Soft drink linked to asthma and COPD
9 December 2011
Consumption of high levels of soft drink is associated with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, a long-term condition where the airways in the lungs become blocked) in adults, Australian researchers have shown.
The finding comes from a study of 16,000 South Australian residents aged more than 16 years who were surveyed by telephone on their soft drink consumption, which included sports drinks, cola, lemonade and flavoured mineral water (Respirology 2011, online 5 Dec).
The proportion of people with asthma was 12.5 per cent and COPD was 4.4 per cent, and more than one in 10 of those surveyed reported consuming more than half a litre of soft drink daily.
Some 13 per cent of those with asthma and 15 per cent of those with COPD reported consuming more than half a litre of soft drink per day.
Those consuming half a litre or more per day had a much higher rate of asthma and a significant increase in COPD, the researchers found.
Smoking added to the effect of soft drink consumption, with those who smoked and drank soft drink at a 6.6-fold greater risk of COPD and a 1.5-fold greater risk of asthma compared to non-smokers who did not consume soft drinks.
Adjusting for socioeconomic status, lifestyle factors, obesity and diet did not change the association.
The results were consistent with previous findings on the association between sugar consumption and asthma among children, the researchers said.
While the mechanisms remained unclear, they postulated that sugar-containing drinks could promote oxidative stress and inflammation, chemicals known as phthalates from plastic bottles may be linked to asthma, and allergies to preservatives such as nitrites and sulphites may increase symptoms.
The researchers concluded that "regardless of whether there is a cause and effect relationship, the public health implications of consumption of large volumes of soft drink are substantial".
Last Reviewed: 12 December 2011
- 1. Shi Z, Dal Grande E, Taylor AW, et al. Association between soft drink consumption and asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among adults in Australia. Respirology 2011 Dec 5. [Epub ahead of print]. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1843.2011.02115.x. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1440-1843.2011.02115.x/abstract (accessed Dec 2011).
