Abstract
Background: Children’s beverage consumption patterns have received increased attention in light of the obesity epidemic in this group. In day care centers (DCCs), children spend up to 10 h a day, and typically consume half to three quarters of their daily food intake. The purpose of the study was to investigate what beverages are typically served to children in preschools in Poland, and to evaluate the practices associated with adding sugar and other sweetening agents to beverages. Methods: Direct interviews with preschools staff were conducted with a questionnaire regarding offered beverages and adding sugar and other sweetening agents. The menu of 10 consecutive days and inventory reports were analyzed to verify information. Results: A total of 720 preschools were included in the study. Cocoa and milk coffee substitute were served in 95% of preschools, followed by compote (92%), tea (84%), fruit/herbal tea (73%) and water (69%). Water was the only beverage available between meals (93% DCCs). 86% of preschools added sugar to tea/cocoa/coffee substitute drinks, and 74% to compote. Conclusions: In the majority of preschools, beverages which are not recommended were offered. Such an assortment of beverages and common practice of sweetening can increase the amount of added sugar in a children diet. Nutrition education and legal regulations concerning the assortment of beverages served in preschools are urgently needed.
Highlights
The rapid global increase in the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity indicate an urgent need to identify the factors contributing to this situation [1,2,3]
The purpose of the study was to investigate what beverages are typically served to children in pre-school settings, as well as to evaluate the practices associated with adding sugar and other sweetening agents to beverages in preschools in Poland
The aim of the project was to improve the nutrition of children in day care centers through the nutritional education of the staff conducted by specially trained educators
Summary
The rapid global increase in the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity indicate an urgent need to identify the factors contributing to this situation [1,2,3]. Children’s beverage consumption patterns have received increased attention in light of the nation’s and global obesity epidemic in this population group [5,6,7]. Some data indicate that sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) might significantly contribute to excessive intake of calories due to high amount of added (free) sugars [8]. Briefel et al [9] found that sugar from sweetened beverages contributed more than 200 extra calories in school-aged children’s daily energy intake. Children’s beverage consumption patterns have received increased attention in light of the obesity epidemic in this group. The purpose of the study was to investigate what beverages are typically served to children in preschools in Poland, and to evaluate the practices associated with adding sugar and other sweetening agents to beverages
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