• Journal of Korean Public Health Nursing
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.309-322
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• 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with sugar-sweetened beverage consumption of Korean preschool children. Methods: Subjects for the study were recruited using the convenience sampling method. A total of 162 mothers with preschool children aged 3 to 5 years participated in the study using a self-reported questionnaire and provided data regarding the frequency and quantum of the children's sugar-sweetened beverage consumption days in a week and the factors associated with such consumption. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted to analyze the factors associated with the sugar-sweetened beverage consumption of preschool children. Results: Among the children-specific factors, age (β=.13, p=.015) was positively associated, while fruits/vegetable consumption (β=-.22, p<.001) was negatively associated with sugar-sweetened beverage consumption of the preschool children. Among the mother-specific factors, fruits/vegetable consumption of mothers was negatively associated (β=-.16, p=.006), while the sugar-sweetened beverage consumption of the mothers was positively associated with the sugar-sweetened beverage consumption of the preschool children (β=.27, p<.001). In addition, the maternal restrictive feeding style was negatively associated with sugar-sweetened beverage consumption of preschool children (β=-.23, p<.001). Conclusion: Based on these results, interventions targeted at children, parents, and the family environment should be developed to reduce the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in early childhood.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.134-140
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• 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Excessive sugar consumption may increase the risk for development of several diseases. Although average dietary sugar intake of Koreans is within the recommended level, an increasing trend has been found in all age groups. This study aimed to evaluate the population attributable fractions (PAF) to dietary sugar for disease and death in Korea, and to estimate the socioeconomic effects of a reduction in dietary sugar. MATERIALS/METHODS: The prevalence of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) overconsumption (${\geq}20g$ of sugar from beverages) was analyzed using the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015. Disease-specific relative risks of excessive SSB consumption were obtained through reviewing previous studies. Using the prevalence of SSB overconsumption and each relative risk, PAFs for morbidity and mortality were calculated. Socioeconomic costs of diseases and death attributable to SSB overconsumption were estimated by using representative data on national medical expenditures, health insurance statistics, employment information, and previous reports. RESULTS: Disease-specific PAF to SSB consumption ranged from 3.11% for stroke to 9.05% for obesity and dental caries, respectively. Costs from disease caused by SSB overconsumption was estimated at 594 billion won in 2015. About 39 billion won was estimated to be from SSB consumption-related deaths, and a total of 633 billion won was predicted to have been saved through preventing SSB overconsumption. CONCLUSIONS: Sugars overconsumption causes considerable public burdens, although the cost estimates do not include any informal expenditure. Information on these socioeconomic effects helps both health professionals and policy makers to create and to implement programs for reducing sugar consumption.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.193-201
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• 2018

Objectives: This study was conducted to measure the intake rate of SSBs (sugar sweetened beverages) and examine the relationship between health behavior factors and SSBs intake by adolescents. Methods: This study used data from the 2016 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey, which included 65,528 study participants. SSBs intake frequency was measured by asking respondents if they consumed soda, high-caffeinated beverages, and sugary drinks during the previous week. Type of intake was categorized into three groups according to the number of consumed drinks [SSBs (0): None; SSBs (1-2): 1 or 2 consumed; SSBs (3): 3 consumed]. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to examine health behaviors that affected SSBs consumption. Results: Increased SSBs intake was significantly correlated with current smoking (OR=2.4, 95% CI=1.82-3.17), current drinking (OR=2.13, 95% CI=1.82-2.51), sedentary time increase (OR=1.31, 95% CI=1.15-1.49), three days or more physical activity per week (OR=1.12, 95% CI=1.02-1.24), <8 hours sleep (OR=1.6, 95% CI=1.43-1.78), increased internet usage time (OR=1.44, 95% CI=1.25-1.65). Conclusions: Sugar-sweetened beverages intake by Korean adolescents was associated with health behaviors such as smoking, drinking, sedentary time increase, more physical activity, poor sleeping time, and increased internet use time. Based on these results, it is necessary to recognize the influence of SSBs intake and to intervene to reduce consumption of SSBs.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.70-75
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• 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Association between the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and obesity is universally a controversial issue. This study was undertaken to examine the beverage consumption pattern of Korean adolescents. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Data was collected from the 2016 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey involving 65,528 adolescent respondents. A list of the most frequently consumed beverages was analyzed, and the consumption frequency of carbonated beverages, SSBs, and energy drinks during the past seven-days was assessed. The main reasons for the adolescents to consume the beverages were also determined. RESULTS: The beverage preference of adolescents were carbonated beverages (31.0%), 'fruit and vegetable beverages (17.7%)', 'milk (13.6%)', and 'coffee (12.7%)'. Carbonated beverages and SSBs were consumed more than three times a week by 27.1% and 41.1% of the respondents, respectively. About 86.2% of adolescents did not take of any energy drinks during the last seven-days. Taste was the most common reason that adolescents considered when choosing a drink. Carbonated beverages consumed more frequently by boys than girls, and high school students drank coffee more frequently than middle school students. CONCLUSIONS: Boys had a higher preference for unhealthy beverages than girls, whereas consumption of high-caffeine drinks was greater amongst high-school students than middle school students.

