News Releases & Statements

American Beverage Association Statement on Fructose and Blood Pressure

July 1, 2010

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
ABA Press Office
(202) 463-6770

AMERICAN BEVERAGE ASSOCIATION STATEMENT ON
FRUCTOSE AND BLOOD PRESSURE

In response to "Increased Fructose Associates with Elevated Blood Pressure," published today in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, Dr. Maureen Storey, senior vice president of science policy for the American Beverage Association, issued the following statement:

"This study, which looks at fructose intake, furthers the confusion and misunderstandings about high fructose corn syrup and sugar-sweetened beverages. In fact, this study fails to show a link between soft drinks and other sugar-sweetened beverages and high blood pressure and since it is a cross-sectional study, cannot establish a cause-and-effect relationship. Rather the authors suggest an association between increased blood pressure and added sugars, which they acknowledge needs further study.

The fact remains that, when it comes to preventing high blood pressure, the most important factors are maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active and following a healthy eating pattern, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health. Furthermore, we know that losing weight by decreasing total calories consumed from all foods and beverages and increasing total calories burned through physical activity has the greatest effect on blood pressure, not the specific foods, beverages or ingredients that are decreased.

Importantly, those with, or at risk for, high blood pressure should seek the professional advice of their physician or other health professional to learn how best to manage hypertension, as well as how to maintain a healthy body weight through balanced diet and exercise."

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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.