Beverage Selection Research Articles

Using Healthy Defaults in Walt Disney World Restaurants to Improve Nutritional Choices.

A retrospective study of kids' meals purchased at Walt Disney World was conducted to determine acceptance rates for healthy sides and beverages. Purchase data from all 145 Walt Disney World restaurants were analyzed using a log-linear model and a Poisson regression. Across all restaurants, 47.9% and 66.3% of guests accepted healthy default sides and beverages, respectively. Acceptance rates of sides and beverages were higher at quick-service restaurants (49.4% and 67.8%, respectively) compared to table-service restaurants (40.3% and 45.6%, respectively). The healthy defaults reduced calories (21.4%), fat (43.9%), and sodium (43.4%) for kids' meal sides and beverages. This study contributes by examining the use of kids' meal healthy defaults in quick-service and table-service restaurant formats at the world's largest theme park, a previously unstudied setting, and by providing the largest ever healthy default data set. The results suggest that healthy defaults can shift food and beverage selection patterns toward healthier options.

Portion, package or tableware size for changing selection and consumption of food, alcohol and tobacco.

Overall, this review provides the most conclusive evidence to date that acting to reduce the size, availability and appeal of larger-sized portions, packages and tableware has potential to reduce the quantities of food that people select and consume by meaningful amounts. However, it is uncertain whether reducing portions at the smaller end of the size range can be as effective in reducing food consumption as reductions at the larger end of the range. Our findings highlight the need for further research that aims to reduce uncertainties about these effects and address identified gaps in the evidence base, including not having enough evidence for longer-term effects and the absence of evidence about alcohol products.

Selection of Branded Alcoholic Beverages by Underage Drinkers

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to identify reasons why youth choose to drink specific brands of alcohol and to determine if these reasons are associated with problem drinking patterns and outcomes. MethodsWe conducted an Internet survey of 1,031 youth aged 13–20 years who reported drinking within the past 30 days. Of these, 541 youth who reported having a choice of multiple brands of alcohol the last time they drank stated (yes/no) whether each of 16 different reasons had influenced their choice of a specific brand. We reduced these 16 reasons to three principal components and used latent class modeling to identify five groups of youth with similar reasons for selecting a brand, which we then profiled. ResultsWe grouped respondents into the following brand selection groups: “Brand Ambassadors” who were distinguished from other clusters by selecting a brand because they identified with it (32.5% of respondents), “Tasters” who selected a brand because they expected it to taste good (27.2%), “Bargain Hunters” who selected a brand because it was inexpensive (18.5%), “Copycats” who selected a brand because they had seen adults drinking it or seen it consumed in movies or other media (10.4%), and “Others” (11.5%). Brand ambassadors and copycats reported the largest amount of alcohol consumed and had the greatest prevalence of both heavy episodic drinking and negative alcohol-related health consequences. ConclusionsUnderage drinkers who cite marketing influences and adult or media modeling of brand choices as their reasons for selecting alcohol brands are likely to drink more and incur adverse consequences from drinking.

Quality of life Impairment in 7 patients with Hereditary Angioedema [HAE] in Cayre IPS and foundation, Bogotá, Colombia.

Event Abstract Back to Event Quality of life Impairment in 7 patients with Hereditary Angioedema [HAE] in Cayre IPS and foundation, Bogotá, Colombia. CARLOS E. OLMOS1 and CATALINA GOMEZ PARADA1* 1 Cayre IPS y Fundacion, Colombia Objective: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a primary immunodeficiency of the complement system characterized by cutaneous or mucosa swellings caused by a deficiency or dysfunction of C1 esterase inhibitor. It is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. Acute attacks of HAE are characterized by recurrent, unpredictable, rapidly localized swelling. These attacks can be life threatening when airway is involved. HAE has a considerable impact on quality of life [QOL]. This report describes the QOL assesment in 7 patients diagnosed with HAE in Cayre IPS, Bogotá, Colombia. Methods: Clinical, demographic and laboratory data were obtained from medical records. A survey with QOL questionnaire was performed during consultation and by telephone call in 7 confirmed patients with HAE. We recorded information in our database and the results are analyzed. Results: Four patients were female and 3 male, and 2 were minors. All 7 patients have a confirmed diagnosis of HAE type 1. They answered 17 questions contained in a QOL questionnaire that measure four dimensions: [1] functionality, [2] mood, [3] fears and [4] impact in food and frequency in the last 4 weeks. The four questions related to functionality are about impairment at work, school or physical activity, and spare time activities 7/7 answer very often. The five mood questions are realted to waking up during the night 1/7, feeling tired during the day 5/7 , difficulties in concentrating 1/7, and feeling downhearted 7/. The six fears questions are about feeling burdened at having swellings 7/7, fear of new suddenly appearing swellings 7/7, fear of increased frequency of swellings 7/7, ashamed to visit public places 3/7, embarrassed by the appearance of swellings 7/7, and fear of long-term negative drug effects 7/7. Finally, two last questions are related to general limitations in eating and in the selection of food and beverages 1/7. The most affected dimensions were those related to functionality and fears, followed by the mood, and eating limitations had the lowest impact. Conclusions: HAE is a major condition in patients that severely impacts their quality of life. Although it is not often evaluated, QOL evaluation should be an integral compoment of the holistic management of these patients.

