The Study
This study
included 1,973 subjects from Spain over 60 years of age. Sugar consumption was
measured with a computer based food frequency questionnaire. Frailty was
defined as the presence of three of the following symptoms; exhaustion, low
physical activity, slow gait speed, unintentional weight loss and muscle
weakness. After several years of follow-up, subjects consuming the most sugar
(greater than 36 grams or 9 teaspoons per day) had over twice the risk of frailty
when compared to subjects consuming the least amount of sugar (less 15 grams or
4 teaspoons of sugar). American Journal
of Clinical Nutrition 2018; 107:772.
Take Home Message
The research
literature has shown that added sugar increases risk of obesity, type 2
diabetes, and heart disease. This study shows that it also may have a very
negative impact on healthy aging. What makes this study interesting is that it
focuses on quality of life and ability to function, rather than a single
disease outcome. Do your very best to strictly limit sugar in your diet. Better
yet, completely eliminate it.
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