Mixed
Research funded by the sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) industry is significantly more likely to reach weak or null conclusions regarding the adverse health effects of SSB consumption compared to independently funded research.
When evaluating health claims about sugary drinks, prioritize studies funded by government, universities, or independent foundations over those funded by the beverage industry. Industry-funded studies are statistically much more likely to downplay health risks, potentially delaying necessary public health interventions like taxes or labeling laws.
Industry-related studies were overwhelmingly more likely to reach 'weak/null' conclusions compared with independent studies regarding the adverse effects of SSB consumption on health (OR = 57.30, 95 % CI 7.12, 461.56).
Why this rating
Systematic review of 133 articles with strong statistical association (OR=57.30), though observational in nature regarding funding.
Source
Source of bias in sugar-sweetened beverage research: a systematic review
Ethan Litman et al. · Public Health Nutrition · 2018
DOI 10.1017/s1368980018000575
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