Association Between Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Consumption and Body Composition in Relation to Salt Among Adolescent Resident in Sicily, Southern Italy

Aim: To explore the association between Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) consumption and salt intake in relation to blood pressure and body composition in adolescents living in Sicily, southern Italy. Methods: From September 2012 to June 2014, 1643 students attending 15 secondary schools in the district of Catania were invited to participate. The information collected included demographics, anthropometric data (bioelectrical impedance), physical activity level, and dietary habits based a food frequency questionnaire validated for the Italian youth population. Results: The mean age of participants was 12.4 years and more than half (53.8%) were boys. The 30.1% and 24.5% of the sample was overweight or obese, respectively. The 30.5% of participants consumed sugary drinks every day. After adjusting for confounding factors, SSBs consumption was positively associated with salt intake, BMI, and fat mass. Blood pressure was associated with SSBs intake only in overweight/obese subjects, which was no more significant after adjustment for salt intake. Conclusion: There is an association between salt intake and SSBs consumption. SSBs intake has been linked to increased BMI and fat mass. SSBs and salt consumption should be discouraged, particularly among children and adolescents, and obesity prevention strategies should include information and education about both SSBs and salt.