Beverage Consumption among U.S. Children Aged 0-24 Months: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Carley Grimes,Theresa Nicklas,Ewa Szymlek-Gay

doi:10.3390/nu9030264

Abstract

Data on beverage consumption patterns in early life are limited. The aim of this study was to describe beverage consumption by sociodemographic characteristics, along with water intake and sources of water among U.S. children aged 0–24 months. Data from 2740 children in the 2005–2012 NHANES were analysed. Food intake was determined via one 24-h dietary recall. Beverages were categorised according to What We Eat In America groups. Poverty–Income ratio was used to define household income. During infancy (0–5.9 months and 6–11.9 months) infant formulas were the most commonly consumed beverage, 74.1% and 78.6% of children consuming, respectively. Comparatively fewer children, 41.6% and 24.3%, consumed breast milk. In toddlers (12–24 months), the most commonly consumed beverages were plain milk (83.6% of children consuming), water (68.6%), 100% fruit juice (51.8%) and sweetened beverages (31.2%). Non-Hispanic black and Mexican-American children were more likely to consume sweetened beverages, 100% fruit juice and infant formula than Non-Hispanic white children. Children from lower income households were more likely to consume sweetened beverages and 100% fruit juice and less likely to consume breast milk than children from higher income households. Total water intake increased with age and the contribution of water from food and beverage sources was ~20% and ~80% for all children, respectively. Disparities in beverage consumption by race/ethnicity and income level are apparent in early life.

Highlights

Beverages are an important source of energy and micronutrients during the first two years of life [1,2]
The sample was comprised of 54.1% non-Hispanic white (Non-HW), 13.4% non-Hispanic Black (Non-HB), 17.8% Mexican-American (MA) and 14.7% Non-Hispanic Asian, other Hispanic and other/mixed race (Non-HA/OH/OR)
Other beverages consumed at this age included plain water and 100% fruit juice

Summary

Introduction

Beverages are an important source of energy and micronutrients during the first two years of life [1,2]. Beverage consumption patterns among U.S children 0–5 years have shifted [3]. In 2001–2006 fewer children drank milk and more children drank 100% fruit juice, compared to earlier periods of 1976–1980; 1988–1994. There was no change in the consumption of fruit drinks and soft drinks during this period, the consumption of these beverages was relatively common, consumed by about a third of all children [3]. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends infants drink breastmilk, or if this is not possible, formula for the first year of life and the introduction of 100% fruit juice should be avoided. The introduction of sweetened beverages should be avoided in the first two years of life, and toddlers should be encouraged to drink water and milk [4]

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Discussion

Conclusion