Examination of dietary intake of UK preschool children by varying carers: Evidence from the 2008-2016 UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey

Abstract Early years caregivers can play a key role in young children’s eating and the prevention of childhood obesity. The UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) is a large representative survey collecting detailed food and nutrition consumption data. Using these data, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between dietary intake of preschool children in the UK aged two to four years old and accompanying adult/s. Nutrition consumption data from 1,218 preschool children from years one to eight of the NDNS (2008 to 2016) were accessed. Dietary data was captured using three or four day estimated food diaries. Regression analyses were performed to explore the association between dietary intake and accompanying adult. There were significant differences in consumption when children were not accompanied by their parents. Compared to when children were with parents, children consumed significantly more energy (15kcal, 95% CI 7-23kcal) sodium (−19mg, 95% CI 6-32mg), added sugars (0.6g, 95% CI 0.1-1.1g), vegetables (3g, 95% CI 1-4g), total grams (12g, 95% CI 3-21g) and saturated fat (0.2g, 95% CI 0.1-0.4g) per eating occasion when accompanied by wider family. When children were accompanied by a formal carer they consumed significantly less added sugars (−1.6g, 95% CI −2.4-0.8g) and more fruit (12g, 95% CI 3-21g) per eating occasion than when they were with their parents. The results demonstrate that non-parental caregivers might be an important target to promote healthy eating in young children. Further research is needed to establish which caregivers would benefit most.

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The healthfulness and prominence of sugar in child-targeted breakfast cereals in Canada

Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada ◽

10.24095/hpcdp.37.9.02 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 37 (9) ◽

pp. 266-273 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Monique Potvin Kent ◽

Cher Cameron ◽

Sarah Philippe

Keyword(s):

Saturated Fat ◽

Grocery Store ◽

Nutritional Content ◽

Breakfast Cereal ◽

Product Lines ◽

Added Sugar ◽

Breakfast Cereals ◽

Added Sugars ◽

The Uk ◽

Marketing To Children

Introduction The objective of this study was to compare the nutritional content and healthfulness of child-targeted and “not child-targeted” breakfast cereals and to assess the predominance of added sugar in these products. Methods We collected data on the nutritional content of 262 unique breakfast cereals found in the five largest grocery store chains in Ottawa (Ontario) and Gatineau (Quebec). We noted the first five ingredients and the number of added sugars present in each cereal from the ingredients list. The various cereal brands were then classified as either “healthier” or “less healthy” using the UK Nutrient Profile Model. We assessed each cereal to determine if it was child-targeted or not, based on set criteria. Statistical comparisons were made between child and not child-targeted cereals. Results 19.8% of all breakfast cereals were child-targeted, and these were significantly lower in total and saturated fat. Child-targeted cereals were significantly higher in sodium and sugar and lower in fibre and protein, and were three times more likely to be classified as “less healthy” compared to not child-targeted cereals. No child-targeted cereals were sugar-free, and sugar was the second most common ingredient in 75% of cereals. Six breakfast cereal companies had child-targeted product lines that consisted entirely of “less healthy” cereals. Conclusion There is a need for regulations that restrict food marketing to children and youth under the age of 17 on packaging to reduce their appeal to this age group. Children’s breakfast cereals also need to be reformulated through government-set targets, or through regulation should compliance be deemed unacceptable.

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Feasibility of Safe-Tea: a parent-targeted intervention to prevent hot drink scalds in preschool children

Injury Prevention ◽

10.1136/injuryprev-2018-042921 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 26 (1) ◽

pp. 31-41 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

C Verity Bennett ◽

Linda Hollén ◽

Harriet Dorothy Quinn-Scoggins ◽

Alan Emond ◽

Alison Mary Kemp

Keyword(s):

Preschool Children ◽

First Aid ◽

Early Years ◽

Visual Methods ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Community Based ◽

Effective Prevention ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Prevention Interventions ◽

