Sugar Beverages and Dietary Sodas Impact on Brain Health: A Mini Literature Review

Association between dietary habits and emotional and behavioral problems in children: the mediating role of self-concept

Introduction

Increasing research has focused on the influence of diet on mental health and well-being. This study aimed to investigate dietary habits status and their associations with emotional and behavioral problems (EBPs) in pre-teen children, as well as explore the mediating effect of child self-concept in the associations between healthy dietary habits and EBPs.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey using stratified random sampling was conducted to recruit third-grade children and their caregivers. Dietary habits and self-concept were assessed with self-administrated questionnaires in children. Information on children's EBPs was collected through questionnaires completed by their caregivers. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to estimate the associations between dietary habits and self-concept and EBPs, respectively. The mediation analysis was employed to test the mediating role of self-concept in the association between dietary habits and EBPs.

Results

Of 1,126 caregiver-child dyads (Mean age of children: 9.53, 52.8% boys) included, only 37.4 and 54.2% of children met the healthy standard of milk/soy milk and fruit, respectively. Healthy fresh fruit (odds ratio [OR] = 0.57, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.40-0.78) and vegetables intake (OR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.38-0.76) were associated with a higher self-concept while frequent consumption of sweet foods (OR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.05-2.36) and street foods (OR = 1.61, 95% CI 1.14-2.28) were associated with a lower self-concept. Children who had unhealthy sugar-sweetened beverages intake were at an elevated risk of EBPs (OR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.03-1.95). Moreover, the relationship between healthy dietary habits and EBPs was mediated by self-concept (indirect effect β = -0.09, p < 0.001, total effect β = -0.13, p < 0.001), the proportion of mediation was 29%.

Conclusion

This study revealed that the dietary habits of pre-adolescents need improvement, and dietary habits of certain foods, such as fresh fruits and sugar-sweetened beverages, were significantly associated with child mental health. Furthermore, dietary practices were related to the reduced EBPs through an enhanced self-concept. The findings provide an evidence base for developing dietary improvement strategies for pre-adolescent children in families, schools, and other health service settings, thereby contributing to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals related to zero hunger and good health and well-being.

Association of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and cardiorespiratory fitness with executive function: a cross-sectional survey based on Tajik adolescents at high altitude in China

Background

Executive function has a significant impact on adolescents' academic and future achievement and is strongly associated with multiple factors. However, few studies have examined the association between sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption, cardiorespiratory fitness, and executive function. Moreover, no research studies have been found on Tajik adolescents at high altitudes in China. The present study aimed to understand the associations between SSB consumption, cardiorespiratory fitness, and executive function among Tajik adolescents in high-altitude areas of China. To accumulate information on the physical and mental health development of Tajik adolescents in high-altitude areas of China.

Methods

In this study, a cross-sectional assessment of SSB consumption, cardiorespiratory fitness, and executive function was conducted on 1,121 Tajik adolescents aged 13-15 years at high altitude in China in 2023. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), binary logistic regression analysis, and ordered logistic regression analysis with a generalized linear model were used to analyze the associations that existed between SSB consumption and cardiorespiratory fitness and executive function.

Results

The proportions of Tajik adolescents aged 13-15 years with SSB consumption of ≤1 time/week, 2-5 times/week, and ≥ 6 times/week were 14.6, 51.6, and 33.8%, respectively, in high-altitude areas of China. The VO2max of Tajik adolescents was (37.17 ± 5.52) ml.kg.min-1. The inhibit control function response, refreshing memory function response, and switching flexibility function response of Chinese Tajik adolescents were (19.71 ± 5.86) ms, (1114.39 ± 356.85) ms, (382.2 ± 213.4) ms. Overall, using the SSB consumption ≤1 times/w and VO2max of the Q4 group as the reference group, ordered logistic regression analysis showed that Tajik adolescents with SSB consumption ≥5 times/w and VO2max of the Q1 group experienced inhibit control function dysfunction (OR = 28.80, 95%CI: 10.23 ~ 81.07), refreshing memory function dysfunction (OR = 6.79, 95%CI: 3.19 ~ 14.43), switching flexibility function dysfunction (OR = 13.10, 95%CI: 5.59 ~ 30.70) were at increased risk (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

SSB consumption and cardiorespiratory fitness were associated with executive function in Tajik adolescents at high altitudes in China. Increased frequency of SSB consumption and decreased cardiorespiratory fitness increased the risk of executive function disorders in Tajik adolescents. In the future, SSB consumption and cardiorespiratory fitness should be effectively controlled in Tajik adolescents to improve their executive function and promote the physical and mental health of Tajik adolescents in high-altitude areas.

