High consumption of fruit and vegetable juices and related beverages and high sugar intake among school-aged children: a study in Beijing, China

Background Fruit and vegetable juices and related beverages are commonly consumed by school-age children, which often contain high levels of free sugars. This study aimed to investigate the consumption and excessive sugar intake from fruit and vegetable juices and related beverages among children in Beijing, and identify associated factors. Methods Data were derived from a baseline survey of 3,370 school-age children in Beijing (October–November 2024). Binary logistic regression was used to analyze risk factors for high sugar intake. Results The overall consumption rate of fruit and vegetable juices and related beverages among Beijing school-aged children was 68.4%. Overall, the median daily intake of fruit and vegetable juices and related beverages was 57.14 g (0.00, 150.00 g), with a median free sugar intake of 6.06 g (0.00, 15.90 g),15.4% had excessive intake (≥25 g/day). Associations were observed between excessive sugar intake from fruit and vegetable juices and related beverages and the following factors. Living in outer urban areas ( OR = 1.464, 95% CI : 1.140–1.879) or suburban areas ( OR = 1.443, 95% CI : 1.126–1.849), attending middle school ( OR = 1.936, 95% CI : 1.493–2.511) or high school ( OR = 1.423, 95% CI : 1.085–1.868), being overweight ( OR = 1.345, 95% CI : 1.046–1.730), having daily outdoor activity of no less than 2 h ( OR = 1.348, 95% CI : 1.063–1.711), holding the view that sugar-sweetened beverages pose no health risks ( OR = 1.916, 95% CI : 1.561–2.352), and having caregivers who regularly consumed fruit and vegetable juices and related beverages ( OR = 1.716, 95% CI : 1.404–2.097) were all correlated with elevated odds of excessive sugar intake. Among consuming children, the median daily intake of juice beverages and related beverages was 107.14 g (57.14, 214.29 g), with a median free sugar intake of 11.36 g (6.06, 22.71 g), 22.5% had excessive intake (≥25 g/day). Further analyses identified the following correlates for excessive sugar intake in this subgroup: residence in outer urban areas ( OR = 1.467, 95% CI : 1.138–1.892) or suburban areas ( OR = 1.426, 95% CI : 1.108–1.837), male gender ( OR = 1.289, 95% CI : 1.046–1.589), middle school attendance ( OR = 1.643, 95% CI : 1.254–2.152), overweight status ( OR = 1.341, 95% CI : 1.031–1.743), daily outdoor activity of no less than 2 h ( OR = 1.297, 95% CI : 1.011–1.664), the perception of sugar sweetened beverages to health as harmless ( OR = 1.900, 95% CI : 1.532–2.358), and caregivers' consumption of fruit and vegetable juices and related beverages ( OR = 1.261, 95% CI : 1.021–1.556). Conclusion High consumption of fruit and vegetable juices and related beverages contributed substantially to free sugar overload among Beijing school-aged children. Targeted nutrition education and family-oriented interventions are urgently needed.