Adults who are 45 years old or older and who consume large amounts of sugary beverages, including soft drinks, fruit drinks and fruit juices, may have a higher risk of dying from heart disease or other causes, compared to those who drink fewer sugary drinks, according to new research.
The researchers found that people who drink 24 ounces or more of sugary beverages each day have twice the risk of death from heart disease than those who drink less than 1 ounce of sugary drinks per day. The study also found an increased risk of death from all causes, including other cardiovascular conditions.
Study co-author Suzanne Judd, Ph.D., associate professor of biostatistics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s School of Public Health, says the research is important for both consumers and health care providers.