New Study On High Consumption Of Sweetened Drinks

KYW Medical Reports are Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- We know there have been numerous reports about high sugar drinks including soda and the associated health risks.

Now there is news from a study in Sweden that high consumption of sweetened drinks has been linked to increased risk for heart failure in middle-aged and older men. The researchers say that previous studies have linked sweetened beverages with obesity, diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, coronary heart disease, and stroke.

The link to heart failure is not surprising. Of course the question for most of us is whether it is safe to drink soda and high sugar drinks. The answer is logical one. In moderation it is probably not a major issue but the key is moderation.