Interactions between Genetics and Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption on Health Outcomes: A Review of Gene–Diet Interaction Studies

Abstract

The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB), which includes soft drinks, fruit drinks, and other energy drinks, is associated with excess energy intake and increased risk for chronic metabolic disease among children and adults. Thus, reducing SSB consumption is an important strategy to prevent the onset of chronic diseases, and achieve and maintain a healthy body weight. The mechanisms by which excessive SSB consumption may contribute to complex chronic diseases may partially depend on an individual’s genetic predisposition. Gene–SSB interaction investigations, either limited to single genetic loci or including multiple genetic variants, aim to use genomic information to define mechanistic pathways linking added sugar consumption from SSBs to those complex diseases. The purpose of this review is to summarize the available gene-SSB interaction studies investigating the relationships between genetics, SSB consumption, and various health outcomes. Current evidence suggests there are genetic predispositions for an association between SSB intake and adiposity; evidence for a genetic predisposition between SSB and type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease is limited.

Are Liquid Sugars Different from Solid Sugar in Their Ability to Cause Metabolic Syndrome?

“…Thus, sugary beverages, especially those with added sugars, likely have a major role in driving metabolic syndrome, and the effects are likely due to the higher amount of fructose, the greater absorption, and the higher intrahepatic concentrations that result from ingestion. Recently, genetic‐diet associations have also been reported, especially regarding an interaction of sugary beverages with genetic polymorphisms associated with obesity and myocardial infarction . Therefore, the risk for metabolic syndrome from sugar likely relates not only to whether the source is added or natural sugar but also to whether it is liquid or solid, as well as to the genetic makeup of the individual.…”

Association between Internet Use Behavior and Palpitation among Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study of Middle School Children from Northwest Romania

“…Previous studies have demonstrated increased systolic blood pressure, altered electrolytes, and resulted repolarization abnormalities as cardiovascular responses to energy drinks in healthy populations [33,34]. The consumption of carbonated sugar-sweetened beverages, even if it does not have immediate effects, is also linked to chronic health problems, including cardiovascular diseases, obesity, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and gout [34,35]. With regards to the consumption of beverages with cardio-stimulating effects, all adolescents with palpitations and related symptoms in our study consumed coffee, caffeinated soft drinks, or energy drinks.…”

Association between Soft Drink Consumption and Aggressive Behaviour among a Quarter Million Adolescents from 64 Countries Based on the Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS)

“…Thus, the heterogeneity observed in our study could be partly due to the difference of genetic background in different countries. Existing evidence suggests there are interactions between genetics and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption on health outcomes (e.g., obesity) [16].…”