Study Calls For Tooth Decay Warnings on Sugary Drinks

A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health suggests sugar-sweetened beverages, particularly soft drinks, energy drinks and sports drinks, should be required to have tooth decay warning labels.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide conducted a study to examine water fluoridation and the association of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and dental caries in Australian children. They examined data on more than 16,800 children enrolled in Australian school dental services in 2002-2005. Dental staff assessed dental caries, and parents completed a questionnaire about their child's residential history, sources of drinking water, tooth-brushing frequency, socioeconomic status and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption.

They found 56% of Australian children aged 5 to 16 years consumed at least one sugar-sweetened drink per day, and 13% of children consumed three or more sugar-sweetened drinks on average per day. Boys consume more sweet drinks than girls, and children from the lowest income families consumed almost 60% more sugar-sweetened drinks.

Data revealed the number of decayed, missing and filled deciduous (or baby) teeth was 46% higher among children who consumed three or more sugar-sweetened drinks per day, compared with children who did not consume sugar-sweetened drinks.

"Consistent evidence has shown that the high acidity of many sweetened drinks, particularly soft drinks and sports drinks, can be a factor in dental erosion, as well as the sugar itself contributing to tooth decay," said lead study author Jason Armfield, Ph.D., from the Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health at the university's school of dentistry. "If health authorities decide that warnings are needed for sweet drinks, the risk to dental health should be included. This action, in addition to increasing the access to fluoridated water, would benefit children's teeth greatly."

Results of a 2010 meta-analysis conducted by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH), showed that regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is clearly and consistently associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Specifically, drinking two sugar-sweetened drinks per day increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 26%, and increases the risk of metabolic syndrome by 20% compared with those who consumed less than one sugary drink per month. Drinking one 12-ounce serving per day increased the risk of type 2 diabetes by about 15%.

Consumer concerns about health, coupled with their requirements for appealing tastes, are driving demand for an array of sweeteners. Check out the "Sweeteners for the Future" digital issue on Food Product Design for more information.

Energy-Drink Paper Warns of Dangers to Teens

Teenagers long have been warned about the dangers of alcohol.

Now, anecdotal evidence and research is mounting that another beverage could harm adolescents: caffeine-laden energy drinks. A report published in the February issue of the journal Pediatrics in Review summarizes current research and concludes energy drinks can cause such medical problems in teens as high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat and obesity, HealthDay News reported.

"I don't think there is any sensationalism going on here," review lead author Dr. Kwabena Blankson was quoted as declaring in the article. "These drinks can be dangerous for teens."

The authors of the report cautioned that alcohol when mixed with the energy drinks can exacerbate the harm that teens suffer.

The American Beverage Association (ABA) slammed the article, "Energy Drinks: What Teenagers (and Their Doctors) Should Know."

"This paper contains misinformation about energy drinks and does nothing to address the very serious problem of underage drinking and excessive alcohol consumption among young adults," ABA griped. "Moreover, ABA member companies manufacture non-alcoholic beverages — including energy drinks. Contrary to the misperception perpetuated by this paper, most mainstream energy drinks contain only about half the amount of caffeine of a similar size cup of coffeehouse coffee."

In a letter sent last year to Jon Leibowitz, the outgoing chairman of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Massachusetts Congressman Ed Markey warned about the potential dangers of energy drinks to children and teenagers. Those alleged harms are detailed in a lawsuit that was filed in October against Monster Beverage Corp. over the death of a 14-year-old girl who reportedly consumed two energy drinks within 24 hours.

WHO Issues New Guidance on Dietary Salt, Potassium

As part of its ongoing effort to curb the rise in global obesity and other chronic diseases, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued new guidance on dietary salt and potassium that recommends adults should consume less than 2,000 mg of sodium, or 5 grams of salt, and at least 3,510 mg of potassium per day.

The guidelines are an important tool for public health experts and policymakers as they work in their specific country situations to address non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases. Public health measures to reduce sodium and increase potassium consumption and, thereby decrease the population’s risk of high blood pressure and heart disease, can include food and product labeling, consumer education, updating national dietary guidelines, and negotiating with food manufacturers to reduce the amount of salt in processed foods.

Sodium is found naturally in a variety of foods, including milk and cream (approximately 50 mg of sodium per 100 g) and eggs (approximately 80 mg/100 g). It is also found, in much higher amounts, in processed foods, such as bread (approximately 250 mg/100 g), processed meats like bacon (approximately 1,500 mg/100 g), snack foods such as pretzels, cheese puffs and popcorn (approximately 1,500 mg/100 g), as well as in condiments such as soy sauce (approximately 7,000 mg/100 g), and bouillon or stock cubes (approximately 20,000 mg/100 g).

Potassium-rich foods include beans and peas (approximately 1,300 mg of potassium per 100 g), nuts (approximately 600 mg/100 g), vegetables such as spinach, cabbage and parsley (approximately 550 mg/100 g) and fruits such as bananas, papayas and dates (approximately 300 mg/100 g). Processing reduces the amount of potassium in many food products.

“Elevated blood pressure is a major risk for heart disease and stroke—the No. 1 cause of death and disability globally," said Dr. Francesco Branca, Director of WHO’s Department of Nutrition for Health and Development. “These guidelines also make recommendations for children over the age of 2. This is critical because children with elevated blood pressure often become adults with elevated blood pressure."

WHO also is updating guidelines on the intake of fats and sugars associated to reduced risk of obesity and non-communicable diseases.

How 'fiscal cliff' deal impacts small restaurateurs, franchisees

While the restaurant industry breathed a collective sigh of relief when the White House and Congress just narrowly avoided plunging the country over the "fiscal cliff" in December, not everyone is thrilled with all aspects of the deal.

“We’re pleased to see a deal reached on the fiscal cliff,” said Rob Green, president of the National Council of Chain Restaurants. “But we’re not out of the woods yet.”

While the Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 ensured that about 98 percent of Americans and 97 percent of small businesses would not see their income taxes rise in 2013, some restaurateurs will not be so fortunate.