Is it about substituting an addiction with another? development and initial psychometric properties of the first heated tobacco products addiction questionnaire (HeaTPAQ)

BACKGROUND

Public health experts currently agree that heated tobacco products (HTPs) pose a significant health risk for their consumers. The same concentrations and speed of delivery of nicotine found for HTPs and conventional combustion cigarettes make it necessary to consider the addictiveness of HTPs, and provide precise diagnostic instruments to serve as the basis for effective treatment plans. Therefore, the main objectives of this study were to design a questionnaire for HTPs addiction called "Heated Tobacco Products Addiction Questionnaire (HeaTPAQ)" and to examine its psychometric properties.

METHODS

Adults from the general population of Lebanon (n = 754) were administered the HeatPAQ, along with the Fagerström test for nicotine dependence (FTND), the Caffeine Use Disorder Questionnaire, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. We split the main sample into two subsamples; subsample 1 consisting of 33% of the participants used for the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) (n = 246; mean age 27.82 ± 9.38 years) and subsample 2 consisting of 67% of the participants used for the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) (n = 508; mean age 27.81 ± 8.80 years).

RESULTS

EFA then CFA analyses revealed a one-factor model consisting of 13 items with acceptable fit to the data. The HeaTPAQ reached excellent internal consistency coefficients, with both Cronbach's α and McDonald's ω values of 0.96. The one-dimensional structure of the HeaTPAQ was found to be invariant across sex groups. Convergent validity was demonstrated through significant positive correlation with FTND scores. Furthermore, HeaTPAQ scores correlated positively with measures of caffeine addiction, anxiety and depression, which suggests the adequate concurrent validity of the scale.

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest that the HeatPAQ is a specific, short and simple-to-use self-report questionnaire to assess HTPs addiction reliably and validly. Pending future studies confirming our results, we hope that the HeatPAQ will facilitate routine screening for HTPs addiction, which is an essential step towards appropriate prevention and intervention efforts and to inform policy makers.

Foods and beverages associated with smoking craving in heated tobacco product and cigarette smokers: A cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Certain foods and beverages are associated with smoking craving. However, only few studies have explored the relationship between food or beverage-related and taste-associated smoking craving. In this study, we aimed to identify the types of foods related to smoking craving in Japanese individuals who smoke cigarettes or heated tobacco products (HTPs).

METHODS

A total of 657 individuals (HTP and cigarette smokers and never smokers) participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants were asked what foods/beverages, tastes, seasonings, cooking methods, and cuisine categories, made them want to smoke and what foods they consumed.

RESULTS

Alcoholic beverages such as beer, coffee, and fat-rich foods were associated with a higher likelihood of smoking craving. Fruits, dairy products such as milk, and sweet and sour tastes, were associated with a lower likelihood of smoking craving. The daily intake of fruit and dairy products was significantly lower in cigarette and HTP smokers than in non-smokers (median fruit intake: non-smokers, 46.4 g/1000 kcal/day; cigarette smokers, 22.2 g/1000 kcal/day; HTP smokers, 31.4 g/1000 kcal/day; p<0.001; median dairy product intake: non-smokers, 76.3 g/day; cigarette smokers, 48.2 g/day; HTP smokers, 57.6 g/day; p<0.001) as assessed using a food frequency questionnaire (BDHQ).

CONCLUSIONS

Specific foods and beverages such as alcohol, fruits, and dairy products are related to smoking craving, and their intake differs according to smoking status.

Smartphone usage and dietary habits associated with sugar-sweetened beverages preferences among Indonesian female university students

High sugary beverages have recently gained popularity among young adults. This research aimed to determine the association between smartphone usage and dietary consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages among young female adults in Indonesia. This cross-sectional study conducted an online survey in Malang City. There were 217 female university students aged 18-25 years old who were eligible as participants. The dependent variable was a preference for SSBs consumption, while the independent variables included sociodemographics, BMI, food allergies, smartphone usage, and dietary habits. Chi-square and binary logistics were used to analyse the association between independent variables and SSBs. The results showed that 62.2% of respondents preferred to consume SSBs, and 12.9% of participants were classified as overnutrition (BMI>25). More than half of the respondents had breakfast every day, and a majority of them like to consume high carbohydrates (96.8%) and high-sugar snacks (55.3%). The binary logistic regression showed an association between BMI status, breakfast consumption, watching movies, and eating frequency with high sugar beverage consumption preference (p<0.05). Reducing sugar beverages consumption intervention should consider using media accessible with smartphone.

Association between maternal sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and the social-emotional development of child before 1 year old: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) has become an international public health issue. Adverse effects of sugary beverage consumption on both mother and child during pregnancy continue to be found. However, evidence regarding maternal SSB consumption and social-emotional development of children is lacking.

