• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.51 no.5
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• pp.465-479
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• 2018

Purpose: This study examined the frequency of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in Korean adolescents and the major factors influencing the excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, such as sociodemographic characteristics, health-related behaviors, psychological characteristics, and dietary habits. Methods: The analysis was performed using the data from the 2017 Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey. The subjects included in the analysis were 30,885 middle school students and 31,391 high school students, totaling 62,276. The frequency of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption was calculated by summing the consumption frequencies of soda, high caffeine or energy drinks, and sweet beverages over the last 7 days. The Rao-Scott chi-square test, reflecting information on the sampling design, was used to test the differences in the rate of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption according to each factor. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the factors influencing the excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. Results: The rate of sweetened beverage consumption was higher in boys than in girls, in high school students than in middle school students, in students whose father's education level was lower, in those whose subjective academic performance was lower, and in those who smoked or consumed alcohol. In addition, the rate of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption was higher in those who experienced severe stress, suicidal ideation, sadness, or a sense of despair. The rate of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption was also high in those who skipped breakfast; who frequently consumed fast foods, ramen, or snacks; and who frequently ate meals at convenience stores, supermarkets, or school stores. Conclusion: The rate of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption in Korean adolescents is related to various factors, such as sociodemographic characteristics, health-related behaviors, psychological characteristics, and dietary habits.

• Child Health Nursing Research
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.77-86
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• 2024

Purpose: This study examined the combined effects of sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption, screen-based sedentary behaviors, and sleep duration on adolescent obesity. Methods: It followed a cross-sectional study design and conducted secondary analysis on data from 20,497 high school students who participated in the 17th (2021) Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey. This study underwent logistic regression analysis in complex sampling analysis. Results: The combinations of low and medium consumption of SSBs, excessive screen-based sedentary behaviors, and short sleep durations were associated with a 1.18 and 1.12 fold increased likelihood of obesity (95% confidence interval [CI]=1.03-1.35) and (95% CI=1.02-1.22), respectively. The combination of high SSB consumption, appropriate screen-based sedentary behaviors, and short sleep duration (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=1.15, 95% CI=1.01-1.31) and high SSB consumption, excessive screen-based sedentary behaviors, and short sleep duration (aOR=1.40, 95% CI=1.16-1.69) were associated with obesity. Conclusion: Integrated and tailored programs considering combination patterns of SSB consumption, screen-based sedentary behaviors, and short sleep duration need to be developed for preventing adolescent obesity.

• Archives of Obesity and Metabolism
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.45-53
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• 2023

Despite the emergence of obesity as a significant public health concern, artificial sweeteners have made their way into various food products due to the perception, that they serve as substitutes for sugar. Artificial sweeteners are used to supposedly achieve weight management and health improvement. However, their efficacy and safety remain debatable. Commonly used artificial sweeteners include aspartame, acesulfame potassium, saccharin, and sucralose. This article discusses the effects of artificial sweetener consumption on weight loss, appetite regulation, blood glucose control, and gut microbiota. Research findings, concerning the consumption of artificial sweeteners and their association with body weight, have shown inconsistencies between randomized controlled trials and cohort studies. Studies, comparing artificial sweeteners to sugar, have reported no significant differences in satiety. Although artificial sweeteners have no calories, they can affect blood sugar levels through the cephalic phase insulin response. A recent study suggested that artificial sweeteners influenced the occurrence of diabetes. Due to limitations in the study design, excluding diabetes-influencing factors was not feasible. The evidence showed that artificial sweeteners harbored potential health risks, necessitating further investigation. According to recent studies, the consumption of artificial sweeteners was associated with gut microbiota changes and individual blood sugar responses. It is important to note that artificial sweeteners cannot be considered safe alternatives to sugar, and further research is required.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.35-46
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• 2016

