The effect of solid, semi‐solid and fluid snacks on food intake and satiety in children (1040.6)

Abstract

The increase in the frequency of snacking and the types of snacks consumed among children may contribute to metabolic disorders including obesity and diabetes. The objective of this study was to explore the short‐term effects of dairy and non‐dairy snacks on subjective satiety and food intake in children. Methods: In a repeated‐measures design, 23 normal weight (5th‐85th BMI percentile) children (16 girls and 7 boys; aged 9‐14 y) were randomly assigned to one of five isocaloric (180 kcal) treatments including solid foods: deep fried potato chips (32g), mini sandwich type cookies (39g), and mozzarella cheese (63g), semi‐solid: Greek yogurt (200g), and fluid: milk (2% milk fat, 346g). Following a 12hr overnight fast, participants consumed a standardized breakfast two hours prior to each study session. Subjective appetite was measured with visual analogue scale questionnaires before and at 15, 30, 45, 90, 120 and 145 min after the treatment. Food intake was measured with an ad libitum pizza meal provided at 120 min. Results: Food intake was 82 kcal lower after the cheese treatment compared to the milk treatment (P<0.05) while the other treatments led to the intermediate results. There was an effect of time (P<0.0001), but no treatment or time‐by‐treatment effect on subjective average appetite. Conclusion: A solid dairy snack (cheese) is effective in reducing food intake in children. Grant Funding Source: Dairy Farmers of Canada