Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The 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. METHODS: Data 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. RESULTS: The 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 ∼24(th) 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. CONCLUSIONS: This 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 SOURCES: Unrestricted funds provided to SSC by Michigan State University.