Gender differences in beverage consumption patterns, dietary behaviors, and beverage-derived nutrient intake among South Korean university students: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Objective: College students exhibit high beverage consumption and various diet-related problems. Therefore, this study investigated gender-specific beverage consumption patterns and evaluated beverage-related behaviors and beverage-derived nutrient intake among college students.

Methods: This study included 366 college students (171 men and 195 women) from Chungnam, South Korea. Beverage categories included carbonated and sugar-sweetened beverages, caffeinated beverages, energy drinks, alcoholic beverages, and milk and liquid yogurt products. Beverage preference, consumption frequency, beverage-related dietary behaviors, and dietary intake were assessed using 3-day 24-hour dietary recalls to evaluate beverage-derived nutrient intake.

Results: The mean total beverage intake was 433.9 g/day. Carbonated and sugar-sweetened beverages accounted for the highest intake (144.9 g/day), followed by caffeinated beverages (125.6 g/day), alcoholic beverages (124.3 g/day), and milk and liquid yogurt products (39.2 g/day). Beverages contributed 10.1% of total energy intake and 35.5% of total sugar intake. Carbonated and sugar-sweetened beverages were the largest contributors to carbohydrate and sugar intake, whereas alcoholic beverages contributed the most energy. Milk and liquid yogurt products were the largest contributors to beverage-derived fat and protein intake. Male students had significantly higher intakes of carbonated and sugar-sweetened beverages, alcoholic beverages, total beverages, and beverage-derived energy and sugar than female students.

Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for nutrition education to promote healthier beverage choices among college students and support the development of gender-specific beverage-related interventions.