Sweetened Beverage Consumption Research Articles

Investigating the Efficacy of Nutritional Status, Dietary Acumen, and Sugary Beverage Consumption Patterns in Secondary School Adolescents

Introduction: Excessive consumption of sugary drinks increases the risk of obesity and negatively affects nutritional health because they contain additional sugars and empty calories. Making well-informed decisions that prioritize nutrient-dense options enables people to reduce health risks and improve their general nutritional state. Objectives: The objectives of this study to is to assess the relationship between nutritional status, dietary knowledge and sugary beverage consumption habits among secondary school children in Lahore. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of 384 secondary school children studying in public and private schools of Lahore, Pakistan and data was collected through a combination of 2 validated questionnaires, composed of 4 parts (personal information, frequency of sugary beverages consumed, sugary beverage consumption pattern and & dietary knowledge). For BMI calculation, height and weight were measured. Data analysis was done through SPSS version 23. Results: The study reveals that 51.8% of the students in Pakistani secondary schools in Lahore fell within the normal BMI limit. The remainder, however, were malnourished; 13% of the adolescents were underweight, 21.6% were overweight, and 13.5% were obese. Furthermore, it was found that there was no significant relationship between dietary knowledge, use of sugary beverages, and nutritional status. Conclusion: In conclusion, it is evident that the consumption of sugary sweet beverages among the secondary school children of Lahore, Pakistan is significantly higher. Also, the burden of malnutrition and the body mass index is significantly high among these adolescents, associated with SSB consumption. However, BMI is no significantly related to dietary knowledge.

Beverage consumption and obesity in Kuwaiti school children.

Sweetened beverage consumption is particularly important in countries such as Kuwait, where the prevalence of obesity is high, and most children drink sweetened beverages daily. To assess the relationship between three most commonly consumed beverages, (soda, milk, and juice) and the incidence of obesity among Kuwaiti children at the critical age of 10-12 year, Longitudinal cohort data of 6,305 children on initial presentation in 2012 (age, 10 years) and follow-up in 2014 (age, 12 years) were obtained from the Kuwait Healthy Life Study. The servings for the three beverages (soda, juice, and milk) were calculated as servings per day groups (0, 1-2, and 3 servings/day or more). Multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess the relationship between developing obesity during 2012-2014 and soda, juice, and milk consumption. Model selection was based on clinically relevant covariates and potential confounders using stepwise model selection. Six percent children become obese between baseline and follow-up visits. High soda drinking showed significant association with developing obesity. High milk consumption (more than 3 servings a day) was also significantly associated with developing obesity. Potential confounders included in the final model were age, sex, governorates, and fitness level, of which none were significant confounders or effect modifiers for the association. Children with high soda consumption had significantly higher prevalence of obesity. High obesity prevalence was observed with high milk consumption at a lower significance level but not with high juice consumption.

Dietary Factors and the Risk of Depression among Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

This study aimed to assess the association between dietary factors and depression in a group of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women and to evaluate potential interactions and the mediating role of BMI in this relationship. One hundred and sixteen women with PCOS were asked to complete the Dietary Habits and Nutrition Beliefs Questionnaire and the manual for developing of nutritional data (KomPAN questionnaire) and the Beck Depression Inventory. The population was divided into two groups: (1) not at risk of depression (ND), n = 61, and (2) at risk of depression (RD), n = 55. Significantly higher BMI values were observed in the RD group than in the ND group. In the RD group, the intake of vegetables and legumes was lower than in the LD group, but the consumption of sweet beverages and energy drinks was higher. Consumption of vegetables and legumes at least twice per day is known to be associated with a 62% lower probability of the risk of depression in PCOS women. Furthermore, women with overweight and obesity have a 5.82 times greater chance of depression than women with normal body weight. Our findings show that there is a significant association between certain dietary factors, BMI, and symptoms of depression in PCOS women.

Transformative Insights: Break Up with Salt (BUWS) Program's Short-Term Influence on Hypertension Risk Factors.