중국인의 식생활 유형에 따른 음료 선택속성에 관한 연구 - 천진 지역을 중심으로 -

The study is part of the Chinese beverage selection attributes according to dietary style purchases based on the different dietary styles among different factors and consumer behavior analysis of consumer characteristics. The subjects of study were for the people living in Tianjin China objects directly in the local implementation of the questionnaire survey. A statistical analysis of 455 was conducted using SPSS 19. Using the general statistical analysis and cause analysis and reliability analysis, ANOVA test and cross analysis. Investigation object types related dietary style 20 projects, selection attributes 14 exploratory analysis of the causes, according to the results of dietary style in five factors, respectively of the health oriented, convenience oriented, economy oriented, gourmet oriented, food safety oriented convenient type named pursuit. Selection attributes is to consider three items of the preference factors, production and functional factors, information factors named. Food safety oriented showed a high percentage, Gourmet oriented compared to other types of higher proportion of singles. Food safety oriented production and functional factors to purchase consideration magazine and newspaper has obtained the information. Gourmet oriented production and functional factors to purchase consideration TV and radio were obtained by using the information. Health oriented green tea beverages have been preferred.

Sugar-sweetened beverages: availability and purchasing behaviour within the school fringe

In the UK, over 61% of adults and 30% of children are obese; sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are acknowledged to be a contributor to this obesity epidemic due to their high sugar content and lack of nutritional value. This study focussed on a secondary school in the North West of England, with the aim of evaluating pupil's exposure to, and opportunities to buy SSBs on their journeys to and from school and during the school day, along with their purchasing behaviours. Data were collected using mapping exercises and focus group interviews. Results showed that SSBs could be purchased very cheaply within the school fringe. All participants in the focus groups claimed to consume SSBs, although the frequency of consumption varied. Taste was the most important factor when purchasing drinks. Although the selection of beverages for sale varied, the majority were found to contain high levels of sugar, with very few low or non-sugar options available. Participants were largely unaware of the sugar content in SSBs. The study highlights the need for a multi-factorial approach in order to decrease the consumption of SSBs in children and young people. Recommendations include health promotion in schools around the detrimental health consequences of excess sugar intake, working with local authorities to restrict SSB retailing close to schools and homes, working with retailers to improve the provision of healthy beverages in their stores and addressing the issue of price, potentially by the implementation of a sugar tax.

Towards the development of laboratory methods for studying drinking games: Initial findings, methodological considerations, and future directions

Background: Drinking games are prevalent among college students and are associated with increased alcohol use and negative alcohol-related consequences. There has been substantial growth in research on drinking games. However, the majority of published studies rely on retrospective self-reports of behavior and very few studies have made use of laboratory procedures to systematically observe drinking game behavior. Objectives: The current paper draws on the authors’ experiences designing and implementing methods for the study of drinking games in the laboratory. Results: The paper addressed the following key design features: (a) drinking game selection; (b) beverage selection; (c) standardizing game play; (d) selection of dependent and independent variables; and (e) creating a realistic drinking game environment. Conclusions: The goal of this methodological review paper is to encourage other researchers to pursue laboratory research on drinking game behavior. Use of laboratory-based methodologies will facilitate a better understanding of the dynamics of risky drinking and inform prevention and intervention efforts.

