In a new study, researchers found that regular drinking of sugary soda sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup reduces kidney blood flow, which may lead to a greater risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
The research was conducted by a team at the University at Buffalo.
Vascular resistance occurs when blood vessels constrict to impede the flow of blood in the kidneys. This can lead to increased blood pressure and reduced kidney function, among other complications.
Approximately 37 million people in the U.S. suffer from CKD, according to the National Kidney Foundation.
The Foundation estimates CKD kills more people than breast cancer or prostate cancer. It is considered an under-recognized public health crisis.
In the study, the team found that consumption of 500 mL of a sugary soft drink increased vascular resistance in the kidneys within 30 minutes.
The increases in segmental artery vascular resistance were exacerbated during the CPT (cold pressor test) compared with water consumption.
In a follow-up study, the researchers also found changes in arterial blood flow inside the kidneys were brought on by high-fructose corn syrup, not due to the caffeine content or osmolality of the beverage.
Increases in resistance in arteries inside the kidneys were likely due to simultaneous increases in serum uric acid and copeptin.
These findings show that sweetened soft drinks could increase renal vasoconstrictor tone at rest and during sympathetic activation.
The lead author of the study is Christopher L. Chapman.
The study is published in the American Journal of Physiology-Renal Physiology.
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