Dietary Disparities of Urban Chinese American Children in New York City: Results from a Pilot Study

Abstract

Obesity has been identified as an emerging health concern for Chinese American children; however, very little is known about diets in Asian American children. The objective of our paper was to describe the dietary intakes of urban Chinese American schoolchildren using a state-of-the-art approach for dietary assessment.  Data for this analysis come from the Food Journal Project 2017, a pilot and feasibility study conducted by a multi-sector collaboration. Children aged 8-12 (n=83) completed two dietary assessments using a food diary from January-June 2017. Children were then interviewed using the food diary as a guide and dietary data were entered into the online ASA24 system by study staff. Chinese American children were identified using surname, and were compared to non-Chinese peers with respect to nutrient intake and the Healthy Eating Index 2010 (HEI-2010). Chinese American children consumed more sodium dense diets, more protein, and less sugar compared to non-Chinese children.  With regards to the HEI-2010, Chinese American children had less favorable whole grains and sodium scores; and more favorable seafood protein and empty calories scores compared to non-Chinese children. Sodium reduction and increasing whole grain intakes may be warranted in this group, but should be verified with additional studies.

Disparities in Sources of Added Sugars and High Glycemic Index Foods in Diets of US Children, 2011–2016

“…According to national and local estimates, the burden of obesity is highest for Hispanic children in the United States. Although obesity prevalence is lowest among Asian American children (3), anthropomorphic differences (eg, high percentage body fat, low muscle mass) among Asian populations have led to the broad consensus that current definitions of overweight and obesity likely underestimate the true burden of the metabolic effects of obesity among Asian American children (5). Evidence is mounting about the long-term vulnerability of these children; Hispanic and Asian American children are at the highest risk for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (6); therefore, they are at greater risk than children of other races/ethnicities for cardiometabolic problems throughout the life course.…”

“…Childhood obesity remains a challenge, despite numerous policies and programs focused on improving nutrition and increasing physical activity among children ( 1 ). Disparities in obesity, diet, and physical activity are clear for Hispanic and Asian American children, but data are limited ( 2 – 4 ). According to national and local estimates, the burden of obesity is highest for Hispanic children in the United States.…”

“…Studies have also recognized that the top dietary sources of sodium and preferred types of beverages for Hispanic and Asian Americans are different from those for non-Hispanic White and Black Americans ( 4 , 7 ), despite that most nutrition policies and programs target non-Hispanic White and Black Americans. This implies a mismatch of initiatives to improve nutrition for Hispanic and Asian American children.…”