The Association Between Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption and Toddler's Diarrhea: A Systematic Review
Abstract
Introduction: Toddler's diarrhea, or Chronic Nonspecific Diarrhea of Childhood (CNSD), is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder in children aged 6 months to 5 years. It is characterized by chronic, loose stools in otherwise healthy, thriving children. While dietary factors are implicated, particularly fruit juice, a comprehensive synthesis of the evidence across all types of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is lacking. This systematic review aims to evaluate the association between SSB consumption and toddler's diarrhea.
Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Google Scholar, Semanthic Scholar, Springer, Wiley Online Library was conducted for studies published in English. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), controlled trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, and case series (N≥5) evaluating the association between SSB (including fruit juices, sodas, and other sweetened drinks) consumption and diarrheal outcomes in children aged 6 months to 5 years were included. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool for RCTs and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for observational studies. Findings were synthesized narratively.
Results: Seventeen studies, comprising six RCTs/controlled trials, six observational studies, and five case series, met the inclusion criteria. The evidence consistently demonstrated a strong association…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
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