In response to “Human-relevant levels of added sugar consumption increase female mortality and lower male fitness in mice,” a paper published today in the journal Nature Communications, the American Beverage Association issued the following statement:

Statement:

“The findings of this mouse study must be viewed within context.  These mice were fed a diet that included a fructose and glucose mixture – not a sugar-sweetened beverage – every single day from infancy until the end of their lives. This is not a reflection of real life for humans.”

Additional Background:

On the Study:

The authors of this paper looked at 156 mice, not people. The mice in the experimental group were fed a dry “chow” with the amount of sugars – fructose and glucose – representing 25 percent of their daily caloric intake for life.  In contrast, recent government data shows that sugar-sweetened beverages account for only 6 percent of the calories in the average American’s diet.  Additionally, added sugars from all sources have been shown to account for only 16 percent, on average, of total calories consumed. Although the authors allege an increase in mortality among the mice, the average human life expectancy in the United States has continued to rise over the past several decades – regardless of levels of sugar, or sugar-sweetened beverage, consumption. The authors also note that the amount of energy intake from sugars fed to the mice is equivalent to three cans of soda; yet this amount of sugars could come from any food or beverage source.

On Consumption of Added Sugars and Sugar-Sweetened Beverages:

Researchers have shown that between 1998 and 2008, consumption of added sugars in the U.S. declined, on average, by 24 percent.  Sugar-sweetened beverages were a key driver of this change, accounting for 39 percent of the reduction (77 calories).  Over this same time period, U.S. government obesity estimates show no decline.  A similar paradox between obesity and either intake added sugars or sugar-sweetened beverages has been documented in Australia, where obesity rates increased with declining consumption of added sugars.

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The American Beverage Association is the trade association representing the broad spectrum of companies that manufacture and distribute non-alcoholic beverages in the United States.  For more information on ABA, please visit the association’s Web site at www.ameribev.org or call the ABA communications team at (202) 463-6770.

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