Sugary drinks
From the YapSpan Longevity Wiki · Updated 2026-10-01
Sugary drinks, also called sugar-sweetened beverages, are drinks with added sugar. They include regular soft drinks, fruit drinks, sweetened iced teas, sports drinks and energy drinks. They supply sugar in liquid form with few other nutrients, and they are one of the largest sources of added sugar in many diets.
A 2021 meta-analysis (a study that pools the results of earlier studies) of 11 prospective studies (studies that follow people forward in time) with 965,851 participants found that each extra daily serving of 355 mL (12 fluid ounces) was associated with 8% higher all-cause mortality (death from any cause) [1]. Using a standard grading system, the authors rated the quality of this evidence high [1].
- Each extra 355 mL serving a day was associated with 8% higher all-cause mortality across 11 cohorts with 965,851 participants [1].
- Each extra daily serving was also associated with 8% higher cardiovascular mortality [1].
- Comparing the highest with the lowest intake, a 2022 meta-analysis of 15 cohorts found 12% higher all-cause mortality [2].
- A 2023 umbrella review (a review of earlier meta-analyses) linked each 250 mL a day with 4% higher all-cause mortality but rated that evidence lower in quality [3].
- The umbrella review recommended limiting sugary drinks to less than one serving a week, about 200 to 355 mL a week [3].
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YapSpan estimates are for reflection and entertainment only. They are not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a prediction of any individual outcome. Check with a doctor before making any medical decision.