This finding implies that the high level of consumption of added sugars among teenagers may result in lower levels of high density lipoprotein levels (HDL), the good cholesterol, and higher levels of triglycerides and low density lipoproteins (LDL), the bad cholesterol. "This is the first study about the association of added sugars and the indicators of heart disease risk in adolescents," said Jean Welsh, study author and post-doctoral fellow at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga. "The higher consumers of added sugars have more unfavorable cholesterol levels. The concern is long-term exposure would place them at risk for heart disease later in adulthood."

    Teenagers with the highest levels of added sugar consumption at more than 30 percent of total energy had 49.5 milligrams/deciliter (mg/dl.) compared to 54 mg/dl. of HDL levels in those with the lowest levels of added sugar consumption - a 9 percent difference. Previous studies indicate that the largest contribution of added sugars to the diet are sugary beverages such as sodas, fruit drinks, and teas, Welsh said.

    The study included dietary recall from one 24 hour period that researchers merged with sugar content data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Researchers estimated cardiovascular risks by added sugar consumption of less than 10 percent up to more than 30 percent of daily total energy. Two days of dietary data were used among a subsample of 646 adolescents.

    The key findings remained consistent. Those with higher intake of added sugar had higher LDL levels of 94.3 mg/dl. compared to 86.7 in those with the lowest levels, a 9 percent difference. Triglyceride levels in those with the highest consumption were 79 mg/dl. compared to 71.7 mg/dl. among the lowest, a 10 percent difference. Overweight or obese adolescents with the highest level of added sugar consumption had increased signs of insulin resistance.

    The researchers used cross-sectional data so they cannot know if added sugar intake caused the differing cholesterol levels, only that they are linked. They also assessed the diet using one 24-hour recall of intake, which may not reflect on a person's usual intake.

(Adapted from: American Heart Association.)

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