Trends in sugar-rich beverages in Eastern Europe

An interesting study appeared a few days ago in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, one of the most prestigious scientific journals in the field of nutrition. Namely, the study, which included 14 Eastern European countries, analyzed the changes in the pattern of intake of sugar-rich beverages among adolescents in the period from 2002 to 2018. Although the frequency of consumption varied significantly between different countries (from 5.1 to 28.1%), an encouraging trend of declining consumption of sugar-rich beverages was observed. Particularly good results were observed in Slovenia and Russia, especially among adolescents who previously belonged to the group of prominent consumers. This trend indicates good results of health policies in the field of promotion of healthy behaviors and calls for intensification of activities in those countries that have not achieved such good results.