INTAKE OF SUGAR-SWEETENED BEVERAGES AND EFFECT ON HEALTH

Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are beverages that contain added caloric sweeteners or fruit-juice concentrates. Over the past few decades, consumption of SSBs around the world has tripled, especially among young adults. Increased use of SSBs is seen in all ethnic and socio-economic groups. Importantly, various studies have linked increased consumption of SSBs with an increased incidence of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, chronic pulmonary diseases, and cancer. Multiple mechanisms such as an increase in inflammatory markers increased oxidative stress, or change in metabolism have been implicated. The following review highlights the increased consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and their effects on human health. An accurate view of this subject would contribute to increased knowledge and improved awareness among people towards consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. However, it remains an open question requiring further research and studies.