Trends in sugar-sweetened beverage consumption among youth and adults in the United States: 1999-2010

Abstract

Background: Reducing sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption is a recommended strategy to promote optimal health.

Objective: The objective was to describe trends in SSB consumption among youth and adults in the United States.

Design: We analyzed energy intake from SSBs among 22,367 youth aged 2-19 y and 29,133 adults aged ≥20 y who participated in a 24-h dietary recall as part of NHANES, a nationally representative sample of the US population with a cross-sectional design, between 1999 and 2010. SSBs included soda, fruit drinks, sports and energy drinks, sweetened coffee and tea, and other sweetened beverages. Patterns of SSB consumption, including location of consumption and meal occasion associated with consumption, were also examined.

Results: In 2009-2010, youth consumed a mean (±SE) of 155 ± 7 kcal/d from SSBs, and adults consumed an age-adjusted mean (±SE) of 151 ± 5 kcal/d from SSBs--a decrease from 1999 to 2000 of 68 kcal/d and 45 kcal/d, respectively (P-trend < 0.001 for each). In 2009-2010, SSBs contributed 8.0% ± 0.4% and 6.9% ± 0.2% of daily energy intake among youth and adults, respectively, which reflected a decrease compared with 1999-2000 (P-trend < 0.001 for both). Decreases in SSB consumption, both in the home and away from home and also with both meals and snacks, occurred over the 12-y study duration (P-trend < 0.01 for each).

Conclusion: A decrease in SSB consumption among youth and adults in the United States was observed between 1999 and 2010.

FIGURE 1.

Trends over time in energy intake from SSBs and type of SSB consumed in youth aged 2–19 y (A) and in adults aged ≥20 y (B). Data are from NHANES; n = 22,367 youth aged 2–19 y and 29,133 adults aged ≥20 y. SSBs include soda, fruit drinks (including fruit juices and nectars with added sugars), sports and energy drinks, sweetened coffees and teas, and other sugar-sweetened beverages (including horchata and sugar cane beverages). Other SSBs are not shown because of their low overall consumption. P-linear trend < 0.001 (1999–2000 to 2009–2010) by t statistic for total, soda, fruit drink, and sports or energy drink and <0.05 for coffee/tea among youth aged 2–19 y, and P < 0.001 for all types of SSBs in adults aged ≥20 y. Estimates for adults were age-adjusted by the direct method to the year 2000 Census population using 20–39, 40–59, ≥60 y. SSB, sugar-sweetened beverage.

FIGURE 2.

Trends over time in frequency of SSBs consumed on a given day [ie, the 24-h period (midnight to midnight) before the NHANES dietary interview] in youth aged 2–19 y (A) and in adults aged ≥20 y (B). Data are from NHANES; n = 22,367 youth aged 2–19 y and 29,133 adults aged ≥20 y. SSBs include soda, fruit drinks (including fruit juices and nectars with added sugars), sports and energy drinks, sweetened coffees and teas, and other sugar-sweetened beverages (including horchata and sugar cane beverages). P-linear trend < 0.001 (1999–2000 to 2009–2010) by t statistic for 0 SSBs and ≥2 SSBs and P < 0.05 for 1 SSB in youth aged 2–19 y, and P < 0.01 for 0 SSBs and ≥2 SSB and P. > 0.05 for 1 SSB in adults aged s≥20 y. Estimates for adults were age -adjusted by the direct method to the year 2000 Census population using 20–39, 40–59, ≥60 y. SSB, sugar-sweetened beverage.