METHODS

Based on the Shenzhen Birth Cohort Study (loss rate: 10.97%), we included 985 mother-infant pairs from 2018 to 2022. All mothers had a singleton live birth without hypertension, diabetes, tumor, or serious immune system disease before pregnancy. We used a chart of frequency distribution to show maternal SSB consumption, including non-diet soda, tea drinks (not 100% tea), fruit drinks, Sugar-sweetened coffee, bubble tea, or cocoa drinks, and total SSBs. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to estimate the odds ratios of the potential delay on social-emotional development of each child was monitored at both 6 months and 12 months of age based on maternal SSB consumption.

RESULTS

Among the mothers, 728 (73.91%) drank SSBs <1 time per week, 194 (19.70%) drank SSBs 1-2 times per week, 43 (4.37%) drank SSBs 3-4 times per week, and 20 (2.03%) drank SSBs 5 or more times per week. Children aged 12 months with mothers who drank SSBs five or more times per week during pregnancy had an increased risk of potential delay on social-emotional development compared to those with mothers who drank SSBs less than once per week [odds ratio: 3.08 (1.13-8.39)]. Regarding the specific kinds of SSBs, we found that tea drinks (not 100% tea) were positively associated with potential delay on social-emotional development in children aged 6 months.

CONCLUSION

Nearly three-quarters of mothers consumed almost no SSBs during pregnancy. High SSB intake during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of the potential delay on social-emotional development of a child at 6 and 12 months of age.

Association of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption with psychological symptoms among Chinese university students during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

Mental health of college students has become a public health issue of common concern worldwide. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, the problem has become even more acute. The aim of this study was to assess the association between sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) consumption and psychological symptoms among Chinese college students in order to promote their mental health.

METHODS

The study population was 6,120 college students aged 19-22 years from Anhui, Henan and Xinjiang, China. Basic demographic information, covariates and SSB Consumption data were collected through a self-assessment questionnaire. The "Multidimensional Sub-health Questionnaire of Adolescents" was used to assess the psychological symptoms of college students. The Chi-square test, one-way ANOVA and logistic regression analysis were used to investigate the differences and associations between SSB consumption and psychological symptoms among Chinese college students.

RESULTS

The detection rate of psychological symptoms among Chinese college students was 8.1%. The detection rate of boys students was 9.4% and that of girls students was 7.1%, and the difference was statistically significant in comparison (χ 2-value was 11.08, p < 0.001). After controlling for covariates, Model 2 analysis showed that compared to SSB consumption <2 time/week, college students with SSB consumption ≥2 time/week (OR = 2.96, 95% CI: 2.36, 3.70) had a higher risk of psychological symptoms (p < 0.001). The same trend was found for emotional symptoms, behavioral symptoms, and social adaptation difficulties dimensions.

CONCLUSION

There is an association between SSB consumption and the occurrence of psychological symptoms among Chinese college students. Future measures should be taken to reduce both SSB consumption and the incidence of psychological symptoms.

Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake and Motor Function Among Autistic and Typically Developed Children

Background and Objectives

The relationship between brain function and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is widely explored, but the motor function was not included. We aim to explore the relationship between SSBs and motor function among children with or without autism.

Methods

Participants were a representative autism sample (ASD, n = 106) comprising ages ranging 6-9 years and their age-matched typical counterparts (TD, n = 207), recruited in the research center of Guangzhou, China. Valid questionnaires of parent-reported including weekly SSBs intake, physical activity (PA), sedentary time (ST), and motor coordination function was used to collect relevant information. SSBs intake was further classified as no intake (no habit of taking SSBs), small to medium intake (<375 ml/week), and large intake (375 ml/week or more). Physical activity, sedentary time, and motor coordination function among the mentioned three groups as well as ASD vs. TD was compared via general linear models.

Results

Compared with TD children, ASD children showed less vigorous PA (4.23 ± 0.34 h vs. 2.77 ± 0.49 h, p = 0.015) as well as overall sedentary time (5.52 ± 1.89 h vs. 3.67 ± 0.28 h, 3.49 ± 0.16 h vs. 2.68 ± 0.24 h, and 34.59 ± 1.15 h vs. 23.69 ± 1.69 h, TD vs. ASD, sedentary time at weekdays, weekends and total ST in a week, respectively, all p < 0.05), lower scores in the developmental coordination disorder questionnaire (fine motor and handwriting: 14.21 ± 0.26 vs. 12.30 ± 0.38, general coordination: 28.90 ± 0.36 vs. 25.17 ± 0.53, control during movement: 24.56 ± 0.36 vs. 18.86 ± 0.53, and total score: 67.67 ± 0.75 vs. 56.33 ± 1.10, TD vs. ASD, all p < 0.05). Stratified by SSBs intake, TD children with small to medium SSBs intake showed the lowest sedentary time both on weekdays and weekends (all p < 0.05), they also performed worst in fine motor and handwriting skills (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The association between SSBs and motor function was observed in typical development children, but not autistic children. A larger sample size study with a longitudinal design is warranted to confirm the association between SSBs and sedentary time among typically developed children and the potential causation direction.

