The authors analyzed data from a 32-year follow-up of nearly 3,000 participants who regularly drank tea or coffee with varying amounts of sugar added to the drink. At the beginning and end of the observation, the scientists conducted an extensive health examination of the subjects, they also assessed the reasons for the death of a number of participants.

The results of the analysis showed that adding sugar to drinks was not associated with premature death. Those who drank tea and coffee with sweetener had only one more risk than those who did not drink sugar. Scientists noted that this is too small a difference.

The authors also noted that this effect persisted only when 2.5 grams of sugar (two pieces) were added to the sugar. Sodas, juices and other drinks contain about 25 grams of sugar, so these drinks have health implications.