A new study found that a child’s chances of developing asthma are higher if their mum consumed sugary drinks such as fruit juice and carbonated drinks, during their pregnancy.
The experts found that children who are aged between seven and nine are at a greater risk of asthma if they consumed excessive amounts of sugary drinks during their childhood and if their mum consumed sugary drinks during her pregnancy.
The researchers examined the diets of over 1,000 mums. They analysed their eating habits during the first trimester, the second trimester and again when their child was three-years-old.
The team asked participants about the number of sugary drinks they consumed on a day-to-day basis.
They also asked the mums about the number of sugary drinks, including fizzy drinks and fruit juices, their children consumed daily.
The findings stated that one in five children involved in the study had developed asthma by mid-childhood.
The team discovered that sugary drinks heightened the risk of a child having asthma.
It is understood that being overweight and obese can also increase a child’s risk of asthma, but the experts shared that there was a strong link between sugary drinks and asthma, whether the child was overweight or not.
They discovered that mums who consumed over 46 grams of fructose had a 61 percent increased chance of having a child with asthma.
Three-year-olds who had 44 grams of fructose in their daily diet were more likely to develop asthma than children who consumed 15 grams of fructose per day.
Lead author of the study, Sheryl Rifas Shiman, stated, “Avoiding high intake of sugar during pregnancy and in early childhood could be one of several ways to reduce the risk of childhood asthma.
Sheryl and her team believe that sugary drinks may have a substantial impact on the lungs. They believe that they may have a negative impact on the inflammation in the lungs and the airways.
Experts believe that it is okay for a pregnant woman to consume sugar, but they must limit the amount of sugar in their diet. It is recommended that you don’t eat excessive amounts of sugar.
Medical experts suggest replacing sugary foods with healthier food items, which will fill your body with much-needed nutrients.
The study was published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.
