Excessive sugar consumption and accelerated aging: mechanisms, evidence and public health implications

Purpose This review aims to investigate the impact of excessive sugar consumption on accelerated aging, highlighting the underlying mechanisms, clinical evidence and public health implications. Design/methodology/approach A comprehensive literature review was conducted, encompassing recent studies and clinical evidence related to sugar-induced aging. Key mechanisms were analyzed, focusing on glycation processes, oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. The review also examines public health strategies to mitigate these effects and evaluates their effectiveness. Findings Excessive sugar intake significantly contributes to accelerated aging through various biochemical pathways. Advanced glycation end-products generated from high sugar consumption lead to cellular damage and oxidative stress, which in turn exacerbate inflammatory responses. Clinical evidence indicates a correlation between high sugar diets and markers of aging, such as reduced skin elasticity and increased incidence of age-related diseases. Public health strategies, including dietary guidelines and awareness campaigns, have shown promise in mitigating these effects, though further research is needed to optimize these interventions. Originality/value This review provides a detailed synthesis of current knowledge on the relationship between sugar consumption and aging. By integrating mechanisms, clinical evidence and public health implications, it offers a holistic perspective on how excessive sugar impacts aging and suggests actionable strategies for prevention and intervention. The findings underscore the importance of dietary regulation and inform future research directions to address the growing concern of sugar-induced aging.