Changes in Total Fruit and Fruit Juice Intakes of Individuals: WWEIA, NHANES 2005-2006 to 2017-2018

Authors: Bowman, Shanthy; Clemens, John; Friday, James; Anand, Jaswinder

Submitted to: Worldwide Web Site: Food Surveys Research Group
Publication Type: Research Technical Update
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/27/2021
Publication Date: 9/2/2021
Citation: Bowman, S.A., Clemens, J.C., Friday, J.E., Anand, J. 2021. Changes in Total Fruit and Fruit Juice Intakes of Individuals: WWEIA, NHANES 2005-2006 to 2017-2018. Worldwide Web Site: Food Surveys Research Group. Available: https://www.ars.usda.gov/nea/bhnrc/fsrg/wweia/dbrief.

Interpretive Summary: This report highlights the changes in total fruit and 100% fruit juice intakes of individuals 2+ years from What We Eat In America, NHANES 2005-2006 to 2017-2018. Food Pattern equivalents intake data on day 1 of the survey was used. In the Food Patterns, total fruit consists of whole/cut/intact fruit and 100% fruit juice, obtained from single- or multi-ingredient foods. Fruit juice (100%) consists of fresh, bottled, canned, and single strength 100% fruit juice diluted from frozen juice concentrates. It also includes 100% fruit juice from fruit canned in fruit juice, fruit juice from alcoholic beverage cocktails, and fruit nectars. Total fruit and 100% fruit juice intakes from 2005-2006 were compared with that in 2017-2018. In addition, the linear trends during the 7 survey periods were analyzed. A p-value < 0.01 was considered significantly different for all analyses. The linear trend for total fruit was not significant for children, adolescents, and adults from 2005-2006 to 2017-2018, showing estimated mean intakes of total fruit remained the same over these years. However, a significant decreasing linear trend was seen in 100% fruit juice consumption among children, adolescents, and adults during this period. Proportion of 100% fruit juice to total fruit decreased from 40% in 2005-2006 to 25% in 2017-2018, for individuals 2 years and over. Also, the percentage of individuals, 2 years and over, who reported consuming 100% fruit juice decreased from 45% to 34% during this period. This study showed individuals increased their whole fruit intake and reduced their 100% fruit juice intake while keeping their total fruit intake the same.

Technical Abstract: This study examined the changes in total fruit and 100% fruit juice intakes of individuals 2+ years from What We Eat in America, NHANES 2005-2006 to 2017-2018. Food Patterns equivalents intake on day 1 was used in the analysis. In the Food Patterns, total fruit consists of whole/cut/intact fruit and 100% fruit juice, obtained from single- or multi-ingredient foods. Sample weights were applied in data analysis to get nationally representative estimates. In addition, the linear trends during the survey periods were analyzed. A p-value < 0.01 was considered significantly different for all analyses. The linear trend for total fruit was not significant for children, adolescents, and adults from 2005-2006 to 2017-2018, showing that the estimated mean intakes of total fruit remained the same over these seven survey years. However, a significant decreasing linear trend was seen in 100% fruit juice consumption among children, adolescents, and adults during this period. Proportion of 100% fruit juice to total fruit decreased from 40% in 2005-2006 to 25% in 2017-2018 for all individuals 2 years and over. In addition, the percentage of individuals, 2 years and over, who reported consuming 100% fruit juice decreased from 45% to 34% during the same period. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) 2020-2025 and the earlier DGAs place limits on the amount of fruit juice to consume. The American Academy of Pediatrics also has limits on how much fruit juice children may consume. The decline in fruit juice intake could be due to the impact of these recommendations, although the NHANES do not collect data on the reason for the changes in fruit juice consumptions.