The association between Healthy Beverage Index and anthropometric measures among children: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE Several studies evaluated the associations between specific beverages and cardio-metabolic risks among children. However, the evidence on the association between patterns of the beverage consumption and children's anthropometric indices is rare. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the association between Healthy Beverage Index (HBI) and anthropometric measures among 6-year-old girl children. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 788 children selected from health centers in Tehran, Iran. Data on beverage intake, socio-demographic, physical activity, and anthropometric characteristics were evaluated using reliable and validated standard protocols. The predefined HBI was calculated based on the previous research. RESULTS After controlling for several confounders [mother age, mother body mass index, mother physical activity, socioeconomic status, children physical activity and energy intake, total oils (all kinds of oils like animal and plant oils), and total sweet foods (sweet foods except sweetened beverages)], being in the third compared to the first tertile of HBI among children was associated with increased odds of wasting (OR: 5.16; 95% CI 1.5-17.79) and underweight/wasting (OR: 1.81; 95% CI 1.07-3.07). Among the HBI components, just being in the third compared to the first tertile of high-fat milk was inversely associated with decreased odds of wasting (OR: 0.18; 95% CI 0.04-0.73). CONCLUSIONS The HBI among children was associated with higher odds of wasting and underweight/wasting. In addition, high-fat milk consumption decreased the odds of wasting among children. Further prospective studies need to confirm these results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level V, descriptive cross-sectional study.