Do sugary beverages elevate the risk of atrial fibrillation?
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In a recent study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers used Mendelian randomization (MR) to explore the associations between the intake of pure fruit juices (PFJ) and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) with cardiovascular disease (CVD).
CVD, a global health issue, relates to factors like high BMI, alcohol, and smoking. While sugar-sweetened beverages and fruit juices are linked to CVD, the causal relationship is uncertain. Cutting back on sugary drinks may reduce CVD risk, but fruit juice intake may still be a predictor. Despite nutrient benefits, limiting fruit juice intake is advised due to its high sugar content.
In the study, researchers investigated whether sugar-sweetened beverages and pure fruit juices consumption increased CVD risk by assessing genetically estimated causal relationships between sugar-sweetened beverages, pure fruit juices, and six CVDs using Mendelian randomization. The team obtained dietary intake data of 85,852 individuals by conducting a genome-wide association study.
The analysis showed genetically, sugar-sweetened beverages are causally associated with atrial fibrillation, but not with other cardiovascular disease risks. Pure fruit juices lack such associations. Sugar-sweetened beverages contain additives like sodium citrate, potentially raising atrial fibrillation risk. Meanwhile, the anti-inflammatory properties of pure fruit juices may lower CVD incidence by preventing plaque development and platelet aggregation.
Key findings of the study are as follows:
· The results of MR analysis suggested genetically causal associations between SSBs and AF (odds ratio (OR): 1.023) as well as between PFJ and angina (OR: 0.968) there was genetic causality.
· MR analysis showed no causal association between SSBs/PFJ and other CVD risks.
The findings highlighted the impact of long-term sugar-sweetened beverages/pure fruit juice intake on cardiovascular disease (CVD) and recommended dietary choices for people who are at risk. Patients with atrial fibrillation should limit their sugar-sweetened beverage consumption to prevent potential pathogenic hazards, whereas, individuals may incorporate pure fruit juice into their diet as a protective factor against CVD.
Reference: Xie, H., Liu, Y., Gu, X., et al., (2024) Association between sugar-sweetened beverages and pure fruit juice with risk of six cardiovascular diseases: a Mendelian randomization study. Eur J Clin Nutr. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-024-01441-9. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41430-024-01441-9
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