Break Up with Salt (BUWS) is a four-session community-based nutrition education program aimed at reducing key controllable hypertension risk factors. This pilot study utilized a pre-post survey design to assess short-term outcomes on food behaviors (including DASH diet eating patterns), physical activity, and overall well-being, in two groups of participants. The first "pilot" group (n = 25) completed a comprehensive, 16-item survey; the second "abbreviated" group (n = 27) completed a 5-item survey. The pilot group experienced improvements in whole grain (p = 0.04), sweetened beverage consumption, watching/reducing sodium (p = 0.04) and fat (p = 0.05) consumption, and time spent sitting (p = 0.04). The abbreviated group improved confidence in using food labels (p = 0.02), following the DASH diet (p < 0.01), preparing food without salt (p = 0.03), selecting lower sodium items when eating out (p = 0.04), and making a positive lifestyle change (p = 0.01). The BUWS program provides information and teaches strategies to manage or prevent hypertension. By effectively improving diet and food behaviors, BUWS has the potential to reduce hypertension risk factors and improve the general health of participants.

Artificially sweetened beverages consumption and risk of obesity-related cancers: a wide-angled Mendelian randomization study.

The impact of artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs) consumption on obesity-related cancers (ORCs) risk remains controversial. To address this challenging issue, this study employed wide-angle mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to explore the genetic causality between ASB consumption and the risk of ORCs, thereby effectively minimizing the impact of external confounders. We conducted a suite of analyses encompassing univariable, multivariable, and two-step MR to evaluate causal associations between ASB consumption (samples = 85,852) and risk of ORCs (total samples = 2,974,770) using summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Total, direct, and intermediary effects were derived by performing inverse-variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, weighted mode, weighted median, and lasso method. Additionally, we performed an extensive range of sensitivity analyses to counteract the potential effects of confounders, heterogeneity, and pleiotropy, enhancing the robustness and reliability of the findings. Genetically predicted ASB consumption was positively associated with the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC, p = 0.011; OR: 6.879; 95% CI: 1.551, 30.512 by IVW) and breast cancer (p = 0.022; OR: 3.881; 95% CI: 2.023, 9.776 by IVW). Multivariable analysis yielded similar results. The results of the two-step MR unveiled that body mass index (BMI) assumes a pivotal role in mediating the association between ASB consumption and CRC risk (intermediary effect = 0.068, p = 0.024). No causal connection exists between ASB consumption and the majority of ORCs, in addition to CRC and breast cancer. Additionally, our findings suggest that BMI might be a potential mediator in the association between ASB consumption and CRC.

Unraveling the Sugar Rush: A Cross-sectional Study of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Sugar- Sweetened Beverages Consumption among Malaysian Young Adults

Introduction: The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) among young adults in Malaysia has witnessed a notable increase in recent years, giving rise to concerns regarding the potential adverse health effects, including obesity and diabetes. Despite the urgent need for targeted interventions, there is a dearth of research examining the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to SSBs among Malaysian young adults. To address this research gap, the present study aims to assess the level of KAP concerning SSB intake and its associated factors in this specific population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 408 Malaysian young adults aged between 15 and 29 years. Respondents completed an online questionnaire survey, which encompassed the assessment of socio-demographic characteristics and KAP regarding SSB consumption. The collected data were analyzed using IBM’s Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. Spearman correlation tests were performed at a significance level of 0.05. Results: The majority of respondents demonstrated moderate knowledge (60%) and practices (60%), while exhibiting a high positive attitude (100%) towards reducing SSB consumption. Significant correlations were observed between knowledge and attitude (p = 0.003, rs = 0.148) and between knowledge and practice (p = 0.005, rs = 0.138). Moreover, the attitude scores were found to be significantly associated with gender (χ2 (1, N = 408) = 10.421, p = 0.001) and locality (χ2 (1, N = 408) = 4.106, p = 0.043), while the practice scores exhibited a significant association with ethnicity (p = 0.006). Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the relationship between KAP related to SSB consumption and socio-demographic factors among Malaysian young adults. The findings underscore the importance of utilizing these insights to develop strategic interventions that aim to curtail SSB consumption and promote a healthy lifestyle, ultimately contributing to the reduction of non-communicable diseases. Health authorities are encouraged to capitalize on these findings to design targeted interventions tailored to the unique needs and circumstances of this population.

