The Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages in a Michigan Cohort of Infants and Toddlers

Abstract

ObjectivesThe proportion of Americans with overweight/obesity continues to rise such that 40% of children and teens are impacted and 14% of toddlers are considered obese. Many long-term health consequences are associated with childhood obesity demonstrating the importance of diet quality early in life. The objective of this study was to use data from a longitudinal cohort study to determine juice and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption and compare to national data. MethodsData were collected through surveys filled out by mothers when the child was 12 (n = 44), 24 (n = 46), and 36 (n = 32) months of age. At 12 and 24 months, the survey contained a 24-hour diet recall and a 24-hour diet checklist. At 36 months, only the 24-hour dietary checklist was collected. Data were compared to results from the Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study (FITS), a national study of infant and toddler dietary intake, using chi square tests. ResultsThe 24-hour dietary recall indicated an increase in the proportion of infants consuming juice starting at 19.6% at 12 months, and increasing to 54.3% at 24 months, and 55.6% at 36 months. This was consistent with FITS data, which started with 27% consuming juice at ∼12 months and increased to 55% at ∼24 months. The 24-hour recall indicated an increase in non-juice SSB consumption from 0%, 10.9%, and 22.2% at 12, 24, and 36 months respectively. FITS reported 8.5% of infants at ∼12 months and 31% by ∼24th months consumed non-juice SSB. Notably, at 12 and 24 months, the consumption of non-juice SSB in FITS was significantly higher than in our cohort. ConclusionsThis population of Michigan children has consistent high rates of juice consumption, but lower rates of non-juice SSB consumption compared to rates reported nationally. Results suggest future efforts should emphasize the health implications of juice intake to caregivers. Funding SourcesUnrestricted funds provided to SSC by Michigan State University.