A Medical Study Concludes that Sugar Consumption by US Citizens Increases Risk of Heart Disease

In a report published by the JAMA Internal Medicine organization, a study showed that while consumption of added sugar increased over the 90s to the mid 2000's and then decreased, US adults are still consuming greater than recommended levels of sugar in their diets. While the consumption of sugar certainly adds calories, and increases risk of obesity and diabetes type II, the study examined the link between cardiovascular diseases and sugar consumption, and concluded there is a positive correlation. In an entry on CNN's Health section:

Participants in the study who consumed approximately 17 to 21% of their calories from added sugar had a 38% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, compared with those who consumed approximately 8% of calories from added sugar, the study authors concluded. 

This relative risk was more than double for those who consumed 21% or more of calories from added sugar, . . .” 

Dr. Laura Schmidt, a professor of health policy at the University of California of San Francisco's medical school, writes that these new findings “provide physicians and consumers with actionable guidance. Until federal guidelines are forthcoming, physicians may want to caution patients that, to support cardiovascular health, it’s safest to consume less than 15% of their daily calories from added sugar.” 

The article notes that there are no official US government guidelines on adding sugar to products. In fact, the FDA has classified sugar as a 'generally safe' ingredient, meaning manufacturers can add as much as they wish in a product.

This should provide more reason for cutting down on unhealthy foods is one's diet. The article does not mention if or how exercise could mitigate effects from high sugar consumption. The author of the piece, Ben Tinker, notes that fifteen other countries have tried 'sin taxes', raising the costs on sugary products. Dr. Laura Schmidt, states,“‘Sin taxes,’ whether on tobacco, alcohol, or sugar-laden products, are popular because they are easy to enforce and generate revenue, with a well-documented evidence base supporting their effectiveness for lowering consumption."

Unfortunately, there are no related sources explaining why Schmidt is so optimistic about their success. Numerous other sources have indicated that raising prices on tobacco and alcohol has shown no success in reducing consumption. Would a 'sin tax' on sugar be effective? 

This post was prepared by William Mitchell College of Law student Andrew Wallace.