Sociodemographic, lifestyle, and dietary characteristics among artificially sweetened beverages consumers in Korea

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs) consumption has been increasing globally, including Korea, but detailed data on the intake levels and consumers' characteristics are limited.This study examined sociodemographic, lifestyles, and dietary characteristics among ASBs consumers in Korea.SUBJECTS/METHODS: Three hundred and twenty adults (≥ 18 yrs) who reported consuming ASBs in the 2021-2023 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys were selected.Based on the 24-h dietary recall data, ASBs were classified using food codes and names, and further categorized according to the product name.The daily ASBs consumption (g/day) was calculated for each participant, and the participants were divided into 2 groups based on the median value (372.8 g/day).The general characteristics, lifestyles, and dietary characteristics were compared between the 2 consumption groups.RESULTS: The average daily ASBs consumption was 432.5 g (SD = 283.2) for men and 361.4 g (SD = 265.4)for women.ASBs consumption was 424.6 g (SD = 259.5)for individuals aged 18-29 yrs, 400.2 g (SD = 320.0)for those aged 30-39 yrs, and 360.5 g (SD = 249.3)for those aged ≥ 40 yrs.ASBs consumption was higher among overweight/obese individuals (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 23 kg/m 2 ) (427.2 g, SD = 296.3)compared to non-overweight/obese individuals (361.0 g, SD = 241.8).The group with higher ASBs consumption was younger (P < 0.001), had a higher proportion of men (P = 0.013), and had a higher BMI (P = 0.007).The higher consumption group had a greater proportion of individuals attempting to lose or maintain weight (P = 0.016), higher energy intake (P = 0.032), lower frequency of fruits consumption (P = 0.005), and a higher frequency of dinner consumption (P = 0.034).CONCLUSION: These findings may serve as baseline data for future research and programs related to ASBs consumption.