Incidence of Milk Consumption by Children in Fast Food Restaurants

Center for ETHICS* University of Idaho Mooo... Incidence of Milk Consumption by Children in Fast Food Restaurants Sharon Stoll, Ph.D. Jennifer Beller, Ph.D. Chelsea Herman Brandon Freitas Julie Matthews Casey McLaughlin

Reasons Calcium is Important • Required in both bones and in body fluids • A deficiency can lead to osteoporosis • It activates a protein calmodulin, which helps to keep a normal blood pressure • May be helpful in preventing hypertension, diabetes, and some cancers

Calcium Intake • Four 8-ounce glasses provides 1200 mg of calcium, as well as many other vitamins and minerals • Sugar and caffeine ingestion can lead to reduced calcium in the body • Adolescent females consume the least calcium

Possible effects - soft drinks • Soft drinks may contribute to low nutrient intakes in youths • Linked to bone fractures in adolescent girls • Just one glass could be detrimental to a child’s nutrient levels

Reasons for our study.. • To observe and describe beverage consumption of children at fast food restaurants • To try to implement data collected in ways which may better our general community

Implementation • Three restaurants were observed, over six weeks, in one hour increments • Observations were anonymous • The number of milk cartons on a child’s tray, and his or her approximate age, were observed.

Results • 122 children were observed • Five chose milk products (04%) • 117 chose a carbonated drink (95%) • 4.1% of children observed chose milk

Possible Causes of Results • Restaurants charge more for milk than soft drinks, and include a soft drink with children’s meals. • Parents either making the decision for their child to drink a soft drink, or letting the child choose a soft drink.

Possible Solutions • Work with restaurants, parents, and educators, to raise awareness regarding milk consumption • Work with restaurants to improve milk marketing • Be a role model by consuming milk .

Conclusions Reached • There is a significant difference in the consumption of milk and the consumption of soft drinks at fast food restaurants • There is a need for an increase in the promotion of milk consumption • As educators, we need to apply this information in our curriculum

Ways to Apply Information • Help young people learn skills, not just facts • Give students chances to repeatedly practice healthy eating habits • Make nutrition activities fun • Involve students, teachers, parents, and the community in all of these activities

Role Modeling of Parents Do they drink Milk??

Study Two’s Purpose: To observe the milk product buying habits of parents of children in fast food restaurants. To survey randomly selected parents’ views about beverage choice and consumption of their children.

Part A: Customers in three northwest cities were observed to determine what kinds of drinks were being purchased at fast food restaurants.

451 individuals were observed • 12 (2 percent) purchased milk for their child • 410 purchased a carbonated drink (90.9%) • 20 bought coffee (04%) • 9 bought water (01%)

Part B: 50 parents from one of the cities were randomly selected to answer a 12 question survey concerning beverage consumption by their children.

Results • 46 gave their children the choice of drink when at fast food restaurants (92%) • 4 chose for their child (8%) • 15 stated that their child drinks 1-2 glasses of whole milk per day (30%) • 35 stated that their children “seldom” drank whole, 2%, or low fat milk. (70%)

Concerns • Potential epidemic in 20 years with osteoporosis • Amount of calcium peaks at this time (Golden years) • Peak bone mineral density accrual develops in girls between 12-15 years of age • In boys 12-18 accrual

Concerns • 1. Phosphorus and caffeine reduce calcium uptake • 2. The choice of soda in place of milk further reduces potential calcium stores

Solutions... During these years imperative: Exercise Calcium Vitamin D

Any Questions? Thank You

Incidence of Milk Consumption by Children in Fast Food Restaurants