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Soft drink consumption may influence risk for chronic bronchitis

Individuals who consumed larger quantities of soft drinks with high fructose corn syrup demonstrated greater risk for chronic bronchitis, according to study results.

“This study’s results provide epidemiological support for the association between consumption of high fructose corn syrup-sweetened soft drinks in the possible pathogenesis of chronic bronchitis, a subcomponent of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,” Luanne R. DeChristopher, MSc, of the biochemistry and molecular biology departments at New York Medical College in Valhalla, N.Y., and colleagues wrote. “Results support the hypothesis that underlying fructose malabsorption and fructose reactivity in the gastrointestinal [tract] may contribute to chronic bronchitis, perhaps through in situ formation of [advanced glycation end products], which may contribute to lung disease. Longitudinal and biochemical research is needed to confirm and clarify the mechanisms involved.”

DeChristopher and colleagues performed a cross-sectional analysis of 2,801 patients aged 20 to 55 years who participated in the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey between 2003 and 2006.

The researchers recorded any self-reported history of bronchitis or chronic bronchitis. They also performed a Rao-Scott chi-square analysis to analyze associations between age, sex, BMI, race/ethnicity, smoking, secondhand smoke in the home, pre-diabetes/diabetes, and total fruit and beverage consumption.

Results revealed a significant association between consumption of non-diet soda and the development of chronic bronchitis (P <.05). Consumption of non-diet soda at least five times per week appeared associated with nearly twice the risk for chronic bronchitis independent of other covariates (OR = 1.8; 95% CI, 1.01-3.2). – by Jeff Craven

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.