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MONDAY, June 23, 2003 (HealthDayNews) -- The age, race and gender of American teenagers influence what they drink, says a new study in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition.
The study by researchers at Virginia Tech's Center for Food and Nutrition Policy found that, overall, white children and teens drink more beverages than their black counterparts. The researchers say the reason for that isn't clear and needs to be explored further, especially with regard to proper hydration for everyday and strenuous physical activity.
Young boys and girls in all ethnic groups drink more milk than any other beverage, but black children drink less milk than white or Hispanic children. The study found that young white boys and girls drink about 1.4 and 1.2 servings of milk a day, compared to 1 and 0.8 servings a day for black boys and girls.
Only 7.4 percent of young Hispanic girls reported drinking no milk, compared to 13 percent to 14 percent of young black children.
The researchers were surprised by their finding that black adolescent girls drank few beverages, and particularly little milk. That could put them at future risk of poor bone health and increased risk of high blood pressure, a common condition among black Americans. Previous research has shown that calcium-rich dairy products may help reduce the risk of high blood pressure.
Among younger children, soft drinks are the second or third most popular choice. During adolescence, soft drinks are the first choice and milk falls to second. Older teens tend to drink more carbonated beverages, citrus juice and fruit drinks and less milk and non-citrus juice.
The study, which also concluded there was no link between soda consumption and overweight children, was supported by an unrestricted research grant from the National Soft Drink Association.
More information
Here's where you can learn more about children and milk.
