Sugar

Data from two prospective population-based Swedish cohorts linked high intake of added sugar from sweetened beverages to an elevated risk for CVD, Researchers observed no such link between elevated risk for CVD and moderate intake from treats such as pastries and ice cream.

Swedish researchers reported that “extremely low” sugar intake may not be necessary to prevent heart disease, and some treats throughout the week may be acceptable as moderate intake was associated with reduced CV risk.

PHILADELPHIA — Consuming a high-sugar diet over 10 days was associated with memory issues as well as negative cardiometabolic health compared with a low-sugar diet, according to a poster presentation.

Xylitol, a low-calorie sugar substitute commonly found in gum and toothpaste, demonstrated prothrombotic properties, possibly raising risk for major adverse CV events, researchers reported.

Adults who drank at least 2 L per week of sugar- or artificially sweetened beverages per week were more likely to develop atrial fibrillation during nearly 10 years of follow-up, independent of other traditional CV risk factors, data show.

A greater daily intake of sugar in people’s diets was associated with a higher prevalence of depression, according to a study published in BMC Psychiatry.

High consumption of foods and beverages with added sugars such as syrups and caloric sweeteners was associated with increased risk for metabolic syndrome, according to data published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.

Added sugar, total sugar and fructose from some sources were all linked to a higher risk for coronary heart disease, according to the results of research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Postmenopausal women who consumed at least one sugar-sweetened soft drink per day had significantly higher incidence of liver cancer and chronic liver disease mortality, compared with those who drank no more than three beverages per month.

BOSTON — A large proportion of rural children were fed high-sugar and high-salt foods within the first 2 years of life, according to a study presented at NUTRITION.