The Association between Early Childhood and Later Childhood Sugar-Containing Beverage Intake: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ziesmann Andrea , Kiflen Ruhi , De Rubeis Vanessa , Smith Brendan T. , L. Maguire Jonathon , Birken Catherine S. , Anderson Laura N. , Cohn Ronald D. , Lau Eddy , Laupacis Andreas , C. Parkin Patricia , Salter Michael , Szatmari Peter , Weir Shannon , Borkhoff Cornelia M. , Keown-Stoneman Charles D.G. , Kowal Christine , Mason Dalah , Abdurrahman Murtala , Arbess Gordon , Barozzino Tony , Bergeron Sylvie , Bloch Gary , Bowry Ashna , Calpin Caroline , Cheema Sohaila , Chisamore Brian , Constantin Evelyn , Danayan Karoon , Das Paul , Derocher Mary Beth , Egger Anne E. , Knowles Holly , Kwok Bruce , Lam-Antoniades Margarita , Male Roy , Mascoll Vashti , Mok Elise , Moodie Rosemary , Naymark Sharon , Owen James , Qi Vikky , Ramji Nasreen , Ramji Noor , Raza Danyaal , Ruderman Caroline , Schiralli Vanna , Sgro Michael , Smiltnieks Barbara , Treherne Stephen , Uddin Fatima , van den Heuvel Meta , Vaughan Joanne , Weisdorf Thea , Wijayasinghe Sheila , Wong Peter , Yaremko John , Ying Ethel , Young Elizabeth , Zajdman Michael , Bazeghi Farnaz , Bouchard Vincent , Bustos Marivic , Camacho Charmaine , Dalwadi Dharma , Koroshegyi Christine , Malhi Tarandeep , Thadani Sharon , Thompson Julia , Thompson Laurie , Aglipay Mary , Bayoumi Imaan , Carsley Sarah , Cost Katherine , Eny Karen , Kim Theresa , M. Kinlin Laura , Omand Jessica , Vanderhout Shelley , Vanderloo Leigh , Allen Christopher , Boodhoo Bryan , Chan Olivia , Dai David W. H. , Hall Judith , Jüni Peter , Lebovic Gerald , Pope Karen , Thorpe Kevin , Kandel Rita , Rodrigues Michelle , Vandenberghe Hilde 
Published: September 2023

<p>Sugar-containing beverages (SCBs) are a major source of sugar intake in children. Early life intake of SCBs may be a strong predictor of SCB intake later in life. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate if SCB intake (defined as 100% fruit juice, soda, and sweetened drinks) in early childhood (≤2.5 years of age) was associated with SCB intake in later childhood (5-9 years of age). A prospective cohort study was conducted using data from the TARGet Kids! primary care practice network (<em>n</em> = 999). Typical daily SCB intake was measured by parent-completed questionnaires. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using logistic regression. A total of 43% of children consumed ≥0.5 cups/day of SCBs at ≤2.5 years and this increased to 64% by 5-9 years. Daily SCB intake, compared to no daily intake, at ≤2.5 years was significantly associated with SCB intake at 5-9 years (adjusted OR: 4.03; 95% CI: 2.92-5.55) and this association was much stronger for soda/sweetened drinks (adjusted OR: 12.83; 95% CI: 4.98, 33.0) than 100% fruit juice (OR: 3.61; 95% CI: 2.63-4.95). Other early life risk factors for SCB intake at 5-9 years were presence of older siblings, low household income, and shorter breastfeeding duration. Daily intake of SCBs in early childhood was strongly associated with greater SCB intake in later childhood. Early life may be an important period to target for population prevention strategies. </p>