SUPPORTING yet another medical call for a tax on sugary drinks, a new study has shown that the same branded drink, such a Coca-Cola for example, sourced from different countries can contain different types of sugar, but are still all "horrible and we should be avoiding them".
The Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute compared the sugar content of sugary drinks in Australia, Europe and the US finding sugar cane in Australian drinks, corn syrup in the US and sugar beet in European drinks.
University of Melbourne Head of the Islet Biology and Metabolism Research Group Associate Professor Sof Andrikopoulos said, "It's really interesting research.
"What I'd like to know now is whether the US is seeing a higher incidence of liver disease or dyslipidaemia than we do in Australia, due to higher concentrations of fructose in these drinks," he said.
But overall, he doubts one type of sugar -- fructose or glucose -- is any better than the other, saying "Whichever way you look at it, these types of sugar-sweetened beverages cannot be good for you."
Diabetes Australia ceo Professor Greg Johnson said the study was particularly important for those at risk of type 2 diabetes - CLICK HERE for the MJA InSight article.
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