Skip to main content

Soft drinks not linked to decreased calcium intake

Alexandria, Va.--A new study by researchers at the Center for Food and Nutrition Policy (CFNP) at Virginia Tech published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that calcium intake among U.S. adolescents although inadequate, has remained a constant since the 1970s and does not appear to be linked to soft drink consumption.

The study, conducted by Maureen Storey, PhD, Richard Forshee, PhD and Patricia Anderson, MPP, assessed diet and beverage choices of boys and girls in four age groups: two to three year olds, four to eight year olds, nine to 13 year olds, and 14 to 18 year olds. The data used in the study were from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Continuing Survey of Food Intake by Individuals from (CSFII) 1994-96 and 1998.

According to Maureen Storey, PhD, director of CFNP and lead author of the study, the data continue to show that soft drink consumption by teens is actually far less than is perceived.



The study found that adolescent girls (14 to 18 years of age) on average drink about one 12-ounce can of soda a day, and pre-adolescent girls (nine to 13 years of age) drink about three-fourths of a 12-ounce can each day. Consumption of diet carbonated soft drinks is low even among teen girls, who consume an average of only 59 grams, or less than two-tenths of a 12-ounce can, per day.

"Many people have the mistaken impression that adolescent girls are drinking inordinate amounts of soft drinks," Storey said. "However, it is wrong to suggest that girls are consuming gallons of soda pop when the amount they are drinking, about one can a day, is not excessive if they are physically active."

According to the study, Caucasian teenage boys (14 to 18 years old) come closest to meeting the recommended adequate intake (AI) for calcium for their age group, getting about 95 percent of AI.

However, this group is the most avid consumer of carbonated soft drinks, drinking nearly two 12-ounce cans a day. In general, younger boys and girls (two to three year olds and four to eight years olds) exceed their recommended AI for calcium, but African-American boys and girls in both age groups have significantly lower percent AIs for calcium than do Caucasian boys and girls.

The study also found that although milk and milk products have the strongest association with calcium intake, soft drink consumption was not linked to decreased calcium intake.

"This is most likely because milk and soft drinks are not close dietary substitutes. Rather, the data suggest that when trade-offs occur, it is more likely to be between carbonated soft drinks, fruit drinks and ades." Storey said.

Milk consumption among adolescent girls remains low, with this group falling far below recommended dietary levels of calcium consumption.

To increase calcium consumption among adolescent girls, the study suggests educational and promotional efforts to encourage milk consumption, use of calcium-fortified beverages and foods, and calcium supplements if consumption of dairy products or other calcium-rich foods remains inadequate.

This study was funded by an unrestricted grant from the National Soft Drink Association.

The Center for Food and Nutrition Policy (CFNP) is an independent research and education center affiliated with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) and is located in Alexandria, VA. The mission of CFNP is to advance rational, science-based food and nutrition policy. Through its research, outreach, and teaching programs, the center examines complex and often contentious issues facing government policymakers, regulators, agribusinesses, and food manufacturers. CFNP is recognized as a center of excellence in food and nutrition policy by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

You may contact:
Maureen L. Storey, PhD
Director and Research Associate Professor
Center for Food and Nutrition Policy
Virginia Tech
1101 King St., Suite 611
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-518-2705
email: mstorey@vt.edu

Contact: Charlie Stott
540-231-6676
Virginia Tech

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Is too much soy bad for men?

While soy may be beneficial to women in a variety of ways, research in monkeys suggests that it could have an adverse effect on the behavior of men, according to researchers from Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. Reporting in the current issue of the scientific journal Hormones and Behavior, the researchers found that in male monkeys, "long-term consumption of a diet rich in soy isoflavones can have marked influences on patterns of aggression and social behavior." Isoflavones are a naturally occurring plant estrogen in soy protein. "Although considerable attention has been directed at the potentially beneficial effects of isoflavones in reducing the risk of various cancers, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and postmenopausal symptoms, less effort has been invested in characterizing neurobehavioral effects," according to the study.

Myths stop women breastfeeding their babies

A survey published today by The UK Department of Health for National Breastfeeding Awareness Week (9 - 15 May) shows that serious misunderstandings may be stopping women, particularly young women, from breastfeeding. (1) Although the benefits of breastfeeding are well known (2), the UK has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in Europe. Almost a third of women (29%) in England and Wales (3) never try to breastfeed compared to 2% in Sweden.(4) Younger women in particular are less likely to breastfeed with over 40% of mothers under 24 never trying. (3) The new survey of 1000 women shows: Myth: Over a third (34%) of women believe that modern infant formula milks are very similar or the same as breast milk Fact: Infant formula milk does not contain the antibodies, living cells, enzymes or hormones present in breastmilk. Breastmilk is designed for each individual baby and changes over time whereas infant formula milk is designed for every baby. -- Myth: A fifth (20%) of young women ...

Highlights of June Journal of the American Dietetic Association

Too Fat, Too Thin: Weight-Control Behaviors among Girls and Boys The future health of our country's children may rest in the foods they choose and their physical activity patterns. Often children are not eating the recommended servings from the Food Guide Pyramid. Their intake of milk is declining, while soft drink intake and overall food portion sizes appear to be increasing. To examine links between healthful and unhealthful weigh-control behaviors, researchers from the University of Minnesota studied dietary intake patterns of 4,144 middle and high school students. Healthful weight-control behaviors were defined as increasing fruits and vegetables and decreasing foods high in fats and sugars in moderation. Unhealthful weight-control behaviors were defined as skipping meals, fasting, using food substitutes and smoking. Among other findings, the researchers discovered: Girls using unhealthful weight-control behaviors had poorer overall dietary intakes than girls reportin...