02 May Diet Soda and Excess Sugar During Pregnancy May Depress Child’s Cognition

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Juliana F. W. Cohen, ScM, ScD
Department of Health Sciences
Merrimack College
North Andover MA 01845.

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Response: Sugar consumption among Americans is above recommended limits and this excess intake may have important health implications.

This study examined the associations of pregnancy and offspring sugar consumption, as well as sugar-sweetened beverages, other beverages (diet soda, juice), and fruit consumption with child cognition.

This study found that when pregnant women or their children consumed greater quantities of sugar, as well as when women consumed diet soda during pregnancy, this was associated with poorer childhood cognition.  However, children’s fruit consumption was associated with higher cognitive scores.

MedicalResearch.com: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?

Response: This research has important implications for both pregnant women and their children. Consuming more fruits and less sugar, as well as avoiding diet soda during pregnancy, may have a meaningful impact on child cognitive functioning. Women should consider limiting added sugar consumption during pregnancy, but diet soda may not be an ideal alternative.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response: Future larger studies should examine the impact of children’s consumption of artificial sweeteners and cognition.

MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Response: This study provides evidence that there should be no further delays with implementing the new Nutrition Facts label so that pregnant women and children can more easily limit their added sugar intake.

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Citation:

Associations of Prenatal and Child Sugar Intake With Child Cognition
Cohen, Juliana F.W. et al.
American Journal of Preventive Medicine , Volume 0 , Issue 0

Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.

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Last Updated on May 2, 2018 by Marie Benz MD FAAD