Study: Drinking A Lot Of Soda Linked To Asthma And COPD

A new study reveals a dose-response relationship between drinking large amounts of carbonated drinks and the chances of suffering from asthma and COPD.

AsianScientist (Feb. 9, 2012) – A new study by researchers in Australia reveals a dose-response relationship between consuming high levels of carbonated drinks and the chances of suffering from asthma and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Results of the study, published in the journal Respirology and led by Dr. Zumin Shi of the University of Adelaide, showed that 10 percent of adults in South Australia drank more than half a liter of carbonated beverages a day, which in turn was associated with an increased chance of asthma and/or COPD.

Overall, 13.3 percent of participants with asthma and 15.6 percent of those suffering from COPD reported consuming more than half a liter of soft drink per day.

The odds ratios for asthma and COPD was 1.26 and 1.79 respectively, comparing those who consumed more than half a liter of soft drink per day with those who did not consume soft drinks.

Additionally, smoking makes this relationship even worse, especially for patients suffering from COPD. Consuming more than half a liter of carbonated drinks and being a current smoker carried a 6.6-fold greater risk of COPD.

The research team combed through data from the South Australian Monitoring and Surveillance System and conducted telephone interviews between March 2008 and June 2010 with 16,907 participants aged 16 and above (mean age 46.7), inquiring about consumption of soft drinks such as cola and lemonade.

The workings behind the relationships, however, are unclear. Both diseases are associated with inflammation, and it is possible that foods promoting oxidative stress and inflammation could affect the pathogenesis of these diseases, the researchers said.

Moreover, studies have shown that chemicals such as phthalates from plastic bottles and preservatives such as nitrites and sulphites may also be linked to asthma.

“Our study emphasizes the importance of healthy eating and drinking in the prevention of chronic diseases like asthma and COPD,” said Dr. Shi.

“Regardless of whether there is a cause-and-effect relationship, the public health implications of consumption of large volumes of soft drink are substantial,” Dr. Shi added.

The article can be found at: Shi Z et al. (2012) Association between soft drink consumption and asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among adults in Australia.

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Source: Wiley-Blackwell.
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