Sucrose-Sweetened Drinks Reduce the Physical Performance and Increase the Cardiovascular Risk in Physically Active Males

Abstract

Introduction The intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) has increased rapidly, but the effects of this habit on health and physical performance are unknown. This study assessed the effect of excessive SSB intake on biochemical, physical performance, and biochemical and cardiovascular parameters of physically active males. Methods Seventeen volunteers consumed a placebo drink (Pd; carbohydrate free) and an excessive SSB drink (eSSBd\u2009=\u2009Pd plus 300\u2009g sucrose). In a blind randomized crossover study, the subjects were assigned to Pd or eSSBd groups for 15 days. After an interval of 7 days, subjects were reassigned to the other condition. Results After eSSBd intake, there was an increase in weight (69.34\u2009±\u200913.71 vs. 70.62\u2009±\u200914.06), body mass index (24.49\u2009±\u20094.01 vs. 24.97\u2009±\u20094.13), waist circumference (75.33\u2009±\u200911.22 vs. 76.79\u2009±\u200911.51), VLDL (19.54\u2009±\u20099.50 vs. 25.52\u2009±\u200911.18), triglycerides (78.94\u2009±\u200923.79 vs. 114.77\u2009±\u200943.65), and peak systolic blood pressure (178.57\u2009±\u200926.56 vs. 200.71\u2009±\u200924.64). The cardiorespiratory response to exercise (VO2max) (48.15\u2009±\u200910.42 vs. 40.98\u2009±\u200911.20), peak heart rate (186.64\u2009±\u20098.00 vs. 179.64\u2009±\u20096.28), total exercise time (15.02\u2009±\u20091.57 vs. 14.00\u2009±\u20092.18), and mechanical work (15.83\u2009±\u20094.53 vs. 13.68\u2009±\u20095.67) decreased after eSSBd intake (all values expressed in initial mean\u2009±\u2009DP vs. final). The rates of perceived exertion were higher (1.300 vs.1.661 slope and −0.7186 vs. −1.118 y-intercept) after eSSBd intake. Conclusion The present study shows that 15 days of eSSBd intake may negatively modulate biochemical parameters associated with cardiovascular risk. In addition, this overintake can impair the physical performance and cardiovascular responses to physical exercise.