Objectives: The purposes of this study are to refer existing and past domestic and foreign policies and to establish a comprehensive plan to reduce sugar consumption and utilize it as fundamental data to establish and implement relevant policies. Methods: Korean government analyzed domestic and foreign policies and average sugar intake to develop draft of sugar intake reduction plan. Based on the plan, objectives, sections and agendas of the plan were set after taking into account of their feasibility. Results: The policy has three directions: to help sugar intake reduction in all population groups, to create an environment which helps people to make informed decision on lower sugar choices and to lay scientific and statistical foundation for sugar intake reduction plan. The goal is to restrict average sugar intake from processed food to less than 10% of total energy intake per day. Three core strategies are to help reduce intakes of sugar in all population groups, to create an environment which helps people to make informed decision on lower sugar choices and to lay a foundation for sugar intake reduction plan. Each strategies has 2~4 projects. Conclusions: This study is expected to serve as a catalyst for carrying out the first phase of sugar intake reduction plan to help reduce sugar consumption.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.132-148
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• 2024

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the current mean daily intake of 10 food groups, analyze the sociodemographic factors associated with food consumption, and determine the associations between food consumption/dietary intake and the prevalence rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and hypertension (HTN) in Jakarta, Indonesia. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 600 participants aged 20-85 yrs were included in this cross-sectional study. Food consumption and dietary habits were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. To determine the association between food consumption/dietary habits and the abovementioned diseases, logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: The average vegetable and fruit intake was lower, while sugar and salt consumption were higher than that recommended by Indonesia's national dietary guidelines. A high intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) was associated with young age, men, "single" status, a high education level, and employment with a high monthly income. Obesity and T2D were positively correlated with high intakes of cereals and tubers, UPFs, sugars, fats, and oils. Conversely, an inverse association was found between legume, vegetable, and fruit consumption and obesity risk. An inverse correlation was also observed between vegetable consumption and T2D risk. Moreover, a high salt intake was inversely correlated with fruit consumption in terms of HTN risk. Non-indulgence in habitual late-night snacking and refrainment from consuming more than one dish at each meal were also negatively related to the prevalence of obesity, T2D, and HTN. Inverse correlations were also observed between the prevalence rates of T2D and HTN and abstaining from adding sugar to beverages. CONCLUSION: Foods high in fat, sugar, and sodium were strongly associated with the risks of obesity, T2D, and HTN. Additionally, poor eating habits were also associated with disease development.

• Food Science and Industry
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.12-23
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• 2017

Gustation, initiated by the detection of taste molecules by specific receptors expressed in taste cells, plays an essential role in food selection and consequently in overall nutrition for humans. In the past decade, a remarkable amount of knowledge of taste perception in the neurology, molecular biology, and genetics has emerged, particularly in basic tastes- sweet, bitter, sour, salt and umami. Among them, sweet, bitter and umami are recognized via the specific G-protein coupled receptors. Salt and sour are primarily mediated by apically located ion channel-type receptors. Because excessive salt or sugar consumption leads to high rates of diet-associated diseases and it comes from eating prepared or processed foods, an understanding of the underlying mechanisms in salt and sweet perception is crucial in food industry. This review will focus on recent progress of the perception of salt and sweet taste to provide basic knowledge for reducing salt and sugar consumption.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.222-233
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• 2024

Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the status of total sugar intake and contributing foods in Korea according to age groups. Methods: This study used 24-hour dietary recall data from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019-2021) to investigate the nutritional and total sugar intake status among Koreans. A total of 18,338 research participants (≥3 years old) were included in this study. To analyze the types of foods contributing to total sugar intake, these foods were categorized into 15 types. Moreover, we examined the total sugar intake and ranked the most consumed foods by age groups (3-11 years, 12-18 years, 19-34 years, 35-49 years, 50-64 years, over 65 years). A survey procedure was employed for statistical analysis. Results: The energy intake ratio from total sugars was approximately 12%-15%, which was within the recommended range. However, the proportion of individuals consuming total sugar exceeding 20% of their total caloric intake is nearly 20%, raising concerns about excessive sugar consumption. Furthermore, the percentage of participants whose intake of sugar from processed foods exceeded 10% of their total calories was highest in the 12-18 age group at 37.1%, followed by the 3-11 age group at 35.2%, and the 19-34 age group at 34.0%. Carbonated drinks, cola, and cider were the primary foods consumed by children and adolescents (3-18 years old) and young adults (19-34 years old). For middle-aged and older adults, mixed coffee with sugar and cream was a prominent contributor to sugar intake. Conclusions: This study investigated sugar consumption patterns among Koreans, finding the principal foods contributing to this intake. Identifying these contributors is pivotal, given their potential impact on public health.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.81-93
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• 2015

