Association of sugar-sweetened beverages with executive function in autistic children

Abstract

The association between sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) consumption and executive function (EF) among typically developing (TD) children has been investigated in previous studies but with inconsistent results. Furthermore, this relationship has been less investigated among autistic children who perform worse in EF compared with TD children. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between SSB consumption and EF in autistic children, and whether the association between SSB and EF in autistic children is different from that in TD children. We recruited 106 autistic children and 207 TD children aged 6–12 years in Guangzhou, China. Children’s EF was assessed by using the Chinese version of parent-reported Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Stroop Color–Word Test, and working memory subscales of the Chinese version of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for children, Fourth edition. Meanwhile, we assessed children’s dietary intake and SSB consumption with a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire. In this study, 70 (66.0%) autistic children consumed SSB and 20 (18.9%) of them consumed more than two servings SSB a week. Among autistic children, over two servings per week SSB consumption was associated with poorer performance in emotional control [β = 7.20, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.94–13.46] and plan/Organize (β = 6.45, 95% CI: 0.27–12.63). The association between over two servings/week SSB consumption and emotional control among autistic children was significantly different from that among TD children (βASD = 7.20; βTD = −3.09, Z = 2.72, p = 0.006). Results of this study show that SSB consumption was associated with an impairment in some subscales of EF in autistic children. Furthermore, the association between SSB and EF in autistic children might be different from that in TD children.

Association of ultraprocessed foods consumption and cognitive function among children aged 4–7 years: a cross-sectional data analysis

“…Among them, 45 million are from China, which would place China the second largest number of children with cognitive delay in the world ( 4 – 6 ). Previous studies have shown that delayed cognitive development affects the academic performance and mental health of children, such as an increased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and emotional symptoms ( 7 ). Maintaining the healthy development of cognitive function has emerged as an important public health issue in children.…”

“…In China, snacks and SSBs consumption is very common among preschool children ( 23 – 25 ). However, previous studies have only focused on the effects of SSB consumption on cognitive function ( 7 , 26 ). To our knowledge, the effects of other ultraprocessed food consumption on children’s cognition function are rarely discussed.…”