Sugar-sweetened or artificially-sweetened beverage consumption, physical activity, and risk of cardiovascular disease in adults: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundWhether physical activity could mitigate the adverse impacts of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) or artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs) on incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains uncertain. ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine the independent and joint associations between SSB or ASB consumption and physical activity and risk of CVD, defined as fatal and nonfatal coronary artery disease and stroke, in adults from 2 United States-based prospective cohort studies. MethodsCox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs between SSB or ASB intake and physical activity with incident CVD among 65,730 females in the Nurses’ Health Study (1980–2016) and 39,418 males in the Health Professional’s Follow-up Study (1986–2016), who were free from chronic diseases at baseline. SSBs and ASBs were assessed every 4-y and physical activity biannually. ResultsA total of 13,269 CVD events were ascertained during 3,001,213 person-years of follow-up. Compared with those who never/rarely consumed SSBs or ASBs, the HR for CVD for participants consuming ≥2 servings/d was 1.21 (95% CI: 1.12, 1.32; P-trend < 0.001) for SSBs and 1.03 (95% CI: 0.97, 1.09; P-trend = 0.06) for those consuming ≥2 servings/d of ASBs. The HR for CVD per 1 serving increment of SSB per day was 1.18 (95% CI: 1.10, 1.26) and 1.12 (95% CI: 1.04, 1.20) for participants meeting and not meeting physical activity guidelines (≥7.5 compared with <7.5 MET h/wk), respectively. Compared with participants who met physical activity guidelines and never/rarely consumed SSBs, the HR for CVD was 1.47 (95% CI: 1.37, 1.57) for participants not meeting physical activity guidelines and consuming ≥2 servings/wk of SSBs. No significant associations were observed for ASB when stratified by physical activity. ConclusionsHigher SSB intake was associated with CVD risk regardless of physical activity levels. These results support current recommendations to limit the intake of SSBs even for physically active individuals.

RISKY BEHAVIORS WITH NONALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER (NAFLD) AND NONALCOHOLIC STEATOHEPATITIS (NASH) AMONG OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Background Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are emerging public health concerns among older adults, particularly those with risk behaviors. Objectives We evaluate the association between risk behavior and the prevalence of NAFLD and NASH in older adults. Methods A total of 1444 US individuals aged 60 years and older were included from the 2017- 2020 NHANES survey. Dietary, Sugar-sweetened beverages, smoking, physical activities, stiffness, controlled attenuation parameters, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured. We performed multivariable logistic regression models with interaction terms and stratified analysis to assess the interplay effect between soda intake and body mass index (BMI) on liver stiffness measurements. All statistical analyses were under survey modules with an appropriate sampling weight. Results The prevalence of NAFLD/NASH varied significantly by age, gender, race, alcohol use, BMI, total energy consumption, ALT, and (all p≤0.001). The results showed that several risk behaviors, including smoking, physical inactivity, and sweetened beverage consumption, were not significantly associated with developing and worsening NAFLD and NASH among elderly individuals. However, higher total energy consumption, obesity, and alcohol use were risk factors for NAFLD/NASH. Conclusion Our study findings highlight the importance of promoting some healthy lifestyle behaviors among elderly individuals to prevent the development and progression of NAFLD and NASH. Further research is needed to investigate optimal strategies for promoting healthy beh

Workplace Health Promotion Programs Targeting Smoking, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity in Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

The workplace has been highlighted as a potential setting to deliver health promotion programs to target modifiable health behaviors that contribute to chronic disease. This review evaluated the effectiveness of interventions implemented within the workplace that targeted either smoking, nutrition, alcohol, physical activity, and/or overweight and obesity in men. A review protocol was prospectively registered through PROSPERO (CRD42021293398). Five electronic bibliographic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials conducted in the workplace assessing chronic disease risk factors in men from January 2010 to August 2021. Eleven studies were included, reporting on overweight and obesity n = 8, physical activity n = 7, nutrition n = 4, alcohol n = 3, smoking n = 3, with eight studies assessing multiple outcomes. Results were mixed. Narrative synthesis highlighted studies reporting improvements to snacking frequency, sugar sweetened beverage consumption, and physical activity (METs and Vo2 max). Meta-analysis highlighted pooled mean decrease in body weight of -0.28 kg up to 3 months; -1.38 kg for >3 months, and pooled mean decrease in body mass index 0.06 kg/m2 up to 3 months; -0.27 kg/m2 for >3 months. Despite the encouraging direction of the relationship, results were not statistically significant (p > .05). Findings underscore the potential of workplace health promotion programs targeting certain chronic disease risk factors in men; however, future research should consider long-term study designs to assess the efficacy of workplace health programs as a solution to the growing burden of global disease.

