Objective To determine whether carbonated soft drink consumption is associa
ted with consumption of milk, fruit juice, and the nutrients concentrated i
n these beverages.
Design Data collected as part of the 1994 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes
by Individuals were analyzed. Information on food and nutrient intake was
derived from 2 days of dietary recall data collected via an in-person inter
view.
Subjects and participants Nationally representative sample of people of all
ages residing in the United States (response rate=76.2%). Analyses were re
stricted to children aged 2 to 18 years (N=1,810).
Statistical analyses performed Logistic regression analyses were conducted
to predict the odds of low milk and juice consumption by soft drink consump
tion level. To determine whether intake of select nutrients varied by soft
drink consumption, multiple linear regression modeling was conducted. Analy
ses were conducted using sample weights and software appropriate for the su
rvey design.
Results Energy intake was positively associated with consumption of nondiet
soft drinks. For example, mean adjusted energy intake was 1,830 kcal/day f
or school-aged children who were nonconsumers of soft drinks compared with
2,018 kcal/day for children in this age group who consumed an average of 9
oz of soda or more per day. Those in the highest soft drink consumption cat
egory consumed less milk and fruit juice compared with those in the lowest
consumption category (nonconsumers).
Conclusions Nutrition education messages targeted to children and/or their
parents should encourage limited consumption of soft drinks. Policies that
limit children's access to soft drinks at day care centers and schools shou
ld be promoted.