Selection of Branded Alcoholic Beverages by Underage Drinkers

Selection of Branded Alcoholic Beverages by Underage Drinkers

Dining on Death Row: Last Meals and the Crutch of Ritual

Abstract This essay examines last meal requests by those facing execution. After surveying food and beverage selections, I explore how culinary choices are marked by ethnicity, region, class, and gender, as well as inflected by memories, the longing for certain sensory experiences, and the intent to make a moral, political, or philosophical statement. I also consider which last suppers and comments have inspired movies, TV shows, musical compositions, and advertising; why the public desires information about the food requested by those facing death; how the condemned’s meals have become politicized, feeding arguments by both those for and those against the death penalty; what the origin of the last meal ritual is; and why the custom is perpetuated. Possessing varied meanings for different participants in the drama of execution, the ceremonial last meal is one of the most powerful symbolic elements within a larger phenomenon laden with rituals and symbols.

Children’s responses towards alcohol in virtual reality: associations between parental alcohol use, drinking selections and intentions to drink

To prevent harmful drinking, it is essential to understand factors that promote alcohol use at an early age. The aim of the present study was to examine the role of parental alcohol use in children’s selection of alcoholic beverages in a virtual reality (VR) environment and their intentions to drink in the future. Participants were 7–13-year-old children (N = 127) who filled out questionnaires and participated in a VR computer game paradigm in which they were asked to select food and beverages for their parents and themselves. Children’s selection of alcoholic beverages and their intentions to drink alcohol in the future were measured. Children who reported heavier parental drinking selected more alcoholic beverages for their parents and displayed greater intentions to drink alcohol. Children’s responses in virtual reality explained incremental variance in children’s intentions to drink. Implications and limitations are discussed.

An Exploratory Study of the Concession Preferences of Generation Y Consumers

Concerns surrounding obesity and overweight youth continue to be in the forefront of issues among the U.S. population. The awareness of this serious issue have contributed to smarter choices in food and beverage selections by Generation Y consumers; however, there is little research present today on their perceptions and satisfaction with the food and beverages being offered in sporting and entertainment venues. This exploratory study examines this dilemma and reveals that Generation Y consumers believe that food and beverages being offered in these venues are of limited variety, overpriced, unhealthy, and low in quality. Generation Y consumers want to see more of a variety of healthier options at a better price. Results from this research may benefit foodservice suppliers by providing suggestive information about preferred food and beverage choices by Generation Y consumers in sporting and entertainment venues.

Stereotypy spotřebitelského chování posluchačů různých hudebních žánrů

The paper investigated stereotypical images of consumer preferences among listeners of various musical genres. Undergraduate students (N = 132) were asked to rate food and beverage preferences of fans of classical music, jazz, pop, metal, techno, or rap. The results indicated the existence of clearly defined stereotypes of musical fans' consumer behavior. According to these stereotypical images there are large differences in food and beverage preferences among 'elite' music listeners (classical, jazz) and other music preference groups. Typically, the 'elite' music listeners prefer unusual and luxurious foods. Further, they have higher demands in the selection of beverages. In contrast, the listeners of 'heavy' music have quite different preferences. They prefer the traditional Czech cuisine, fast food, beer and common soft drinks. The consumer stereotype of pop listeners is between these two groups. They prefer specialties and fast food, preferences of beverages are in some respect close to listeners of 'elite' and 'heavy' music. The stereotypes in consumer behavior are consistent with other findings about stereotypical images of personal qualities and characteristics of listeners various music genres. The results of the research can be applied in marketing domain.

Monitoring of the interconversion of gamma‐butyrolactone (GBL) to gamma hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) by Raman spectroscopy

Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is a drug-of-abuse that has recently become associated with drug-facilitated sexual assault, known as date rape. For this reason the drug is commonly found 'spiked' in alcoholic beverages. When GHB is in solution it may undergo conversion into the corresponding lactone, Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL). Studies have been carried out to determine the detection limits of GHB and GBL in various solutions by Raman spectroscopy and to monitor the interconversion of GHB and GBL in solution with different pH conditions and temperature. In this study, a portable Raman spectrometer was used to study the interconversion of GHB and GBL in water and ethanol solutions as a function of pH, time, and temperature. The aim of this was to determine the optimum pH range for conversion in order to relate this to the pH ranges that the drug is likely to be subjected to, first in spiked beverages and secondly after ingestion in the digestive system. The aim was also to identify a timescale for this conversion in relation to possible scenarios, for example if GHB takes a number of hours to convert to GBL, it is likely for the beverage to be ingested before esterification can take place. GHB and GBL were then spiked into a selection of beverages of known pH in order to study the stability of GHB and GBL in real systems.

