Adult cranberry beverage consumers have healthier macronutrient intakes and measures of body composition compared to non-consumers: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2008

• Published in: Nutrients 2013-12, Vol.5 (12), p.4938-4949
• Main Authors: Duffey, Kiyah J, Sutherland, Lisa A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Adults; Anthropometry; Berries; Beverages; bioactive compounds; Body Composition; body mass index; Carbohydrates; Cranberries; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet; diet recall; Diet Records; energy; Energy Intake; Feeding Behavior; Female; females; Flavonoids; Fruit - chemistry; Fruit juices; healthy diet; Hispanic people; Humans; Life Style; Male; Metabolism; Middle Aged; National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; Nutrition; Nutrition Surveys; Obesity; overweight; Polyphenols - administration & dosage; Proteins; Regression Analysis; Socioeconomic Factors; Sugar; sugars; United States; Vaccinium macrocarpon; waist circumference; Young Adult
• ISSN: 2072-6643; 2072-6643
• DOI: 10.3390/nu5124938

Flavonoids, present in high levels in cranberries, are potent bioactives known for their health-promoting benefits, but cranberry beverages (CB) are not typically recommended as part of a healthy diet. We examine the association between CB consumption with macronutrient intake and weight status. Data for US adults (≥19 years, n = 10,891) were taken from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) Survey 2005-2008. Total CB consumption was measured over two non-consecutive 24-h dietary recalls. Linear and logistic regression models adjusting for important covariates were used to examine predicted differences between CB consumers and non-consumers on macronutrient and anthropometric outcomes. Results are weighted to be nationally representative. CB consumers (n = 581) were older (>50 year) non-Hispanic black females. They consumed an average 221 mL (7.5 oz) CB per day. In fully adjusted models CB consumers (vs. non-consumers) had higher carbohydrates and total sugars and lower percent energy from protein and total fat (all p < 0.001), but no difference in total energy. A significantly higher proportion of CB consumers were predicted to be normal weight (BMI < 25 kg/m2; p = 0.001) and had to have lower waist circumferences (p = 0.001). Although there was not a significant trend across level of CB intake, low and middle level CB consumers compared to non-consumers were more likely to be normal weight (p < 0.001) and less likely to be overweight/obese (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, p < 0.001). Despite having slightly higher daily macronutrient intakes, CB consumers have more desirable anthropometric measures compared to non-consumers.