“Of all beverage categories examined (regular soda, diet soda, milk, coffee/tea, fruit juice, and fruit drinks), regular soda consumption was related to the greatest increase in weight for height beyond that expected for growth, and the lowest increase in calcium intake, an essential nutrient for bone health.”

In the United States, children’s consumption of beverages has changed dramatically during the past several decades. During this time, the number of overweight children and adolescents has doubled while their intake of many key nutrients has fallen short of the requirements needed for growth. As such, children’s beverage consumption has become an important focus of recent research not only because of its association with increased calorie intake and weight gain (in the case of soda consumption), but also because of its potential to provide vital nutrients for growing children, such as calcium found in milk as well as other vitamins and minerals found in 100% fruit juices.

  Does it describe a new discovery, methodology, or synthesis of knowledge?

This study is one of the first to describe the changes that occur in beverage intake from childhood through adolescence in a large national sample of African-American and white girls. Importantly, our work not only enabled us to examine how beverage preference changes with age and varies by race, but also revealed the association between beverage consumption and important health indicators, such as body mass index (BMI) and nutrient intake.

  Could you summarize the significance of your paper in layman’s terms?

Our study examined changes in beverage consumption from childhood to late adolescence in a large group (n= 2,379) of African-American and white girls who participated in the ten-year National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Growth and Health Study (NGHS).

We found differences in beverage preferences based on race. African-American girls consumed more fruit drinks (defined as fruit-flavored beverages not containing fruit juice) than white girls, while compared with African-American girls, white girls drank more diet soda. However, for girls of both races, we observed that many drank less milk as they got older and their intake of regular soda increased by three-fold, as shown in the attached slides.

As expected, milk consumption was related to calcium intake and drinking regular soda, fruit juice, or fruit drinks were associated with increased daily intake of fructose.

Of all beverage categories examined (regular soda, diet soda, milk, coffee/tea, fruit juice, and fruit drinks), regular soda consumption was related to the greatest increase in weight for height beyond that expected for growth, and the lowest increase in calcium intake, an essential nutrient for bone health.

Since adolescence is a critical period for accumulating peak bone mass, a reduction in milk intake and an increase in regular soda consumption is a concern for adolescent girls who have increased calcium requirements.

  How did you become involved in this research, and were there any obstacles along the way?

This research was conducted as a follow-up to my original involvement in the NGHS study. The NGHS study was designed to measure the development of obesity and cardiovascular disease risk factors from childhood to adolescence.

Because diet may contribute to obesity and/or heart disease risk, understanding food and beverage consumption patterns will assist with the design of educational strategies aimed at prevention of chronic conditions/diseases.

I did not encounter any obstacles during our secondary data analysis and preparation of this report. Rather, it, along with a number of other scientific papers ranging from nutritional topics to mental health issues, represents the result of a productive and enjoyable collaboration with colleagues who had not been part of the initial NGHS team of researchers and who have added critical expertise in the area of adolescent health behavior. This work was supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

  Are there any social or political implications for your research?

Findings from our study have important public health policy and social implications. Unhealthful beverage consumption and its potential association with weight gain and displacement of milk has already been recognized at the national level. Recent federally mandated school wellness policies and programs have been established to ensure that healthful beverage choices are available to all students.

Governmental institutions, faith-based organizations, and community youth groups should commit resources for programs and policies that enable adolescents to gain access to and choose healthful beverages. Moreover, future research is essential to improve our understanding of how the media, marketing, and the social environment influence the beverage choices among adolescents.