Beverage choices and contributions to food and nutrient intakes differ by smoking status: Results from What We Eat in America (WWEIA), NHANES 2005–2008

Abstract

This study sought to identify relationships between adults’ smoking status and beverage intake patterns. A nationally representative sample of men and women 20+ years (n=9495) with a complete 24‐hour dietary recall and smoking status data in What We Eat in America (WWEIA), NHANES 2005–2008 was analyzed. Respondents were classified as current (n= 2148), former (n=2430), or never smokers (n= 4917). Regression procedures provided adjusted estimates by smoking status of beverage group intakes, likelihood of reporting each beverage type, and contributions of beverages to nutrient and food group intakes. Relative to former and never smokers, current smokers have higher mean intakes of total beverages, coffee, sugary drinks, and beer (p<.001) and are more likely to report coffee and beer and less likely to report plain water (though mean daily water intakes do not differ). Total daily energy intake does not vary by smoking status, but beverages provide more energy (mostly “empty calories”), carbohydrate (mostly added sugars), and caffeine to current than to former and never smokers. Beverage choices of adults overall need improvement, and those of smokers are particularly poor. Funding source: ARS, USDA.