• 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.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.36-46
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• 2022

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the consumption pattern of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and compare body composition changes by SSB consumption based on 28 days of dietary records from a four-week time-restricted eating intervention among young adults in Korea. Methods: A total of 33 participants completed the four-week dietary intervention with 8-hour time-restricted eating (TRE). The body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis at baseline, and daily dietary records were collected for 28 days during the intervention after 4 weeks. Results: Based on 924 days of dietary records, the average eating occasion of SSB was 0.9 times per day, and the average amount of SSB was 205.8 g/times. Based on an individual's usual intake of 28 days, the average eating frequency of SSB was 16.6 times out of 28 days, and the average amount of SSB was 184.0 g/day. The average energy intake from SSB was 131.0 kcal /day (8.7% of energy), and sugar intake from SSB was 18.2 g/day (4.9% of energy). The sugar intake was 2.6% of energy from sweetened dairy products, followed by 2.0% from coffee drinks, 0.5% from soda and juice and 0.2% from others. When subjects were divided into high (14 days or more) and low (less than 14 days) SSB groups based on eating frequency, the weight change in the low SSB group was -2.0 kg over 4 weeks, which was significantly lower than -0.7 kg in the high SSB group. However, no significant difference was found in muscle mass, fat mass and body fat percent between the two groups. Conclusions: This study suggests that low consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is more desirable in weight management despite having the dietary intervention of time-restricted eating without counting calories. Thus, further longitudinal studies on the association between SSB and obesity in Korean adults are necessary.

• 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.

• 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.

• Food Science and Industry
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.2-11
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• 2016

As recently many studies on the relationship between excessive sugar intake and chronic disease have been reported across the world, more attention to sugar intake has been paid. Sugars, called simple sugars, is a kind of carbohydrate and sum of monosaccharides and disaccharides. Sugars that are particularly related to health are added sugars or free sugars, which are added to food by processing or cooking. It is generally not to give satiety and increases energy density without other nutrients. Especially, the major food source of added sugar is sugar-sweetened beverages(SSBs), from which sugars are closely linked with health outcome. The total sugar intake in Korea is 61.4 g per day and it is almost half of those in the western countries such as the U.S. or Australia and it is within the recommendation level by the Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans. However, when it is classified by age groups or food sources, sugar intake in adolescents and young adults are high and the sugar from processed foods is also high that would lead to high intake levels of added sugar. Particularly, the frequency of SSBs, the major food source of added sugar, is the highest among 20's. While the studies of excessive sugar intake with chronic diseases including obesity, type 2 diabetes, metabolic disease, cardiovascular disease reported in the Western populations, those in the Korean populations have just started. Given our dietary practice is very different from those in the western population, more prospective studies would be necessary to evaluate sugar intake by type or food source exactly and examine its relationship with chronic diseases in the Korean population.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.124-131
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• 2011

Because excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages may reduce the quality of nutritional intake, this study examined the consumption patterns of commercial beverages, lifestyle, dietary habits, and perception of sweet taste. Participants were 407 male university students in Kyeooggido, Korea, and information was collected by self-administered questionnaire. Among them, 58 nonsmokers volunteered to participate in the taste test. Participants were divided into three groups according to the frequency of commercial beverage consumptions: 120 rare (< 1 serving/week), 227 moderate (1-3 servings/week) and 133 frequent (> 3 servings/week) consumption groups. More subjects from the rare consumption group chose water, tea, and soy milk, and more from the frequent consumption group chose carbonated soft drinks and coffee (P=0.031) as their favorite drinks. Frequent consumption group consumed fruit juice, coffee, and sports and carbonated soft drinks significantly more often (P=0.002, P=0.000, P=0.000, respectively), but not milk and tea. Frequent consumption group consumed beverages casually without a specific occasion (P=0.000) than rare consumption group. Frequent drinking of commercial beverages was associated with frequent snacking (P=0.002), meal skipping (P=0.006), eating out (P=0.003), eating delivered foods (P=0.000), processed foods (P=0.001), and sweets (P=0.002), and drinking alcoholic beverages (P=0.029). Frequent consumption group tended to have a higher threshold of sweet taste without reaching statistical significance. The results provide information for developing strategies for evidence-based nutrition education program focusing on reducing consumption of unnecessary sugar-sweetened commercial beverages.