Increasing Caloric Contribution From Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and 100% Fruit Juices Among US Children and Adolescents, 1988-2004

By: Wang YC, Bleich SN and Gortmaker SL

Exploring the caloric contribution from sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and 100 percent fruit juices (FJs) consumed by children and adolescents in 1988–1994 and 1999–2004 indicated an increase over time with larger increases seen for black and Mexican American youths.

Concern about youth obesity has prompted a closer look at caloric contributions from various foods and beverages consumed by young people. Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and 100 percent fruit juices (FJs) are posited to impact weight gain.

This study examined caloric contribution from SSBs and FJs consumed by youth in the United States. Data sources were 9,882 youths (aged 2–19) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (NHANES III, 1988–1994) and 10,962 youths from the NHANES 1999–2004. Dietary recalls, where youth report foods and beverages consumed over a 24-hour period, were analyzed.

Key Findings:

• Caloric contribution from SSBs increased significantly from 204 kcal/day in 1988–1994 to 224 kcal/day in 1999–2004 with sociodemographic factors and weekend versus weekday recall controlled in the analysis. The contribution from FJs increased from 38 to 48 kcal/day over time.
• The increase in caloric contribution from SSBs and FJs was significantly larger for black and Mexican American youths than white youths.
• Only 7–15 percent of SSBs were consumed at school with 55–70 percent consumed at home.

Calories consumed when children and adolescents drink SSBs and FJs may contribute to weight gain. Restricting the consumption of SSBs and FJs might prove to be an effective way to promote health and reduce obesity among youth.