Beverage Choices among Children: What We Eat in America, NHANES 2015-2016

Authors: Moshfegh, Alanna; Garceau, Anne; PARKER, ELIZABETH - University Of Maryland School Of Medicine; Clemens, John

Submitted to: Worldwide Web Site: Food Surveys Research Group
Publication Type: Research Technical Update
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/8/2019
Publication Date: 5/16/2019
Citation: Moshfegh, A.J., Garceau, A.O., Parker, E.A., Clemens, J.C. 2019. Beverage Choices among Children: What We Eat in America, NHANES 2015-2016. Worldwide Web Site: Food Surveys Research Group. Available: https://www.ars.usda.gov/nea/bhnrc/fsrg/wweia/dbrief.

Interpretive Summary: Beverage consumption is an important contributor to energy and nutrients in the diets of children. Using nationally representative survey data from 2015-2016, this research presents results on beverage consumption among U.S. children, age 2 to 19 years, and describes the energy and nutrients that beverages contribute to overall intake. On any given day, children consumed just over 5 cups of beverages, of which more than half was water. After water, the most commonly consumed beverages were sweetened beverages and milk. Beverages provided 1 out of every 7 calories consumed and about 40% of added sugars and vitamins C and D, and 20% of carbohydrates, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. This research emphasizes the impact that beverage intake has on the overall diets of U.S. children. The data brief is available on the Food Surveys Research Group website www.ars.usda.gov/nea/bhnrc/fsrg.

Technical Abstract: Beverage consumption is an important contributor to energy and nutrients in the diets of children. This research presents results on beverage consumption among U.S. children. The study sample (n=2,901) included nationally representative data from individuals 2 to 19 years participating in What We Eat in America, NHANES 2015-2016. Dietary intake data were obtained from an in-person 24-hour recall, collected using the interviewer-administered 5-step USDA Automated Multiple-Pass Method. The most commonly consumed beverage was water, reported by 81% to 84% of children, depending on age range. After water, the most commonly consumed beverages were sweetened beverages (44% to 59%) and milk (34% to 65%). Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic children reported sweetened beverages more often, with Non-Hispanic Black children reporting almost twice as many fruit drinks as any other race/ethnicity. On any given day, children consumed just over 5 cups of beverages, of which more than half was water. Following water, sweetened beverages were consumed in the largest amount and increased with age; the youngest consumers drank 16 fluid ounces per day and the oldest drank 36 fluid ounces per day. Beverages provided 1 out of every 7 calories consumed and about 40% of added sugars and vitamins C and D, and 20% of carbohydrates, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. With increasing age, beverage intake provided a greater percentage of mean daily added sugar. In contrast, the youngest children consumed a greater proportion of their protein, vitamin D, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus intake through beverages, particularly from milk and 100% juice intake. This research emphasizes the impact that beverage intake has on the overall diets of U.S. children. The data brief is available on the Food Surveys Research Group website www.ars.usda.gov/nea/bhnrc/fsrg.