Changes of sweet beverage and unhealthy food consumption among infant and young child aged 6-24 months old in China

To describe the change of sweet beverage and unhealthy food consumption among infant and young child aged 6-23 months in 2013, 2016-2017, China. Data was from the China Nutrition and Health Surveillance among Children and Lactating Women in 2013, 2016-2017.9983, 20 423 children aged 6-23 months old were involved respectively. The sweet beverage and unhealthy food consumption was analyzed with WHO and UNICEF 2021 updated infant and young child feeding indicators. Data analyses were conducted using the complex weight based on national census from National Bureau of Statistics in 2010. Rao-Scott Chi-square was used test for statistical difference. The proportions of sweet beverage consumption among children aged 6-23 months was 20.2%(95%CI 16.0%-24.4%) in 2013; it was 29.6% in large cities, and 14.0% in poor rural areas, but there was no significant difference in different areas. Compared with 2013, the proportions of sweet beverage consumption increased significantly in 2016-2017, reaching 51.7%(95%CI 48.9%-54.4%); it was 54.1% in medium and small cities, and 44.3% in large cities. The proportions of unhealthy food consumption among children aged 6-23 months was 31.2%(95%CI 23.2%-39.3%) in 2013; it was 46.3% in medium and small cities, and 16.3% in poor rural areas. Compared with 2013, the proportions of unhealthy food consumption was 35.6%(95%CI 33.6%-39.3%) in 2016-2017, and no significant difference was observed(Rao-Scott χ~2=0.96, P=0.33); It was 38.6% in medium and small cities, and reached 30% in large cities and poor rural areas. For those 2 indicators at the same survey, no consistent differences were observed between boys and girls and there was significant difference in various months of age(P&lt;0.01). In China, the proportion of sweet beverage consumption among children aged 6-23 months has increased significantly, and the intake of unhealthy food is relatively stable. Children aged over 12 months and in rural areas need to be concerned about.

The combined effect of pit and fissure sealant application and oral health education on oral health status of children aged 6–9 years: a 12-month follow-up study in Northeast China

BackgroundChildren aged 6–9 years are vulnerable to dental caries due to age-related limitations and a lack of adequate knowledge regarding oral health and hygiene practices. This study aimed to establish a cohort of children aged between 6 and 9 years and conducted a 12-month follow-up to examine the combined effect of pit and fissure sealant (PFS) application and oral health education on their oral health status.MethodsA cohort study with 12-month follow-up was conducted in Liaoning province, China. A multi-stage stratified cluster sampling approach was employed in the study. The enrolled 6- to 9-year-old children were all from the selected primary schools, who had resided in the designated area for at least 6 months. Children who were unable to cooperate with the examiner or without informed consent from their guardians were excluded. Experienced dental professionals examined the oral health status of primary school children aged 6–9 years. All children and their guardians were mandated to complete a questionnaire (qualitative data) at the beginning of the study. In the experiment group, children underwent PFS application and chairside oral health education. Clinical examinations and questionnaire surveys were repeated at the 12-month follow-up. The chi-square test and binary logistic regression were conducted to investigate the potential risk factors associated with dental caries prevalence (dependent variable). Independent variables were items from the questionnaire (such as living place, parents’ education level and children’ birth weight). The significant variables identified in the chi-square tests were subsequently included in the binary logistic regression analysis.ResultsA total of 4,085 children aged 6–9 years were included in the study, with 1805 participants assigned to the experiment group and 2280 to the control group. At baseline, the caries rates of the experimental and control group were 77.95% and 80.35%, respectively without any statistically significant differences. However, at the 12-month follow-up, the caries rate in the experimental group (83.65%) was significantly lower than that in the control group (86.62%) (P < 0.05). The results from the binary logistic regression analysis indicated that parents with a college degree and children in the experimental group exhibited lower caries rates. Conversely, higher caries rates were associated with the consumption of sweet beverages and foods more than once a day and a lack of knowledge regarding the causes of caries (P < 0.05).ConclusionsIn Liaoning, China, children aged 6 to 9 years exhibited a high prevalence of dental caries. Several factors, including the parent’s education level, the frequency of consuming sweet beverages and foods, and the children’s understanding of the cause of caries, significantly affected the caries prevalence rates. The implementation of PFS application and oral health education effectively reduce the caries rate among the surveyed children.

