Consumption of ‘extra’ foods (energy-dense, nutrient-poor) among children aged 16–24 months from western Sydney, Australia

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluates the contribution of energy-dense, nutrient-poor 'extra' foods to the diets of 16-24-month-old children from western Sydney, Australia. Design: An analysis of cross-sectional data collected on participants in the Childhood Asthma Prevention Study (CAPS), a randomised trial investigating the primary prevention of asthma from birth to 5 years. We collected 3-day weighed food records, calculated nutrient intakes, classified recorded foods into major food groups, and further classified foods as either 'core' or 'extras' according to the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating. Setting: Pregnant women, whose unborn child was at risk of developing asthma because of a family history, were recruited from all six hospitals in western Sydney, Australia. Data for this study were collected in clinic visits and at participants' homes at the 18-month assessment. Participants: Four hundred and twenty-nine children participating in the CAPS study; 80% of the total cohort. Results: The mean consumption of 'extra' foods was , 150 g day 21 and contributed 25 -30% of the total energy, fat, carbohydrate and sodium to the diets of the study children. 'Extra' foods also contributed around 20% of fibre, 10% of protein and zinc, and about 5% of calcium. Children in the highest quintile of 'extra' foods intake had a slightly higher but not significantly different intake of energy from those in the lowest quintile. However, significant differences were evident for the percentage of energy provided by carbohydrate and sugars (higher) and protein and saturated fat (lower). The intake of most micronutrients was also significantly lower among children in the highest quintile of consumption. The intake of 'extra' foods was inversely associated with the intake of core foods. Conclusions: The high percentage of energy contributed by 'extra' foods and their negative association with nutrient density emphasise the need for dietary guidance for parents of children aged 1-2 years. These preliminary data on commonly consumed 'extra' foods and portion sizes may inform age-specific dietary assessment methods. KeywordsChildren Diet Nutrition Non-core foods Beverages Snacking Childhood obesityThe consumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods by very young children is of public health concern 1 -3 . Information about the contribution of these foods to energy intake is needed, both in view of the rising prevalence of obesity and diet-related diseases among children and adults and because poor eating habits formed in early childhood may persist into later childhood and adulthood 4 -8 . If 'extra' foods displace those that are more nutrient-dense, the risk of low or marginal intakes of micronutrients increases 9,10 .Research, surveillance and policy development regarding consumption of energy-dense nutrient-poor foods, among children and adults, has been limited by the lack of clear and accepted terminology and taxonomy to identify and classify these foods.The first problem concerns what to call these foods. The terms 'u...

The Relationship between Number of Fruits, Vegetables, and Noncore Foods Tried at Age 14 Months and Food Preferences, Dietary Intake Patterns, Fussy Eating Behavior, and Weight Status at Age 3.7 Years

“…These results appear to justify numerous short-term studies that focus on strategies to get children to taste F/V and recommendations to increase variety and quantity consumed. [38][39][40][41] Numerous studies have documented frequent exposure to noncore foods 7,9,[42][43][44] and correspondingly high intakes 9,42 even in very young children. Evidence from a range of studies indicates that children's acceptance of novel foods is influenced by genetic taste preferences 18 as well as environmental factors, particularly repeated exposure (familiarity).…”

“…5 Various studies in children aged 0 to 3 years show that while up to one-third did not eat fruit or vegetables, 80% to 90% consumed noncore foods on the survey day, with the latter contributing up to 30% of energy intake. [6][7][8][9] This evidence indicates there are substantial dietary quality issues even in young children.…”

Tracking of dietary intakes in early childhood: the Melbourne InFANT Program

“…38 Although these results are not easily comparable to other studies due to differences in methodology, 'extra' foods (energy-dense, nutrientpoor) have previously been shown to contribute substantially to the diet in other studies involving children o2 years. 13,15,17 Frequent exposure to specific foods during infancy has been shown to influence taste development and later food preferences. 2 This early learning is influenced by genetic susceptibilities, which include the innate preference for both sweet and salty tastes, and the rejection of sour and bitter flavours.…”

“…[8][9][10][11][12][13][14] In Australia, only four cross-sectional studies performed 47-10 years ago have reported dietary intakes in children aged 9 months, 15 16-24 months, 16 12-36 months 17 and 1-5 years; 18 moreover, there are no national dietary surveys of children o2 years. Nonetheless, these few studies have raised concerns about some characteristics of weaning diets, such as the excessive energy intake in infancy and toddlerhood 19 and also their overall quality.…”

Early intervention of multiple home visits to prevent childhood obesity in a disadvantaged population: a home-based randomised controlled trial (Healthy Beginnings Trial)

“…Short questions about selected breastfeeding practices, food habits and physical activity levels will be used, which have been widely employed in population health surveys including the NSW Child Health Survey 2001 [38] and the Childhood asthma Prevention Study [39], and are supported by validity testing [40-42]. …”