Changes in Affective Behavior and Oxidative Stress after Binge Alcohol in Male and Female Rats

Binge alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorders (AUD) are prevalent, and there is comorbidity with depression and anxiety. Potential underlying mechanisms include neurophysiological, genetic, and metabolic changes resulting from alcohol exposure. Mood and anxiety disorders are more common among women, but whether females are more susceptible to binge-induced oxidative stress and co-occurring anxiety and depression-like behaviors remains unknown. Here, we used a repeated, weekly binge alcohol paradigm in male and female rats to investigate sex differences in despair and anxiety-like behaviors and brain oxidative stress parameters. A single binge alcohol exposure significantly elevated glutathione (GSH) levels in prefrontal cortex (PFC) of both male and female animals. This was accompanied by increased lipid peroxidation in PFC of both sexes. Repeated (once weekly) binge exposure induced changes in anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in both males and females and increased GSH level in the PFC without detectable oxidative damage. Our findings suggest that repeated binge alcohol exposure influences affect regardless of sex and in the absence of membrane damage.

The Relationship Between Sugar-Sweetened Beverages, Takeaway Dietary Pattern, and Psychological and Behavioral Problems Among Children and Adolescents in China

Background and Aim: The association of sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption and takeaway dietary pattern with psychological problems in Chinese children and adolescents has not been concretely reported. Our study aimed to investigate the association between SSB consumption, takeaway dietary pattern, and psychological and behavioral problems (PBPs). Methods: Cluster sampling method has been adopted from April to May 2019 to conduct a questionnaire survey among 30,188 children and adolescents in grades 1 to 12 from 14 schools in six streets in Bao'an District of Shenzhen. This cross-sectional study investigated the association of consumption of SSBs and takeaway patterns with PBPs, and PBPs were measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in primary, junior, and senior high school students. Results: A total of 33,801 primary, junior, and senior high school students (mean age = 12.44, SD = 3.47) ranging from 6 to 18 years old were recruited in this study using a health survey of children and adolescents in junior and senior high schools (grades 1-12), and 30,188 students with no missing data were finally analyzed (questionnaires with missing value >5% were excluded). The top three SSBs in the intake frequency were milk beverage drinks (not milk), vegetable protein drinks, and fruit and vegetable juice drinks. Adjusted for demographic factors, the higher the frequency of students consuming SSBs who have significantly higher PBPs, the higher the frequency of students with takeaway dietary patterns who also have significantly higher PBPs. More frequent intake of SSBs [odds ratio (OR) = 2.23, 95%CI = 2.0-2.47, p < 0.01] and higher takeaway dietary patterns (OR = 2.34, 95%CI = 1.81-3.03, p < 0.01) were associated with higher SDQ total difficulties scores. When low and medium consumption of SSB was compared, children and adolescents who have high SSB intake were more associated with total difficulties score (OR = 3.10, 95%CI = 2.67-3.59, p < 0.01), and when low and medium takeaway dietary patterns were compared, children and adolescents who have high takeaway dietary patterns were more associated with total difficulties score. The joint associations of SSBs and takeaway pattern with SDQ were stronger than the associations individually. Conclusions: Students consuming higher SSBs and having takeaway dietary pattern are associated with increased levels of PBPs individually and interactively. These results may have implications for mental health prevention in adolescents.

Proteomics and metabolomics of raw rhubarb and wine-processed rhubarb in the treatment of rats with intracerebral hemorrhage

Background

To explore the mechanisms of raw rhubarb and wine-processed rhubarb treatment in a rat model of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

Methods

After adapting to their environment, 30 male Wistar rats were divided into 5 treatment groups: blank control group (CK) (normal saline), sham operation group (SICH) (normal saline), ICH model group (ICH) (normal saline), ICH + raw rhubarb enema group (RO) (raw rhubarb 3.60 g/kg), and ICH + wine-processed rhubarb enema group (WRO) (wine-processed rhubarb 3.60 g/kg). The rhubarb enema (once a day) was given since 3 days before ICH treatment, and was consistently given until 12 hours, 24 hours, 3 days, and 7 days post operation. Serum oxidative stress and inflammatory markers were detected by ELISA, and differences between raw rhubarb and wine-processed rhubarb treatment in ICH rats were screened by proteomics and metabolomics.

Results

Both rhubarb treatments effectively improved oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. After ICH, the proteins and metabolites in the brain tissue were significantly altered. Compared with raw rhubarb, wine-processed rhubarb had a better protective effect by dysregulating amino acid metabolism in the ICH model.

Conclusions

Our study provides a basis for further research into the mechanisms of rhubarb treatment from different processing technologies, and promotes the application of rhubarb as a therapeutic approach to ICH.