Scientists have found that daily consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with a significant increase in the risk of developing stomach cancer, reports infohub.kz.
Researchers from the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute analyzed data from more than 112,000 participants in the long-term Health Professionals Follow-Up Study and Nurses' Health Study. Over several decades, specialists tracked participants' diets, lifestyles, and health. During the study period, stomach cancer was diagnosed in 278 individuals.
The analysis showed that adults who drank at least one serving of a sugary drink per day had a 2.45 times higher likelihood of developing stomach cancer compared to those who consumed such drinks less than once a month.
Experts also found a direct link between high fructose intake and increased cancer incidence. In contrast, beverages with artificial sweeteners did not show a similar negative effect.
Senior author Andrew T. Chan noted that this is the first study to confirm the dangerous association in a U.S. population. The authors emphasize that the study was observational and does not prove direct causation. Further research is needed to clarify the biochemical mechanisms.