Abstract
This study examined consumption proportions and factors associated with sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs), and 100% fruit juice (FJ) consumption. We recruited Non-Hispanic Black (n = 136) and White (n = 192) low-income overweight or obese pregnant women aged 18 to 46 years (mean = 25.7 years) from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children clinics in Michigan, USA. Independent variables included weight status, trimester, smoking, stress, education, employment, race, and age. Dependent variables were high (consuming ≥ 1 serving/day) versus low consumptions of SSB, ASB, and 100% FJ. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was performed to examine factors associated with beverage consumption. Out of the sample, 48.2%, 6.7%, and 31.3% reported high SSB, ASB, and 100% FJ consumption, respectively. SSB consumption was associated with smoking (OR: 3.77, p < 0.001), education (OR: 0.57, p = 0.03), and race (OR: 1.69, p = 0.03). Artificially sweetened beverage consumption was not associated with any factors examined. One hundred percent FJ consumption was associated with stress (OR: 0.90, p = 0.03) and race (OR: 4.48, p < 0.001). Clinicians may advocate for reductions in SSB and 100% FJ consumption tailored to client consumption characteristics.
Highlights
70% of American pregnant women consume higher than recommended amounts of added sugars (10% of total energy) [1]
This study investigated the proportion of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs), and 100% fruit juice (FJ) consumption among low-income overweight or obese pregnant women
Results showed significant associations between SSB and ASB consumption (r = 0.27, p < 0.001), between SSB and 100% FJ consumption (r = 0.43, p < 0.001), and between ASB and 100% FJ consumptions (r = 0.17, p = 0.002)
Summary
70% of American pregnant women consume higher than recommended amounts of added sugars (10% of total energy) [1]. The 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that pregnant women limit intake of foods and beverages high in added sugars to prevent excessive gestational weight gain and promote favorable maternal and birth outcomes [1]. The largest dietary contributor of added sugar is sugar-sweetened beverages, SSBs, defined as any liquid with added sugars, for example, regular soda, sweetened juice beverages/drinks (fruit drinks), energy drinks, tea with added sugars, and coffee with added sugars [1] Beverage intakes, such as sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs), and 100% fruit juice (FJ), are modifiable factors affecting a pregnant women’s health [1]. Poor dietary quality and excessive gestational weight gain have been associated with being overweight or obese [5] and with increased risk for pre-eclampsia [5], gestational diabetes, and gestational hypertension [6]. High SSB consumption during pregnancy has been associated with higher weight status in children (6 years old or younger) after adjusting for socio-demographic and lifestyle factors [9]
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