Middle-school students’ school lunch consumption does not meet the new Institute of Medicine's National School Lunch Program recommendations

To compare the school lunch consumption of Texas middle-school students with the 2009 Institute of Medicine's (IOM) school meal report recommendations. These new lunch menu patterns increase fruit to one serving and vegetables to two servings, with 50 % wholegrain food. Lunch food records were collected from middle-school students from four schools in south-east Texas in the spring of 2008, and entered into the Nutrition Data System for Research software. Average intake was calculated for those consuming meals according to the National School Lunch Program (NSLP; n 5414) and for those consuming lunch from other sources (n 239). The percentage of students selecting each food group was calculated. Middle schools in south-east Texas. Middle-school students in south-east Texas. Students consuming NSLP meals reported consuming almost 1/2 serving of fruit, 3/4 serving of vegetables, 8 oz of milk and 1/3 serving of whole grains at lunch. Non-NSLP consumers reported almost no intake of fruit, vegetables or milk, and consumed 1/4 serving of whole grains at lunch. Among NSLP consumers, about 40% selected and consumed a fruit serving. About two-thirds of students selected a vegetable, consuming about 67 %. Less than 4% selected a dark green or orange vegetable. Students' lunch intake did not meet the new IOM recommendations. Few students selected dark green or orange vegetables, and only 40 % selected fruit. Whole grains consumption was low. Interventions with all stakeholders will be necessary to improve students' food and beverage selections overall when school meal patterns are revised.

Children's consumption of beverages in Singapore: Knowledge, attitudes and practice

To examine the beverage consumption habits of Singaporean children and to investigate knowledge and attitudes of parents and children with regard to beverage consumption. A total of 800 respondents were randomly surveyed using face-to-face household interviews conducted between 10 March and 23 April 2009. The survey included mothers aged 25 to 44 years, of 400 children aged three to six years and 400 children aged seven to 10 years. Children aged three to six and seven to 10 years typically consume milk on a daily basis. Younger children consume a greater number of servings of milk, whereas a significantly greater proportion of children aged seven to 10 years consume malted energy drinks and non-gassy and gassy soft drinks (P ≤ 0.005 for all). In older children, a decline in the proportion consuming milk on a typical weekday (69% vs. 92% for three- to six-year-olds) is accompanied by a reduction in mean calcium intake (733 mg vs. 1032 mg for three- to six-year-olds). On a typical weekday, 26% of children aged three to six years did not meet the recommended daily dietary allowance (RDDA) of 600 mg of calcium. Of children aged seven to 10 years, 61% also did not meet the age-appropriate RDDA of 700 g mg of calcium. Milk consumption decreases with age while the consumption of beverages such as malted energy drinks, gassy and non-gassy soft drinks and syrups increases markedly. Educational programmes may aid in the selection of appropriate nutrient-dense beverages and other calcium-rich foods to ensure that children achieve the recommended daily dietary nutrient intake.

Branched-chain Amino Acid Supplementation Lowers Perceived Exertion But Does Not Affect Performance in Untrained Males

The purpose of this study was to determine whether branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation affects aerobic performance, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), or substrate utilization as compared with an isocaloric, carbohydrate (CHO) beverage or a noncaloric placebo (PLAC) beverage. Nine untrained males performed three 90-minute cycling bouts at 55% VO₂ peak followed by 15-minute time trials. Subjects, who were blinded to beverage selection, ingested a total of 200 kcal via the CHO or BCAA beverage before and at 60 minutes of exercise or the PLAC beverage on the same time course. RPE and metabolic measurements were taken every 15 minutes during steady-state exercise, and each of the trials was separated by 8 weeks. Plasma glucose and BCAA concentrations were measured pre- and post-exercise. A greater distance (4.6 ± 0.6 km) was traveled in the time-trial during the CHO trial than the PLAC trial (3.9 ± 0.4 km) (p < 0.05). There was no difference between the BCAA (4.4 ± 0.5 km) and PLAC trials. RPE was reduced at the 75-minute and 90-minute mark during the BCAA trial as compared with the PLAC trial. There were no significant differences found for the trial vs. time interaction in regard to respiratory exchange ratio. Thus, CHO supplementation improves performance in a loaded time-trial as compared with a PLAC beverage. BCAA supplementation, although effective at increasing blood concentrations of BCAA, did not influence aerobic performance but did attenuate RPE as compared with a PLAC beverage.

