Background: Health risks associated with the high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) include overweight or obesity and their complications such as diabetes, as well as oral and dental decay, among others.
Aim: The aim of the present statement is to inform health care professionals, parents, care-givers, teachers and school head teachers, stakeholders and governing bodies about the risks associated with drinking SSBs in infants, children and adolescents.
Methods: We searched PubMed and the Cochrane databases for English language studies published from 2010 through October 1, 2018, for randomized clinical trials, meta-analyses, systematic reviews and observational studies (search terms are reported in eAppendix in the Supplement). We also manually searched the references of selected articles, reviews, meta-analyses and practice guidelines.
Recommendations: Consumption of SSB by children and adolescents should be limited, and the consumption of water and other non-sweetened beverages should be promoted. Educational institutions such as nurseries, pre-schools and schools should offer unlimited access to drinking water, whereas the sale of SSBs should be banned.
Keywords: Adolescents; Children; Sugar-sweetened beverages.
© 2019 S. Karger AG, Basel.