Childhood intake of sugar-sweetened drinks tied to adult adiposity

Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in early childhood tends to lead to a less healthy dietary pattern and greater adiposity during adulthood, reveals a study.

However, early drinking of apple juice appears to contribute to healthier dietary patterns and lower fat mass in adult females. Additionally, the choice of drink is associated with social deprivation.

This study consisted of the secondary analysis of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, which followed children from birth to age 24 years. Researchers measured adiposity using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and monitored diet through food frequency questionnaires and diaries.

Early exposure to sugar-sweetened drinks was defined as giving a sugar-sweetened beverage or 100-percent fruit juice to children <2 years old.

Early exposure to cola contributed to higher fat mass, android fat mass, and BMI at age 24 years, while early exposure to apple juice appeared to result in lower adult adiposity in females but not males.

Specifically, exposure to cola at age 3 years correlated with a higher intake of energy, carbohydrates, protein, fat, as well as with consumption of less fruits and more fried foods. Early exposure to apple juice, on the other hand, seemed to result in higher protein and lower fat intakes, as well as consumption of more fruits/vegetables and less fried foods.

Notably, parental education as well as adiposity and socioeconomic status influenced a child’s exposure to sugar-sweetened drinks or fruit juices.

“As the dietary causes of adult obesity begin in early childhood, increased attention should be given to diet in the first years of life,” the researchers said.