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Sugar-containing beverage intake in toddlers and body composition up to age 6 years: the Generation R study

E T M Leermakers1, J F Felix2, N S Erler3

  • 11] Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands [2] The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|February 5, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Early intake of sugar-containing beverages (SCBs) is linked to higher body mass index (BMI) in girls up to age six. These findings suggest limiting SCB consumption in early life is crucial for healthy childhood development.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Childhood Obesity Research
  • Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

  • Sugar-containing beverage (SCB) intake is linked to higher childhood body mass index (BMI).
  • The impact of SCB consumption during infancy on BMI development remains unclear.
  • This study investigates early SCB intake and its long-term effects on children's growth and body composition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between sugar-containing beverage (SCB) intake at 13 months of age and body mass index (BMI) development until 6 years.
  • To assess the relationship between early SCB intake and body composition at age 6 years.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective cohort study of 2371 Dutch children.
  • SCB intake assessed at 13 months using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire.
  • BMI and body composition (Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) measured up to age 6 years.

Main Results:

  • Higher SCB intake at 13 months was associated with significantly higher BMI in girls at ages 2, 3, 4, and 6 years.
  • A trend towards a higher android/gynoid fat ratio was observed in girls with high SCB intake, but not overall body fat percentage.
  • No significant association was found between early SCB intake and BMI or body composition in boys; however, boys with high intake were taller at age 6.

Conclusions:

  • Increased sugar-containing beverage (SCB) intake in infancy is associated with higher BMI in girls through age 6.
  • These findings highlight that the detrimental effects of SCB consumption begin early in life.
  • Dietary recommendations to limit SCB intake should be provided early in childhood to promote healthy development.
Abstract

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