Associations of artificially sweetened beverages, sugar-sweetened beverages, and pure fruit/vegetable juice with visceral adipose tissue mass

ObjectiveTo test the associations of sugar-sweetened beverage, artificially sweetened beverage, and pure fruit/vegetable juice consumption with visceral adipose tissue (VAT) mass at baseline and follow-up and to determine whether BMI and genetic risk of VAT mass modified the associations. MethodsA total of 203,348 participants from UK Biobank with consumption data on three beverages were included. Participants were categorized into nonconsumers and consumers with >0–1, >1–2 and >2 L/week. A sex-specific prediction model was used to calculate VAT mass. A weighted genetic risk score for high VAT mass was calculated. ResultsThe participants with a sugar-sweetened beverage and artificially sweetened beverage consumption of >2 L/week had the greatest B values [B (95% CI): 24.02 (16.53, 31.51) and 60.81 (52.08, 69.54) in men, respectively; 10.20 (5.92, 14.48) and 24.72 (20.80, 28.64) in women]. Low and moderate intake of pure fruit/vegetable juices showed a significantly inverse association with VAT mass in men [-10.52 (−15.37, −5.67); −6.46 (−11.27, −1.65)] and women [-6.70 (−8.99, −4.41); −5.93 (−8.33, −3.54)]. Regarding changes in VAT mass, participants who consumed >2 L/week of sugar-sweetened beverages and artificially sweetened beverages had greater changes. BMI but not genetic risk modified the associations between beverage intake and VAT mass, which were strengthened in participants with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 for sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened beverage consumption. ConclusionsHigher consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages or artificially sweetened beverages was associated with greater VAT mass regardless of genetic risk. Mild-to-moderate intake of pure fruit/vegetable juices was linked to lower VAT mass.

Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Artificially Sweetened Beverages Consumption and the Risk of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver (NAFLD) and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH).

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are fast becoming the most common chronic liver disease and are often preventable with healthy dietary habits and weight management. Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption is associated with obesity and NAFLD. However, the impact of different types of SSBs, including artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs), is not clear after controlling for total sugar intake and total caloric intake. The aim of this study was to examine the association between the consumption of different SSBs and the risk of NAFLD and NASH in US adults. The representativeness of 3739 US adults aged ≥20 years old who had completed 24 h dietary recall interviews and measurements, including dietary, SSBs, smoking, physical activity, and liver stiffness measurements, were selected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017-2020 surveys. Chi-square tests, t-tests, and weighted logistic regression models were utilized for analyses. The prevalence of NASH was 20.5%, and that of NAFLD (defined without NASH) was 32.7% of US. adults. We observed a higher prevalence of NASH/NAFLD in men, Mexican-Americans, individuals with sugar intake from SSBs, light-moderate alcohol use, lower physical activity levels, higher energy intake, obesity, and medical comorbidities. Heavy sugar consumption through SSBs was significantly associated with NAFLD (aOR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.05-2.45). In addition, the intake of ASBs only (compared to the non-SSB category) was significantly associated with NAFLD (aOR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.04-3.05), after adjusting for demographic, risk behaviors, and body mass index. A higher sugar intake from SSBs and exclusive ASB intake are both associated with the risk of NAFLD.

Sweet-inhibiting effects of gurmarin on intake during repeated acute and long-term sugar exposure: A behavioural analysis using an animal model

Excessive consumption of added sugars is linked to chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, dyslipidaemia or cardiovascular disease; and public health is searching for new strategies to reduce it. Although plant-derived bioactive compounds with inhibitory properties of sweet taste like Gymnema sylvestre show the potential to reduce sugar intake acutely, their impact after repeated administration is unknown. Therefore, we examined the changes of single and repeated exposures of a Gymnema sylvestre constituent, gurmarin, in sweet beverage consumption and preference in a preclinical model. 24 Wistar rats (50 % females) were divided into experimental (gurmarin) and two control groups (gymnemic acids or phosphate buffer solutions) according to the substances orally applied. Then acceptance and preference tests with sugar were performed within (Experiment 1) and between sessions (Experiment 2). We found that administering gurmarin decreased sucrose intake significantly, even after multiple treatments, without rebound effects. These findings suggest that sweet taste suppressors could be an effective tool for reducing long-term sugar consumption when repeatedly administrated.

