Higher consumption of sugary or artificially sweetened beverages may increase risk of developing CKD: JAMA

A study of 127,830 adults from the UK Biobank found that excessive (more than one serving daily) consumption of sugar-sweetened or artificially sweetened beverages per day increased the risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Conversely, replacing one serving of these beverages with natural juices or water was linked to a lower risk of chronic kidney disease. This original investigation on nephrology was published in JAMA Network Open.

This research examined the relationship between sugar-sweetened beverages, artificially sweetened beverages, and natural juice consumption and the risk of developing CKD. Additionally, the study looked into these beverage substitutions. Data from the UK Biobank's prospective, population-based cohort study was analyzed, including participants without a history of CKD who completed at least one dietary questionnaire. The study's follow-up period was from the last dietary questionnaire until October 31, 2022, in England; July 31, 2021, in Scotland; and February 28, 2018, in Wales. Researchers analyzed the collected data from May 1 to August 1, 2023.

The study examined three beverage types - sugar-sweetened, artificially sweetened, and natural juices - about the development of CKD. Multivariable Cox models and substitution analysis were used.

Key findings from the study:

Concluding, reducing sugar-sweetened or artificially sweetened beverages may reduce the risk of developing CKD.

Reference:

Heo GY, Koh HB, Park JT, et al. Sweetened Beverage Intake and Incident Chronic Kidney Disease in the UK Biobank Study. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(2):e2356885. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.56885