Soda drinkers at higher risk for early death, study shows

Chicago — If your daily routine involves drinking at least two glasses of soft drinks – artificially or sugar-sweetened – you may be at an increased risk for early death, according to a team of European researchers.

The researchers used data from more than 451,000 people in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition – a population-based cohort study involving participants from 10 countries. Participants who reported cancer, diabetes, heart disease or stroke during a baseline survey were excluded, as well as those with “implausible dietary intake data” and without soft drink consumption data or follow-up information.

All-cause mortality was higher among people who drank two or more glasses of soft drinks a day, either artificially or sugar-sweetened. The former was associated with deaths from circulatory diseases, while sugary drinks were linked to deaths from digestive diseases, when compared with people who drank less than one glass a month.

“Results of this study appear to support ongoing public health measures to reduce the consumption of soft drinks,” the study abstract states.

The study was published online Sept. 3 in journal JAMA Internal Medicine.