The relationship between dietary patterns derived from inflammation and cognitive impairment in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Dietary patterns were shown to be closely related to inflammation, which was independently associated with cognitive impairment (CI) in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). However, it remains unclear the influence of dietary patterns derived from inflammation on CI in this population. This study aimed to examine the association between dietary patterns derived from C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and CI in patients undergoing HD. Dietary intake was obtained from the simplified quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Reduced rank regression (RRR) was used to extract two dietary patterns, with IL-6 and CRP as response variables. Cognitive function was examined by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (Beijing version). Venous blood was drawn for measuring IL-6 and CRP levels. Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate the association between dietary patterns and CI. Dietary pattern derived from IL-6 was not significantly associated with CI. The third quartile of dietary pattern, which used CRP as the response variable, significantly contributed to the increased risk of CI (AOR 8.62, 95% CI 1.47-50.67) after controlling age, sex, education level, marital status, and residential pattern (p-for-trend = 0.028). After considering hypertension and diabetes, physical activity level, anxiety and depression, smoking and drinking status, social support, energy intake, and the dietary pattern derived from IL-6 (p-for-trend = 0.026), the relationship between the dietary pattern derived from CRP and CI remained significant (AOR 14.54, 95% CI 1.40-151.13). Dietary pattern associated with high CRP level, including high intake of rice, liquor, fruit, tea and coffee and low intake of dark vegetables and juice, contributed to the increased risk of CI. The association between the consumption of seafood, sweet beverages, and alcohol and CI is yet to be established. However, they may be dietary contributing factors to inflammation in patients undergoing HD.

Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on adolescents in treatment for obesity

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown on body mass index (BMI) z-score of adolescents treated for obesity, and to assess the correlation between BMI z-score changes and lifestyle variables. MethodsThis cross-sectional study recruited 66 participants aged 11–18 years with overweight or obesity who attended our obesity clinics before and after the lockdown. We assessed demographic and anthropometric characteristics as well as lifestyle variables. ResultsThe mean BMI z-score of the participants was stable during this period (p = 0.233). Balanced diet, snacking, and sweet beverage consumption improved in about half of the participants. Having at least one parent at home was associated with a significantly more balanced diet (p = 0.008) and an increase in family activities (p = 0.015). Physical activities decreased (51.5%) and screen time increased for most of the adolescents (86.4%). The BMI z-score decreased significantly when three or more lifestyle habits improved (p<0.001). ConclusionsThis study showed that BMI z-scores were stable for a majority of adolescents treated for obesity during the COVID19 lockdown, along with positive and negative changes on weight-related lifestyle habits. This extraordinary period may have created opportunities for lifestyle modification and has emphasized the importance of family support in the management of obesity in adolescents.

Intakes of Added Sugars, with a Focus on Beverages and the Associations with Micronutrient Adequacy in US Children, Adolescents, and Teens (NHANES 2003-2018).

Added sugars intake from sweetened beverages among children, adolescents, and teens is a public health concern. This study examined the relationships between added sugars intake from specific types of beverages with added sugars and from the rest of the diet (excluding beverages with added sugars) and micronutrient adequacy among US children, adolescents, and teens. Data from eight consecutive 2 y cycles of NHANES were combined (2003-04 through 2017-18), and regression analysis was conducted to test for trends in quantiles of added sugars intake from each beverage source (soft drinks, fruit drinks, sport and energy drinks, coffee and tea, and flavored milk) and the rest of the diet (excluding those beverages) and micronutrient adequacy among children (2-8 y) and adolescents and teens (9-18 y). Among those aged 2-8 y, higher added sugars from flavored milk were associated with lower percentages below the estimated average requirement (EAR) for calcium. Among those aged 9-18 y, higher added sugars from soft drinks or coffee and tea were associated with higher percentages below the EAR for magnesium and vitamins A and C. In contrast, higher added sugars from fruit drinks or flavored milk were associated with lower percentages below the EAR (higher percentages above the adequate intake (AI)) for vitamin C (fruit drinks) and calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin A, and potassium (flavored milk). Regarding the rest of the diet, higher added sugars were associated with lower percentages below the EAR (higher percentages above the AI) for most micronutrients examined. The results suggest that the relationship between added sugars intake and micronutrient adequacy depends on the added sugar sources and their nutrient composition. Continued monitoring of sweetened beverage consumption, including beverage type, and the association with added sugars intake, micronutrient adequacy, and diet quality is warranted, given the changes in consumption and product development over time.

