New study reveals sugar-sweetened beverages harm health

Researchers from the Advanced Research Unit on Metabolism, Development & Aging (ARUMDA) have found new insights into the harmful effects of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) on human health. They used a mouse model that closely mimics human consumption patterns. The study highlights how drinking sugar-water can lead to serious health issues like diabetes and obesity. The research, published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, shows that chronic intake of SSBs disrupts key bodily processes. This affects various organs and contributes to the onset of metabolic disorders. The study is timely, as global SSB consumption is on the rise, especially in countries like India. To conduct the study, the researchers provided mice with water that contained 10% sucrose. They observed changes in multiple tissues, including the liver and muscles, under different feeding conditions. This model allowed them to analyze the effects of SSBs in a way that relates to human habits. One key finding of the research is that the small intestine plays a major role in causing glucose imbalances. High sucrose intake can create a "molecular addiction" in the intestines, leading to an over-absorption of glucose and other issues. This imbalance in nutrient uptake can disrupt energy metabolism and impact other organs. The study also highlighted differences in how bodies react to sugar depending on whether they are fed or fasted. Chronic sucrose consumption affects metabolic responses in distinct ways. The liver shows insulin resistance and increased glucose production, leading to metabolic issues. Meanwhile, skeletal muscles struggle with glucose utilization. The researchers stress the need for policies and campaigns to lower SSB consumption, particularly among at-risk groups. They also suggest targeting specific bodily functions to develop new therapies for metabolic diseases caused by high sugar intake.