Beverage choices affect adequacy of children's nutrient intakes.

OBJECTIVE To assess the relationship between beverage choices and the adequacy of nutrient intakes among children and adolescents. DESIGN Beverages reported in 24-hour recall records were classified as milk, 100% juice, fruit-flavored drinks, or carbonated sodas. Recommended intakes were based on Recommended Dietary Allowances or Dietary Reference Intakes. PARTICIPANTS Four thousand seventy children aged 2 to 5, 6 to 11, and 12 to 17 years participating in the 1994-96 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS The likelihood of achieving recommended intakes of selected nutrients on the day of recall was assessed with multiple logistic regression including ounces of milk, juice, fruit-flavored drinks, and carbonated sodas in the model while controlling for sex, age in years, race/ethnic group, household income, and total energy intake. RESULTS Milk consumption was positively (P<.0001) associated with the likelihood of achieving recommended vitamin A, folate, vitamin B(12), calcium, and magnesium intakes in all age strata. Juice consumption was positively (P< or =. 001) associated with achieving recommended vitamin C and folate intakes in all age strata and magnesium intakes among children aged 6 years and older. Carbonated soda consumption was negatively (P< or =. 01) associated with achieving vitamin A intake in all age strata, calcium in children younger than 12 years, and magnesium in children aged 6 years and older. CONCLUSION Beverage choice can have a significant effect on the nutrient adequacy of the diets of children and adolescents.