Purpose: The aim of this study was to estimate total sugar intake and sugar intake-related dietary habit and nutrient intake of elementary school students. Methods: Subjects included 701 elementary school students (351 boys and 350 girls) residing in Jeju. The research analyzed a sample and was carried out using the 24 hour recall method and one day consumption of total sugar. Results: The average daily total sugar intake was 55.3 g (male 53.1 g, female 57.6 g). Total sugar intake per meal was 6.3 g (11.4%) from breakfast, 6.9 g (12.5%) from lunch, and 7.2 g (13.0%) from dinner, 34.9 g (63.1%). Major food groups of total sugar were milks (17.04 g), grains and their products (12.79 g), fruits and their products (9.40 g), and sugars and sweets (7.30 g). In analysis of the amount of total sugar consumption from several recipes, much was taken in from dessert and snacks such as dairy products (15.08 g), bread and snacks (6.4 g), beverages (5.5 g), fruits (5.1 g), and ice cakes (4.8 g). Total sugar consumption was high for rices and side dishes such as noodles (5.1 g), stir-fried foods (2.3 g), fried foods (1.4 g), cooked rice with seasoning (1.4 g), and hard-boiled foods (1.1 g). In comparison of total sugar consumption for sugar sources, daily intake of natural sugar, added sugar, and natural and added sugar were 25.8 g, 23.3 g, and 6.2 g, respectively. High sugar intake group, which was over 20% of the energy from total sugar intakes, consumed significantly less Fe, Zn, and niacin than the low sugar intake group, which was below 20%. Conclusion: Total sugar intake of fifth graders of elementary schools on Jeju Island was 55.4 g/day, and it was usually intake from snacks. Therefore, elementary school students need nutritional education for proper selection of better snacks and for reduction of dietary sugar intake.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.194-204
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• 2022

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are regarded as modifiable risk factors for mental health in several populations. Although the consumption of SSBs is steadily increasing in Korea, there is scant evidence regarding the impact of SSB consumption on depression and suicidal ideation. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of SSB consumption with depression and suicidal ideation among adults in Korea. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We used the data for 5,465 participants (2,170 men and 3,295 women) aged ≥ 20 years from the 2014 and 2016 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The subjects were divided into four groups according to SSB consumption using a food frequency questionnaire. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the association of SSB consumption with depression and suicidal ideation, adjusting for sociodemographic, health behavior, and dietary variables. RESULTS: Participants consuming ≥ 1 SSB/day had a significantly higher risk of depression (odds ratio [OR], 1.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-2.18; P < 0.001) and suicidal ideation (OR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.13-4.28; P < 0.001) compared with those in the non-SSB group after adjusting for potential confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that SSB consumption is positively associated with depression and suicidal ideation in Korean adults.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.325-335
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• 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the consumption behaviors of sugar-sweetened beverages and blood lipid profiles according to food-related lifestyles of adults in Incheon. Methods: Subjects were recruited from 19 to 64 year old adults residing in Incheon who visited for the purpose of a health examination at D hospital. A total of 110 subjects consented to participate in this study and to allow their health examination records to be used at D hospital. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires and anthropometric data, and blood lipid profiles were collected from health examination records. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 20.0 program. Results: In the factor analysis, food-related lifestyles were categorized into four factors: planned purchase seeking, taste seeking, well-being seeking, and convenience seeking. Using the K-average clustering method, food-related lifestyles of subjects were categorized into two groups: health and rationality-oriented group (HRG) and convenience purchase-oriented group (CPG). Average total scores of sugar-related nutrition knowledge in the HRG were significantly higher compared to the CPG, and average scores of consumption habits regarding sugar-containing foods in the HRG were significantly lower compared to the HRG. When subjects chose sugar-sweetened beverages, the CPG showed a significantly higher frequency of checking food labeling and considering nutrition compared to the CPG. Drinking frequency of carbonated beverages in the CPG was significantly higher compared to the HRG. Conclusion: There were significant differences in sugar-related nutrition knowledge and consumption habits of sugar-sweetened beverages between the two food-related lifestyle groups. These results could be useful for establishing guidelines for reducing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. In addition, it is necessary to continue sugar-related nutrition education by considering the food-related lifestyles of adults.