A long-term study published today in Circulation, the American Heart Association's flagship journal, reveals that consuming sugar-sweetened beverages and fruit juice during childhood and adolescence may raise the risk of developing high blood pressure in adulthood. The research, which followed more than 25,000 participants for up to 25 years, underscores the lasting impact of early dietary habits on cardiovascular health.
Senior study author Vasanti Malik, Sc.D., of the University of Toronto and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, emphasized that dietary patterns established early in life can have enduring consequences. High blood pressure, which can lead to heart attack and stroke, is increasingly diagnosed at younger ages, highlighting the need for early prevention.
Participants who consumed two or more servings of sugar-sweetened beverages daily had a 52% higher risk of developing high blood pressure compared to those who drank less than three servings per week. Each daily serving of soda was associated with a 23% higher risk, and sports drinks with a 36% higher risk. Similarly, drinking 1.5 or more servings of fruit juice per day was linked to a 35% higher risk, with each daily serving of orange juice associated with a 20% increase.
Importantly, the study found that substituting one daily serving of a sugary beverage with whole fruit could lower the risk of high blood pressure by 22%, while replacing fruit juice with whole fruit reduced risk by 19%. Substituting sugary drinks with milk or water was associated with up to a 13% lower risk.
Malik advised limiting sugar-sweetened beverages and consuming only 100% fruit juice in moderation, emphasizing whole fruit over juice. The American Heart Association's 2026 Dietary Guidance to Improve Cardiovascular Health recommends minimizing added sugars in beverages and foods.
Amit Khera, M.D., a volunteer expert with the American Heart Association, noted that the study adds new insights by focusing on childhood and distinguishing between fructose from different sources. Whole fruit did not increase risk, contrary to misconceptions about fructose being universally harmful. He also pointed out that the findings may be especially relevant for non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic populations, who have higher intakes of sugary drinks.
The study used data from the Growing Up Today Study, involving participants aged 9 to 16 at baseline, about 55% female and 96% non-Hispanic white. Diet was assessed through food frequency questionnaires, and high blood pressure was self-reported. Limitations include reliance on self-reports and the inability to prove causation.
The American Heart Association advocates for policies to reduce sugary drink consumption, such as taxes, improved school meal nutrition, and enhanced restaurant menu labeling. For more information, visit heart.org.