Acceptance and expectance: Cultural norms for alcohol use in Denmark

Alcohol consumption levels in Denmark are high with the risk of increased morbidity and mortality in the population. It is suggested that people's views of “normal” use of alcohol must be the platform for formulating effective alcohol education and prevention strategies. However, little is known about the cultural norms for alcohol use. The aim of this article is to examine the perceptions of cultural norms for alcohol use in Denmark among different age groups and the similarities and differences between the groups, including examining how people construct and negotiate the cultural norms for drinking. Five focus group interviews were conducted with one group per the following age groups: 16–20; 21–34; 35–44; 45–64; and 65–82. These groups consisted of both men and women with five to six participants in each group (a total of 27). Thematic analysis was performed with the aim of developing themes that reflected the cultural norms for alcohol use. The unifying theme of this research was Danish people's acceptance and expectance of social drinking. Alcohol is widely accepted and associated with mutual expectations to drink, leading to identification of cultural influences and facilitation to drink. The social drinking context plays an important role in people's perceptions of the normality of drinking. This includes the selection of particular beverages, and regularly leads to consumption above the recommended levels for low risk to health. This calls for public health attention that promotes low risk drinking in the social context and aims to prevent and reduce serious alcohol-related harm and health problems across the population.

5-HTTLPR genotype and associations with intoxication and intention to drive: results from a field study of bar patrons

The serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) has been linked to a number of human behavioral traits and disorders. The variants of 5-HTTLPR are commonly reported in three forms, L/L, S/L and S/S, with the latter most often associated with emotional distress and/or behavioral dysfunction. Missing from the research literature are investigations that assess event-level associations between 5-HTTLPR genotype and specific incidents of risk behavior in natural drinking settings. This study reports associations between 5-HTTLPR, alcohol intoxication and intention to drive among young adult patrons exiting on-premise drinking establishments (i.e. bars) at night. Self-report measures, breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) readings and saliva samples for DNA analysis were collected from 477 bar patrons. Analyses were performed on 225 patrons likely to be near their peak intoxication level for the night. Results from a linear regression revealed that the 5-HTTLPR genotype was associated with exiting patron BrAC, after adjusting for random and fixed effects of other variables. An interaction effect involving 5-HTTLPR and bar-sponsored drink specials also had an independent association with BrAC, suggesting that selection of price-discounted alcoholic beverages increased intoxication in patrons with an L allele. In addition, results from logistic regression indicated that patrons with the S/S genotype were three times more likely to intend to drive a motor vehicle (after drinking on the night of study participation) compared with those with the L/L genotype. The 5-HTTLPR genotype may play an important role in the etiology of problems associated with on-premise drinking establishments.

Effects of Beverage-Specific Alcohol Consumption on Drinking Behaviors among Urban Youth

Alcoholic beverage consumption among high school students has shifted from beer to liquor. The current longitudinal study examined the effects of beverage-specific alcohol use on drinking behaviors among urban youth. Data included 731 adolescents who participated in Project Northland Chicago and reported consuming alcohol in 7th grade. Logistic regression tested the effects of beverage-specific use on consequences (e.g., alcohol use in the past month, week, heavy drinking, and ever drunkenness). Compared to wine users, adolescents who reported drinking hard liquor during their last drinking occasion had increased odds of alcohol use during the past month (OR = 1.44; 95% CI = 1.01-2.05), past week (OR = 3.37; 95% CI = 1.39-8.18), and ever drunkenness (OR = 1.56; 95% CI = 1.07-2.29). Use of hard liquor was associated with increased risk of alcohol-related consequences. Early selection of certain alcoholic beverages (e.g., hard liquor) may result in negative health outcomes and problematic alcohol use over time.

Expert Review of the Evidence Base for Prevention of Travelers’ Diarrhea

The most frequent illness among persons traveling from developed to developing countries is travelers' diarrhea. Travelers to high-risk regions traditionally have been educated to exercise care in food and beverage selection. Innovative research is needed to identify ways to motivate people to exercise this care and to determine its value. Chemoprophylaxis can be recommended for certain groups while monitoring for safety, drug resistance, and efficacy against all forms of bacterial diarrhea. Research to evaluate the value of immunoprophylaxis is recommended. In the following document, the authors used an evidence base when available to determine strength and quality of evidence and when data were lacking, the panel experts provided consensus opinion.