The Association between Early Childhood and Later Childhood Sugar-Containing Beverage Intake: A Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Sugar-containing beverages (SCBs) are a major source of sugar intake in children. Early life intake of SCBs may be a strong predictor of SCB intake later in life. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate if SCB intake (defined as 100% fruit juice, soda, and sweetened drinks) in early childhood (≤2.5 years of age) was associated with SCB intake in later childhood (5–9 years of age). A prospective cohort study was conducted using data from the TARGet Kids! primary care practice network (n = 999). Typical daily SCB intake was measured by parent-completed questionnaires. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using logistic regression. A total of 43% of children consumed ≥0.5 cups/day of SCBs at ≤2.5 years and this increased to 64% by 5–9 years. Daily SCB intake, compared to no daily intake, at ≤2.5 years was significantly associated with SCB intake at 5–9 years (adjusted OR: 4.03; 95% CI: 2.92–5.55) and this association was much stronger for soda/sweetened drinks (adjusted OR: 12.83; 95% CI: 4.98, 33.0) than 100% fruit juice (OR: 3.61; 95% CI: 2.63–4.95). Other early life risk factors for SCB intake at 5–9 years were presence of older siblings, low household income, and shorter breastfeeding duration. Daily intake of SCBs in early childhood was strongly associated with greater SCB intake in later childhood. Early life may be an important period to target for population prevention strategies.

Impact of Obesogenic Environments on Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption among Preschoolers: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Survey in Beijing

“…In addition, based on the data collected in a previous study between 2013 and 2018, the beverages in China had the highest median total sugar content as compared with many other countries, such as Australia, Canada, Chile, the UK, and the USA [ 13 ]. The existing evidence suggests that the intake of SSBs in early childhood was significantly associated with higher SSB intake later in life [ 14 ]. Therefore, it is urgent to take effective measures to alter this situation.…”

Frequência Do Consumo De Açúcar E Bebidas Açucaradas Por Crianças Atendidas Em Um Ambulatório De Pediatria No Vergel Do Lago Em Maceió-Alagoas/ Frequency of Sugar and Sugary Drinks Consumption Among Children Treated in a Pediatric Ambulatory in Vergel Do Lago Maceió-Alagoas

“…A introdução alimentar precoce de bebidas açucaradas é um dos muitos fatores biológicos, sociais e ambientais que permanecem sendo umas das principais influências gustativas ao longo da vida, e principal desencadeador de excesso de peso infantil. O consumo exagerado de produtos industrializados, assim como a ausência de incentivo dos pais para o consumo de alimentos mais naturais, a falta de informação e o comodismo, são fatores que influenciam os hábitos alimentares das crianças, favorecendo de uma forma negativa para a saúde na infância (CHICONATTO; DA SILVA; BENINCA; SCHMITT, 2019;ARPINI et al, 2014;ZIESMANN et al 2019).…”

“…A associação entre a ingestão dessas bebidas e obesidade pode estar correlacionada com o elevado teor de açúcar, a ausência de micronutrientes e a baixa capacidade de saciedade deste tipo de bebida em comparação com outros alimentos (GONZALEZ-PALACIOS et al, 2019;ZIESMANN et al 2019).…”

Association between Hyperactivity and SSB Consumption in Schoolchildren: A Cross-Sectional Study in China

“…Previous data have shown that adolescents have the highest consumption of SSB [ 41 ]. In addition, children who consume SSB early are more likely to continue consumption [ 42 ]. Moreover, it is challenging to recognize ADHD symptoms in early childhood, which may also cause diagnostic bias.…”