Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages in the Diet of Schoolchildren in Córdoba City, 2016-2017

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) has been associated to increased risk of obesity and its comorbidities. The objective of this study was to analyze food consumption and energy contribution of SSB in schoolchildren aged 9-12 years attending primary schools of Córdoba city in 2016-2017, according to sex and nutritional status. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with 311 schoolchildren selected through a cluster sampling. A validated food questionnaire was applied, calculating food consumption in grams per day (g/day), SSB consumption in cubic centimeters per day (cc/day), energy intake in kilocalories per day (kcal/day) and proportion of total energy intake (TEI) covered by SSB. Differences according to sex and nutritional status were analyzed using t-test for proportions (α=0.05). RESULTS: A total of 97% of schoolchildren consumed SSB, the mean consumption being 539.16 cc. These beverages represents 9% of TEI. A greater proportion of schoolchildren with normal weight (29.14%) consumed less than 5% of the TEI through SSB respect to the ones with obesity (11.86%) (p=0.014), while the middle consumption category (5-10% of TEI) accumulated a higher proportion of schoolchildren with obesity (52.54% versus 36.42%) (p=0.048). CONCLUSIONS: SSB exceed the recommendation regarding simple sugar consumption (10% of TEI). It is necessary to carry out dietary-nutritional approaches aimed at reducing consumption in schoolchildren for the prevention of obesity and chronic diseases