Consumption of flavored and sports beverages (FSBs) by eighth- and eleventh-grade students is positively linked to the consumption of healthy foods, such as milk, fruits and vegetables [1], and to increased levels of physical activity, says a new study reported in the October 2010 print issue of the journal Pediatrics. By contrast, the study found that soda pop was linked to decreased consumption of healthy foods and lower levels of physical activity.
While both consumption of sodas and FSBs are associated with watching TV and snacking, researchers at the University of Texas found that FSB consumption occured along with some healthy behaviors not associated with soda consumption.
The study authors said the findings suggest that, in designing strategies to combat childhood obesity, public health advocates need to take into account the differences between sodas and FSBs instead of focusing on the fact that they are all sugar-sweetened.
They cautioned, however, that the study does not show the direction of the link (in other words, whether eating healthier foods causes increased consumption of FSBs or increased consumption of FSBs leads to increased consumption of healthier foods).
Source: Ranjit N, Evans M, Byrd-Williams C, Evans A, Hoelscher D. "Dietary and Activity Correlates of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption Among Adolescents," Pediatrics 126(4): e755-761.
Created September 27, 2010
Links:
[1] https://www.momsteam.com/node/3052
[2] https://www.momsteam.com/nutrition/fruits-vegetables-following-colors-rainbow-to-better-health
[3] https://www.momsteam.com/nutrition/sports-nutrition-basics/nutritional-needs-guidelines/more-fruits-vegetables-for-better-hea
[4] https://www.momsteam.com/nutrition/family-health-more-fruits-vegetables-regular-exercise
[5] https://www.momsteam.com/health-safety/level-physical-activity-parental-television-viewing-limits-influence-daily-screen-time-study-shows
[6] https://www.momsteam.com/reducing-screen-time-eight-simple-ways