A study conducted by experts from the University of Toronto and the Harvard School of Public Health has revealed a link between regular consumption of sugary drinks during childhood and adolescence and an increased risk of developing hypertension in adulthood.

Study Overview

The research involved more than 25,000 participants who were observed over a period of 25 years—from childhood (ages 9–16) until they reached 36 years old. Participants regularly completed dietary surveys, with particular attention paid to the frequency of consuming sugary carbonated drinks, sports drinks (including isotonic and energy drinks), juices, as well as fruits, milk, and plain water.

Main Findings

Data analysis showed that regular consumption of sugary drinks significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Those who drank more than two cans of sugary beverages per day since childhood had, on average, a 52% higher risk of developing hypertension in adulthood compared to those who consumed them less than three times a week. With each additional daily serving, the risk increased: by 23% for soda and by 36% for sports drinks.

The Impact of Fruit Juices

The study also separately examined the effects of fruit juices. Daily consumption of 360 ml or more raised the risk of hypertension by 35%. The most pronounced effect was observed with orange juice—each extra serving above the daily norm increased the risk by 20%. Apple juice did not show a similar trend. The researchers noted that there may be inaccuracies due to confusion between natural juices and nectar or juice-containing drinks.

Preventive Measures

Modeling showed that replacing one daily serving of a sugary drink or juice with whole fruits (such as apples, oranges, or bananas) reduces the risk of hypertension by 19–22%. Substituting soda with water or milk lowered the likelihood of disease by 13%. The study established that the danger lies not in fructose itself, but in the form in which it is consumed: fiber in whole fruits mitigates negative effects, which does not happen when consuming liquid sugars.

The study results were published in the journal Circulation.