Association between Low Calorie Sweetener Consumption Pattern, Anthropometric Indices, and Nutritional Status among Adults’ Males and Females in Calabar Municipality, Nigeria

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the association between low-calorie sweetener (LCS) consumption patterns, anthropometric indices, and nutritional status among adults and women in Calabar Municipality, Nigeria.

Study Design; A cross-sectional Analytical design was conducted among 335 participants, selected by multistage sampling technique.

Methodology: Dietary assessment using 24hrs recall, anthropometrics measures and socio-demographic characteristics data were collected using pretested questionnaire. The collected data were entered in to Microsoft Excel and exported to SPSS for further statistical analysis. Chi-square test at 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to quantify independent variables of nutritional indices. Using WHO-reference-2010, height, weight and BMI were measured

Results: Over 40 products containing LCS were classified into five groups. Carbonated beverages were most consumed, while energy drinks were least consumed. Aspartame was the most commonly used LCS. Young single adults aged 20-35, mostly students, consumed LCS-containing products more frequently than other adults. The overall prevalence of LCS consumption was 58.1%, (moderate), with participants consuming an LCS containing beverage, at least three times a week at an estimated quantity of 1 liter. There was statistical significance (P=.05) differences in weight, waist circumference and hip circumference between men and women. The BMI for men and women were of 22.6 ± 0.9 and 21.0 ± 1.0 kg/m2, respectively. The BMI categories of the study participants were as follows; underweight (3.9%), normal weight (65.7) overweight (28.1) and obese (2.3%). The prevalence of abnormal waist-to-hip ratio was reported, with a significant (P=.05) association between LCS consumption and BMI. Bivariate analysis of LCS consumption and socio-demographic variables found significant association between variables such as gender, age, monthly income and educational level at P=.05. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified age, income, and BMI as predictors of LCS intake.

Conclusion: The study showed that the consumption pattern exists among the adults in terms of age category and gender. Consumption of LCS beverages was mostly moderate, on average around thrice per week and was influenced by demographic factors such as gender, age, and socioeconomic status.