IADR/AADR Divests Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Companies from Investment Portfolio
The International Association for Dental Research (IADR) and the American Association for Dental Research (AADR) have announced the divestment of sugar-sweetened beverage companies from their investment portfolios.
Alexandria, VA – The International Association for Dental Research (IADR) and the American Association for Dental Research (AADR) have announced the divestment of sugar-sweetened beverage companies from their investment portfolios. While IADR and AADR did not have direct investments in such companies, they’ve changed to investment managers who will screen out any holdings in the sector. The IADR and AADR already exclude any investments in tobacco companies.
The scientific evidence is clear that sugars are the most important dietary factor in the development of dental caries. Sugar-sweetened beverages are a major source of dietary sugars, lack nutritional value, and contribute not only to dental caries, but to unhealthy weight gain, obesity, and increased risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Investing in companies that manufacture or distribute sugar-sweetened beverages or funds that have such holdings is inconsistent with the missions of IADR and AADR, which are to advance research and increase knowledge for the improvement of oral health worldwide. The IADR and AADR call on other health-related professional associations with investment portfolios to adopt similar policies regarding sugar-sweetened beverage companies.
