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ARS Home » Plains Area » Houston, Texas » Children's Nutrition Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #340254

Title: Beverage consumption among U.S. children aged 0–24 months: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)

Author
item GRIMES, CARLEY - Deakin University
item SZYMLEK-GAY, EWA - Deakin University
item NICKLAS, THERESA - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)

Submitted to: Nutrients
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/2/2017
Publication Date: 3/13/2017
Citation: Grimes, C.A., Szymlek-Gay, E.A., Nicklas, T.A. 2017. Beverage consumption among U.S. children aged 0–24 months: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Nutrients. doi:10.3390/nu9030264.

Interpretive Summary: Beverages are an important source of energy and micronutrients during the first two years of life. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends infants drink breastmilk, or if this is not possible, formula for the first year of life and the introduction of 100% fruit juice should be avoided prior to 6-9 months. The primary purpose of this paper was to describe beverage consumption among U.S. infants and toddlers by sex, age group, race/ethnicity, and poverty–income ratio. Data from the U.S. 2005–2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) of 2740 children (0-23.9 month) who completed 24-h dietary recall (reported by the adult guardian) was used. There were marked differences in beverage consumption patterns by age group. About three quarters of infants 0–5.9 months consumed infant formula, whereas less than half consumed breast milk. Among infants 6.0–11.9 months, infant formula remained the most commonly consumed beverage and a greater number of children reported consumption of 100% fruit juice and plain water. Among toddlers 12.0–23.9 months more children consumed 100% fruit juice and sweetened beverages. The majority of toddlers consumed milk (whole milk, reduced and low or non-fat varieties). Overall, intake of most beverages, was greatest in toddlers compared to younger age groups, with the exception of infant formula and breast milk where intake decreased with age. Strategies that seek to improve the quality of beverages consumed by U.S. infants and toddlers are needed. Additional longitudinal studies are needed to monitor beverage consumption patterns during early life.

Technical Abstract: Data on beverage consumption patterns in early life are limited. The aim of this study was to describe beverage consumption by sociodemographic characteristics, along with water intake and sources of water among U.S. children aged 0–24 months. Data from 2740 children in the 2005–2012 NHANES were analyzed. Food intake was determined via one 24-h dietary recall. Beverages were categorized according to What We Eat In America groups. Poverty–Income ratio was used to define household income. During infancy (0–5.9 months and 6–11.9 months) infant formulas were the most commonly consumed beverage, 74.1% and 78.6% of children consuming, respectively. Comparatively fewer children, 41.6% and 24.3%, consumed breast milk. In toddlers (12–24 months), the most commonly consumed beverages were plain milk (83.6% of children consuming), water (68.6%), 100% fruit juice (51.8%) and sweetened beverages (31.2%). Non-Hispanic black and Mexican-American children were more likely to consume sweetened beverages, 100% fruit juice and infant formula than Non-Hispanic white children. Children from lower income households were more likely to consume sweetened beverages and 100% fruit juice and less likely to consume breast milk than children from higher income households. Total water intake increased with age and the contribution of water from food and beverage sources was ~20% and ~80% for all children, respectively. Disparities in beverage consumption by race/ethnicity and income level are apparent in early life.