This is the third and final post in recognition of World Asthma Day, Tuesday May 2nd. This post looks at research from the University of Adelaide in South Australia. In particular, the researchers examined the relationship between soft drink consumption and asthma as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among a sample of adults in South Australia.

Using a random sample of South Australians phone interviews were conducted with adults ages 16 and older, with a mean of 47 years. In all, nearly 17,000 adults were interviewed.

Respondents were questioned regarding any diagnosis of asthma that was associated with symptoms over the past year, or use of typical asthma medications over the past year. Respondents were similarly queried regarding COPD diagnosis. Soft drink intake was associated by asking about the amount of soft drinks and sports drinks consumed in a typical day.

Results showed that higher levels of soft drink consumption were associated with a higher prevalence of asthma and COPD. Respondents who drank a half liter or more of soft drinks each day had a substantially higher prevalence of asthma (14.7%) compared to those who did not consume soft drinks (11.9%) A similar relationship was seen in COPD where those who drank a half liter or more of soft drinks each day had a prevalence of asthma of 6.0%, compared to only 4.2% in those who did not consume soft drinks.

In the U.S. the CDC estimates 1 in 12 adults has asthma. Women are more likely than men to have asthma. Given these statistics moderating our soft drink intake seems like a simple way to potentially limit one’s risk of asthma.

(Source- Respirology (2012) 17)

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 concerns with your personal physician.

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.