Associations between food groups and liver cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

ContextDiet is emerging as a modifiable component of lifestyle for influencing the incidence of liver cancer.ObjectiveTo investigate and quantify the potential relationship between food groups and liver cancer.Data sourcesPubMed and Web of Science were searched for eligible observational studies until 31st March, 2023.Data extractionThe meta-analysis was conducted by pooling relative risk (RR), odds ratio (OR) or hazards ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Potential sources of heterogeneity were detected by subgroup analysis. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias test were also carried out.Data analysisThrough stepwise screening, a total of 27 studies were included. The pooled estimates of liver cancer for whole grains and legumes intake were 0.66 (95% CI: 0.54–0.82; I2 = 25.3%) and 0.86 (95% CI: 0.75–0.99; I2 = 14.3%), respectively. However, there were null associations of nuts, poultry, egg and sweetened beverages consumption with liver cancer and the association between refined grains and liver cancer was inconclusive. In dose-response meta-analysis, the pooled estimates of liver cancer were 0.77 (95% CI: 0.65–0.91) for every 50 g/day increment in whole grains intake. Non-linear dose-response relationship (P = 0.031) was observed in the association between the intake of legumes and liver cancer, and the protective effect occurred with the dose ranging from 8 g/day to 40 g/day.ConclusionsThis meta-analysis shows that whole grains and legumes were inversely associated with liver cancer, whereas intake of nuts, poultry, egg and sweetened beverages may not be associated with liver cancer. Further quantitative research needs to be undertaken within a range of populations to investigate the relationship between food groups and liver cancer.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO registration no. CRD42021246142

Complementary feeding practices and their determinants among children aged 6–23 months in rural Bangladesh: evidence from Bangladesh Integrated Household Survey (BIHS) 2018–2019 evaluated against WHO/UNICEF guideline -2021

BackgroundAppropriate Complementary feeding (CF) practices play a crucial role in determining child nutrition, growth, and development. This study seeks to examine CF practices and their predictors among children aged 6 to 23 months in rural Bangladesh according to the most recently updated WHO/UNICEF guidelines for CF.MethodsA total of 665 children aged 6 to 23 months from the Bangladesh Integrated Household Survey (BIHS) 2018–2019 dataset were analyzed. The WHO/UNICEF guidelines for CF were followed to evaluate each of the nine CF practice indicators. We also examined the effect of the child, maternal, household, and community-level factors on different CF components using multiple logistic regression analyses.ResultsApproximately two-thirds of the children initiated complementary feeding on time (63.5%) but had zero vegetable or fruit consumption (63.2%). More than half (52.4%) and the majority (86.5%) of children had minimum meal frequency and minimum milk feeding frequency, respectively. On the other hand, the proportion of minimum dietary diversity was quite low (18.3%), as reflected in the alarming prevalence (16.3%) of minimum acceptable diet. Egg and/or flesh food, sweet beverage, and unhealthy food consumption were 23.3%, 2.5%, and 12.2%, respectively. Child age, mothers’ education level, antenatal care visit, household food security, monthly household income, and place of residence were found to be associated with CF practices.ConclusionWhen compared to results obtained using the previous guideline, the new one has resulted in a lower prevalence of Introduction of solid, semi-solid, or soft foods (ISSF), Minimum dietary diversity (MDD), Minimum meal frequency (MMF), and Minimum acceptable diet (MAD). It is crucial to convey the new knowledge for better child feeding and nutrition as the country prepares to apply the new guideline.

Exploring factors associated with parent-reported early childhood caries with Alaska's childhood understanding behaviors survey data.

Early Childhood Caries (ECC) can negatively impact the lives of young children, despite being preventable. The purpose of this study was to utilize available data in Alaska to describe changes in parent reports of ECC, and identify factors related to ECC. The Childhood Understanding Behaviors Survey (CUBS) is a population-based survey of parents of 3-year-old children and was utilized to describe changes in: parent-reported ECC among children with a dental visit, access to and or utilization of dental care, and consumption of three or more cups of sweetened beverages between 2009-2011 and 2016-2019. Logistic regression modeling was used to explore factors associated with parent-reported ECC among children with a dental visit. Over time, a significantly smaller proportions of parents whose 3-year-old child had seen a dental professional reported ECC. Additionally, a smaller proportion of parents reported three or more cups of sweetened beverage consumption by their child, while larger proportions had seen a dental professional by age 3. Factors associated with parent-reported ECC included consumption of three or more cups of sweetened beverages, and enrollment in Medicaid or Tribal health care insurance, while protective factors included a parent earning a college degree, and military insurance. Although at the statewide level, improvements were observed in parent-reported measures over time, regional disparities were apparent. Social and economic factors as well as excessive consumption of sweetened beverages appear to play important roles in ECC. CUBS data can help identify trends in ECC within Alaska.