaire that included questions about asthma diagnosis and symptoms. 

Results of the study demonstrated that high consumption of 100% fruit juice, sugar added drinks (including soda), and high total sugar containing beverages in general was associated with increased asthma in children. In particular, as the consumption of 100% fruit juice and total sugar containing beverages went up, the risk for asthma increased as well.

The CDC estimates 10% of all children in the U.S. have asthma. The highest rate of asthma is 17% in non-Hispanic black children. Boys are more likely to have asthma than girls. With statistics this alarming, cutting back on sugar containing beverages seems like a simple way to help limit asthma in our children.

(Source- European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2015, 69)

This blog is a review of medical and scientific literature, and should only be used for informational purposes. It does not constitute medical or health advice, nor does it create a physician-patient relationship with anyone. Discuss any health care concerns with your personal physician.