Glucose levels in Australian soft drinks prompts concern
Pia Varsamis and Bronwyn Kingwell
Australian soft drinks have higher levels of glucose sugar than US soft drinks a study has found.
According to research conducted by the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, four studied Australian soft drinks were found to have glucose levels that were 22 per cent higher than their American counterparts.
Author of the report, Professor Bronwyn Kingwell, said Australian soft drinks are mainly sweetened with glucose-based cane sugar, while US drinks mainly use high-fructose corn syrup.
“Given that glucose, but not fructose rapidly elevates plasma glucose and insulin, regular consumption of Australian soft drinks has potential health implications regarding type 2 diabetes and its complications,” Professor Kingwell said.
Consuming too much fructose has been linked to a build-up of fat in the liver but little is known about drinking soft drinks which contain high amounts of glucose.
“Given the already high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in Australia and high rates of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, these findings are of significant concern and warrant further investigation as soon as possible,” said Professor Kingwell.
A recent Australian Health Survey estimates that 39 per cent of all men and 29 per cent of women are regular consumers of sugar-sweetened beverages.
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