A new research suggests improvements in sugar consumption patterns of American children. The research, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, point to a decline in consumption of sugary drinks. The researchers found this decline to be peculiar in children and adolescents between 2003 and 2014. Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) could affect the health of individuals of all age-groups. Furthermore, the high-calorie intake coming from increased SSB consumption can affect cardiac health. Therefore, the decline in SSB consumption is a positive sign for the healthcare industry in the US. The participants in the study came from diverse backgrounds.
Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Children participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) were also a part of the study sample. SNAP is a US-based initiative that provides food assistance to over 40 million Americans each month. The initiative has helped in generating food security across several low-income groups in the US. Besides, around half of the population covered under SNAP is of children. It is important for the country to continually move forward towards its objective of child welfare and healthcare. The research study finds that, despite the decline, SSB consumption in children is still quite high. 61% of children, and 75.6% of SNAP recipients still consume SSB on a daily basis.
Road Ahead
The lead researchers suggest the need for targeted efforts to further reduce SSB consumption levels in children. Moreover, the study is not likely to drive complacence across the healthcare sector of the US. Contrary to this, this study shall generate alarm to make swift efforts in child health across the US. SNAP has been successful in reducing food insecurity and hunger across the US, and would need to make more serious efforts hereon.