Drinking soda harms fertility, researchers discover

Drinking soda is linked to decrease in fertility, study finds. Pixabay/ Lernestorod

A new study published in the scientific journal of Epidemiology has found that daily consumption of soda greatly reduces fertility rate in both men and women.

Researchers at Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) found that the intake of any beverage sweetened with sugar resulted in the drop of fertility rates.

The study details that females who consumed at least one sugary beverage a day had a 20 percent decline in fecundity while men, with the same habits, had a 33 percent decline in fertility.

In a statement from Boston University, Professor of Epidemiology and pioneer author Elizabeth Hatch said that the positive association of sugar-sweetened drinks toward declining fertility rates in men and women remained consistent even after controlling for many other factors such as obesity, caffeine intake, smoking, overall diet, and alcohol intake.

Hatch advised couples who are trying to conceive to shy away from these beverages not only for its role in decreased fertility but more so for its adverse effects to one's health.

The investigators say that with the increased consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in the United States, the study could prove to be beneficial to improving public health.

According to the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sugary drinks hold the top most spot on the list of added sugars that Americans consume on a daily basis.

The U.S.' current dietary guideline suggests that the intake of calories from added sugars should be limited to only 10 percent a day and should not go over that specific margin.

In recent years, several studies have linked excess sugar intake with a myriad of diseases and health conditions such as heart disease and cancer.

For interested readers, you can access the entirety of the study by clicking here.

News
Church cautiously welcomes Northern Ireland government programme
Church cautiously welcomes Northern Ireland government programme

The document outlines the governing priorities of Northern Ireland’s government.

Pope looks to Christ during 'period of trial'
Pope looks to Christ during 'period of trial'

In his weekly Angelus address, Pope Francis gave praise to God as the one who never abandons us, even in times of severe trial.

Ukraine imprisons Christian conscientious objector
Ukraine imprisons Christian conscientious objector

Serhy Semchuk was sentenced to five years and has had all appeals rejected

Homeless man charged with terrorism after 'fake' attack threat against Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church
Homeless man charged with terrorism after 'fake' attack threat against Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church

A homeless man alleged to have threatened a deadly gas attack on Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, on Christmas Eve has been indicted on a federal terrorism charge.