Sheri Volger1, Xiaoyang Sheng2, Ling M Tong3, Dongmei Zhao4, Ting Fan5, Feng Zhang6, John Ge7, Wing Man Ho8, Nicholas P Hays9, Manjiang P Yao9. 1. Nestlé Nutrition, King of Prussia, PA, USA. Email: Sheri.volger@rd.nestle.com; sheri.volger@gmail.com. 2. Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai, China. 3. Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China. 4. Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong Province, China. 5. Department of Paediatrics, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China. 6. Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China. 7. Wyeth Nutrition (China) Company Ltd, Shanghai, China. 8. Wyeth (Hong Kong) Holding Company Ltd, Hong Kong, China. 9. Nestlé Nutrition, King of Prussia, PA, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Picky eating behaviours are common in young children and may adversely affect dietary intake. This study examined the adequacy of dietary patterns and nutrient intake in preschool-aged children in China and Hong Kong with picky eating behaviours and weight-for-height in the lowest quartile of the WHO Growth Standards. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN:Dietary intake was assessed using baseline 3-day food records from a multicenter, randomized trial in Chinese children (N=151) ages 2.5-5 years characterized as picky eaters by their parents and with weight-for-height <=25th percentile of the WHO Growth Standards. Nutrient intakes were calculated using validated dietary analysis software and compared with age-appropriate Chinese Recommended Nutrient Intakes (RNIs). Dietary patterns were compared with Hong Kong Food Pyramid recommendations. RESULTS:Median daily energy intake was 25% lower than the age-appropriate RNI, while median intakes of calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamins C and E ranged from 52%-73% of the RNI. Vitamin D intake was only 37% of the RNI. Total fat and sodium intakes exceeded recommendations by 10% and 56%, respectively, while >16% of daily energy was derived from foods in the sweets/beverages/snack and the fats/oils groups. Almost 75% of the children met the recommended daily servings of meat/meat substitutes and nearly half met the recommendation for daily servings of fruit. Fewer met the recommendations for daily servings of vegetables (14.7%), milk/milk products (6.3%), and grains and cereals (6.3%). CONCLUSIONS:Young children with picky eating behaviours and low weight-for-height had suboptimal dietary patterns and were at risk for significant dietary and nutrient insufficiencies.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Picky eating behaviours are common in young children and may adversely affect dietary intake. This study examined the adequacy of dietary patterns and nutrient intake in preschool-aged children in China and Hong Kong with picky eating behaviours and weight-for-height in the lowest quartile of the WHO Growth Standards. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: Dietary intake was assessed using baseline 3-day food records from a multicenter, randomized trial in Chinese children (N=151) ages 2.5-5 years characterized as picky eaters by their parents and with weight-for-height <=25th percentile of the WHO Growth Standards. Nutrient intakes were calculated using validated dietary analysis software and compared with age-appropriate Chinese Recommended Nutrient Intakes (RNIs). Dietary patterns were compared with Hong Kong Food Pyramid recommendations. RESULTS: Median daily energy intake was 25% lower than the age-appropriate RNI, while median intakes of calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamins C and E ranged from 52%-73% of the RNI. Vitamin D intake was only 37% of the RNI. Total fat and sodium intakes exceeded recommendations by 10% and 56%, respectively, while >16% of daily energy was derived from foods in the sweets/beverages/snack and the fats/oils groups. Almost 75% of the children met the recommended daily servings of meat/meat substitutes and nearly half met the recommendation for daily servings of fruit. Fewer met the recommendations for daily servings of vegetables (14.7%), milk/milk products (6.3%), and grains and cereals (6.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Young children with picky eating behaviours and low weight-for-height had suboptimal dietary patterns and were at risk for significant dietary and nutrient insufficiencies.
Authors: Natalie Campbell; Michèle Verdonck; Libby Swanepoel; Laine Chilman Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-01-17 Impact factor: 3.390