credits: Fred Ford
Use of Sippy Cup
Water please!
Two recent studies found that drinking sweet beverages does not cause overweight or obese children. One study suggests that if the beverage is 100 percent juice, it may actually improve a child’s nutrient intake.
The first study, funded in part by the Juice Products Association and published in the June 2008 issue of Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, examined 3618 children between the ages of 2 and 11 years. The children were assigned to one of four groups based on juice intake—0 ounces, >0 to 6 ounces, >6 to <12 ounces, and 12 ounces or more. Average daily juice intake was 4 ounces—less than the amount recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics of four to six ounces a day for children one to six years and eight to 12 ounces a day for children seven to 18 years. Compared with non-drinkers, children who drank more than six ounces of 100 percent juice had significantly higher intakes of carbohydrates, vitamins C and B6, potassium, magnesium, iron, and folate. The researchers found no difference in the likelihood of being overweight between drinkers and non-drinkers. Total energy intake was significantly higher in children who drank more than 12 ounces of 100 percent juice compared to those who drank none. Due to the study design, the authors could not determine causality or whether increased juice intake was associated with weight gain over time. Stay tuned.
Sugar-sweetened beverages (including soft drinks, fruit juices, and ades) and body mass index (BMI) was the subject of a second study, funded in part by the American Beverage Association and published in the June issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Lead author, Richard A. Forshee, PhD from the Center for Food, Nutrition, and Agriculture Policy, University of Maryland and colleagues conducted a meta-analysis of ten studies (8 longitudinal and 2 randomized controlled trials). The researchers found that children who consume sweet drinks do not have an increased risk for obesity, and the association between sweet drink intake and BMI is nearly zero. However, they cautioned that sugar-sweetened beverages are a source of energy (calories) and excess energy consumption will lead to weight gain. Dietary advice and education for children and adolescents should clearly communicate that sugar-sweetened beverages be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Something to keep in mind before your children belly up to the juice bar or “Have a Coke and a Smile.”
Should we be concerned that both of these studies were funded by industry groups that would potentially benefit from such findings?
Yes, we should be concerned by the fact that both of these studies were funded by industry groups that potentially benefit from such findings. If you haven’t read the book by Jerome Kassirer entitled, “On the Take, How Medicine’s Complicity with Big Business Can Endanger Your Health” you’ll find his assertions compelling. A former editor of The New England Journal of Medicine, Kassirer offers “an unsettling look at the pervasive payoffs that physicians take from big drug companies and other medical suppliers.” But it’s important to remember that there are two sides to the issue. Financial relationships (albeit concerning) are driven in large part by a rapidly changing health care system, characterized by a steady decrease in government research funding. In the absence of public funds, universities have no choice but to seek funding from the private sector. Sadly, it is unlikely the situation will improve anytime soon, given the current Federal budget deficits.
We have to keep in mind that this can, in large part, have to do with the parents themselves. Those of us who are inclined to skip the artificial stuff and serve up the 100 percent juices are probably also more likely to be aware of other nutritional needs, and also encourage more physical activity, I think.
That being said, I have not given more than 4 oz a day to my 12 month old, and she doesn’t get it every day. I’ve heard for so long that I need to limit juice intake that it is hard to just jump ship and do the opposite.
It’s important for all readers to remember that this is only one study, and that other studies have reported an association between juice intake and risk for overweight and obesity. Parents need to do consider all of the evidence, then, along with their child’s health care provider, make decisions that are best for their child.
Pauline’s assertion that parents, who are inclined to skip the artificial stuff, are probably more likely to encourage other healthy choices is absolutely true. Indeed, it’s these types of variables that are often cited as limitations in studies.
Like many things, the take home message is MODERATION.
There is a good article about “Overweight and Obesity” on our website. I can recommend its reading: http://www.healthocrates.com/Overweight-and-Obesity