Time Trend of Sugar Sweetened Beverage Consumption Among Adolescents: Results from the 1993-1996 and 2010-2011 Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan

Background

Studies have shown that continuously high intakes of Sugar Sweetened Beverage (SSB) for years increased the chances of weight gain and diabetes in adults. However, the behaviors of consuming sweetened drinks and the associated outcomes have less been explored in adolescents.

Methods

Data for this study came from the 1993-1996 and 2010-2011 Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT). Participants were in junior or senior high schools. Food intakes were assessed by 24-hr recall. Demographic characteristics and medical history were ascertained too. Anthropometric measures were taken, and blood samples were drawn for clinical chemistry.

Results

There were 1914 and 2911 individuals from 1993-1996 and 2010-2011, respectively. The average consumption of SSB was 370.47 g/day in 1993-1996, where it was 408.11 g/day in 2010-2011. Major component of SSB included coffee and sweetened teas. Boys consumed more than girls. When dividing the intakes into none, low (0-350 g), medium (350-650 g) and high (³ 650 g), the average intakes in the low group decreased with time, whereas it increased in medium group. The high intake of SSB was associated with higher values of waist circumference, hip-waist ratio, and uric acid.

Discussion

Our results indicated that the SSB intakes behavior polarized, especially in boys. It implied that nutritional education may have impact in part of the young people or their families. On the other hand, effort is need to stop the increasing trend of SSB intakes.