A study published online on August 7 in The BMJ reports that the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) among children and adolescents increased by 23 percent globally from 1990 to 2018. Led by Laura Lara-Castor, Ph.D., from the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University in Boston, the research team analyzed global SSB intake trends among children and adolescents(aged 3 to 19 years) in 185 countries, using data from the Global Dietary Database covering the years 1990 to 2018.
The study revealed that in 2018, the average global intake of SSBs was 3.6 8-ounce servings per week. This ranged from 1.3 servings in South Asia to 9.1 servings in Latin America and the Caribbean. Older children and adolescents, urban residents, and those with more highly educated parents consumed more SSBs than their younger, rural, or less educated counterparts. Between 1990 and 2018, the global average SSB intake rose by 0.68 servings per week (a 22.9 percent increase),with the most significant rise occurring in sub-Saharan Africa, where intake increased by 2.17 servings per week (106 percent). Overall,30.3 percent of countries had an average SSB intake of seven or more servings per week, affecting 238 million children and adolescents, which is 10.4 percent of the global youth population.
Full text: The BMJ.
A study published in the American Journal of Medicine emphasizes that incorporating fruits and vegetables into the daily diet should be considered fundamental, rather than supplementary, in managing primary hypertension. The findings suggest that an effective strategy for managing primary hypertension is to start with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, using pharmacological treatments for kidney and cardiovascular protection as additional support when necessary.
Full text: The AJM.
A study presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference found that eating processed red meat twice a week can increase the risk of dementia by 14%. However, replacing these meats with nuts and legumes could reduce this risk by 20%, according to lead researcher Yuhan Li from Brigham and Women's Hospital.
In a news release, Snyder of the Alzheimer's Association emphasized the importance of diet in dementia prevention, stating, “The Alzheimer's Association has long advocated for healthier eating, including reducing processed foods, due to their association with a lower risk of cognitive decline. This large, long-term study highlights a specific dietary change that can contribute to healthier eating.”
Full text: HealthDay.
A study published in Nature Medicine using data from 6,700 Fitbit users highlights the significant connections between sleep patterns and various health outcomes, underscoring the value of wearable technology in sleepresearch. The study's key findings emphasize the importance of balanced sleep stages, maintaining consistent sleep patterns, and the effects of restless sleep, with notable differences observed across different demographic groups.
Full text: Nature Medicine.
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