engleski

Intake of sugar-sweetened beverages among adolescents in Croatia

Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) are very popular among adolescent population around the world, however they have very poor nutritional value. Increasing consumption of SSB promotes weight gain in children and adults as well as increasing risk of overweight, obesity, diabetes type 2 and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this research was to evaluate SSB intake among Croatian adolescent population and investigate associations between types and amounts of beverages consumed, and weight status in adolescents. Beverage Intake Questionnaire (BEVQ) was administrated to healthy adolescent (n = 161) aged 17.8 ± 0.4 years, recruited from two high schools. SSB included all soft drinks, fruit drinks, sport drinks, low-calorie drinks, and other beverages (sweetened ice tea). For all participants hight and weight were measured without shoes and with light clothing. Almost all participants, 96 % (n =155), reported that they drink SSB daily. Those who drink SSB usually consume on average 514 ± 437 mL per day. Average daily energy intake from total SSB was 167 kcal with soft drinks being the largest energy source among SSB. Heavy consumption (>500 kcal/day from SSBs) was observed only among 3 % of adolescents. Overweight adolescents (8 %) had statistically higher intake of SSB than others (273 kcal vs 158 kcal, p<0.05). Prevalence of SSB consumption among adolescent population is high. Nutrient and energy needs are higher during adolescence than any other time in the lifecycle. Therefore, optimal nutrition in this life period is important to prevent adult diet-related chronic diseases. To achieve adequate nutrient intake adolescents should be encouraged to replace SSB with non-caloric beverages such as water.

adolescent; sugar sweetened beverage

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