AHA Study Links 2 Daily Sugary Drinks in Childhood to 52% Higher Adult Blood Pressure Risk
Updated
Updated · The Independent · Jun 23
AHA Study Links 2 Daily Sugary Drinks in Childhood to 52% Higher Adult Blood Pressure Risk
3 articles · Updated · The Independent · Jun 23
Summary
A 25-year American Heart Association study of more than 25,000 people found that children who drank at least two 12-ounce sweet beverages a day faced a 52% higher risk of adult high blood pressure.
The association was strongest for juice and sports drinks as well as soda: one daily 12-ounce juice was tied to a 35% higher risk, sports drinks to 36%, and soda to 23%.
Orange juice stood out with a 20% higher risk per daily serving, though researchers said some orange-flavored sugary drinks may have been reported as juice.
Replacing one daily sugary drink with whole fruit was linked to a 22% lower risk; swapping sugar-sweetened beverages for water or milk cut risk 13%, but that benefit did not appear when fruit juice was replaced.
The findings add to concern over hypertension, which affects more than 125 million U.S. adults and is increasingly appearing earlier in life.
Fruit juice is now linked to high blood pressure. Are beverage giants' new 'healthy' drinks truly a safer alternative for our kids?
With global sugary drink taxes proving inadequate, what is the next step to protect children from future heart disease?
Landmark 2026 AHA Study Links Childhood Sugary Beverages to Higher Adult Blood Pressure
Overview
The 2026 American Heart Association study followed over 25,000 U.S. youths for up to 25 years to understand how early consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and fruit juice affects heart health later in life. The research found that drinking SSBs in childhood significantly increases the risk of developing hypertension as an adult. Experts recommend limiting these drinks from a young age, as early avoidance can help prevent long-term cardiovascular problems. The study highlights the importance of making healthy beverage choices early in life to protect heart health in the future.