FLUID CONSUMPTION CHOICES OF ADOLESCENTS
ATTENDING A NATIONAL YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAM
Donal D. Scheidel, DDS
Robert Nelson, RDH, MPA
Adolescent dietary choices have a significant impact on growth
and development and the individual's overall general health. A
voluntary survey was administered to 227 10-16 year olds (120
boys and 107 girls) attending an NYSP summer session in Vermillion,
South Dakota to evaluate their daily fluid consumption choices.
The adolescents were questioned regarding their daily consumption
of soda, sports drinks, bottled water, tap water, milk and juice
utilizing a look- back survey instrument. This data represents
the combined responses of boys and girls in all age groups. Of
the respondents, 55.5% stated they had consumed at least one can/bottle
of sugared soda daily and 17.6% admitted to drinking at least
2-3 cans/bottles of soda daily. 33.9% stated they consume at least
one sports drink daily with 24.2% indicating they don't drink
sports drinks. 48.4% of the survey participants indicated they
drank at least 2 bottles of water daily reflecting a shift from
fluoridated tap water. Of the adolescents surveyed, 61.2% responded
they drank 2 glasses of milk or less daily. Finally, 70.9% of
the respondents admitted drinking at least one glass of juice
daily. The results of this research illustrate the fluid consumption
choices made by the children/adolescents participating in our
survey including the consumption of significant amounts simple
carbohydrates in the form of sugared soda, sports drinks and juices.
A great number of respondents aren't consuming the recommended
three glasses of milk daily increasing the possibility of developing
a calcium deficiency. Finally, the survey group is increasingly
consuming non-fluoridated bottled water in place of fluoridated
tap water. This research identifies some of the contributory factors
of childhood obesity, adolescent osteoporosis, and the continuing
problem of dental decay in this population.
presented ADHA Annual Session 2004
