Introduction
Sugar consumption among Americans is above recommended limits, and excess sugar intake
may influence cognition. The aim of this study was to examine associations of pregnancy
and offspring sugar consumption (sucrose, fructose) with child cognition. Additionally,
associations of maternal and child consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs),
other beverages (diet soda, juice), and fruit with child cognition were examined.
Methods
Among 1,234 mother–child pairs enrolled 1999–2002 in Project Viva, a pre-birth cohort,
in 2017 diet was assessed during pregnancy and early childhood, and cognitive outcomes
in early and mid-childhood (median ages 3.3 and 7.7 years). Analyses used linear regression
models adjusted for maternal and child characteristics.
Results
Maternal sucrose consumption (mean 49.8 grams/day [SD=12.9]) was inversely associated
with mid-childhood Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (KBIT-II) non-verbal scores (–1.5
points per 15 grams/day, 95% CI= –2.8, –0.2). Additionally, maternal SSB consumption
was inversely associated with mid-childhood cognition, and diet soda was inversely
associated with early and mid-childhood cognition scores. Early childhood consumption
of SSBs was inversely associated with mid-childhood KBIT-II verbal scores (–2.4 points
per serving/day, 95% CI= –4.3, –0.5) while fruit consumption was associated with higher
cognitive scores in early and mid-childhood. Maternal and child fructose and juice
consumption were not associated with cognition. After adjusting for multiple comparisons,
the association between maternal diet soda consumption and mid-childhood KBIT-II verbal
scores remained significant.
Conclusions
Sugar consumption, especially from SSBs, during pregnancy and childhood, and maternal
diet soda consumption may adversely impact child cognition, while child fruit consumption
may lead to improvements. Interventions and policies that promote healthier diets
may prevent adverse effects on childhood cognition.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: April 16, 2018
This activity is available for CME credit. See page A3 for information.Identification
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© 2018 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