The Uk

ObjectiveDespite the high prevalence of preventable hot drink scalds in preschool children, there is a paucity of research on effective prevention interventions and a serious need to improve parents’ knowledge of first aid. This study investigates the feasibility of ‘Safe-Tea’, an innovative multifaceted community-based intervention delivered by early-years practitioners.Methods‘Safe-Tea’ was implemented at Childcare, Stay&Play and Home Visit settings in areas of deprivation in Cardiff, UK. A mixed-methods approach was used, including preintervention and postintervention parent questionnaires and focus groups with parents and practitioners to test the acceptability, practicality and ability of staff to deliver the intervention, and parents’ knowledge and understanding.ResultsIntervention materials, activities and messages were well received and understood by both parents and community practitioners. Interactive and visual methods of communication requiring little to no reading were most acceptable. Parents’ understanding of the risk of hot drink scalds in preschool children and knowledge of appropriate first aid improved postintervention. Parents knew at baseline that they ‘should’ keep hot drinks out of reach. Focus group discussions after intervention revealed improved understanding of likelihood and severity of scald injury to children, which increased vigilance. Parents gained confidence to correct the behaviours of others at home and pass on first aid messages.ConclusionThis feasibility study is a vital step towards the development of a robust, evidence-based behaviour change intervention model. Work is underway to refine intervention materials based on improvements suggested by parents, and test these more widely in communities across the UK.

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Comparative dietary intake and sources of phylloquinone (vitamin K1) among British adults in 1986–7 and 2000–1

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/bjn20061971 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 96 (6) ◽

pp. 1105-1115 ◽

Cited By ~ 33

Author(s):

Christopher W. Thane ◽

Caroline Bolton-Smith ◽

W. Andy Coward

Keyword(s):

Dietary Intake ◽

Regional Difference ◽

Geometric Mean ◽

Nutrition Survey ◽

Dietary Records ◽

Food Content ◽

Occupational Social Class ◽

Using Data ◽

The Uk ◽

Specific Food

Using data from 7 d weighed dietary records, dietary intake and sources of phylloquinone (vitamin K1) were examined by socio-demographic and lifestyle factors in 1916 participants aged 16–64 years from the 1986–7 Dietary and Nutritional Survey of British Adults, and 1423 participants aged 19–64 years from the 2000–1 National Diet and Nutrition Survey. Using UK-specific food content data, geometric mean phylloquinone intakes were estimated as 72 (95 % CI 70, 74) and 67 (95 % CI 65, 69) μg/d in 1986–7 and 2000–1 respectively (P < 0·001). In 1986–7, 47 % of participants had phylloquinone intakes below the UK guideline for adequacy ( ≥ 1 μg/kg body weight per d), compared with 59 % in 2000–1 (P < 0·001). In both surveys, daily phylloquinone intake was higher among men than women and increased significantly with age. Participants of manual occupational social class, or who were smokers, had lower phylloquinone intake than their counterparts. Participants living in Scotland and northern England had lower phylloquinone intake than those living elsewhere in mainland Britain, particularly in 1986–7 when the contribution from vegetables was also lower than elsewhere. However, by 2000–1 this regional difference was no longer significant. Overall, vegetables contributed 63 % of phylloquinone intake in 1986–7 and 60 % in 2000–1, with cooked leafy green vegetables (LGV) providing 23 and 19 % respectively. In both surveys, the contribution of vegetables (cooked LGV in particular) was directly associated with age. These data show a decrease in phylloquinone intake from 1986–7 to 2000–1, mainly owing to lower consumption of cooked LGV.

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Associations between frequency of yogurt consumption and nutrient intake and diet quality in the United Kingdom

Journal of Nutritional Science ◽

10.1017/jns.2021.63 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 ◽

Author(s):

Yong Zhu ◽

Neha Jain ◽

Norton Holschuh ◽

Jessica Smith

Keyword(s):

United Kingdom ◽

Dietary Intake ◽

Diet Quality ◽

Free Sugar ◽

Nutrition Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The United Kingdom ◽

Calcium Magnesium ◽

Food Diaries ◽

The Uk

Abstract Little is known on the association between frequency of yogurt consumption and dietary intake in the United Kingdom (UK). The aim of the present study was to examine associations between frequency of yogurt consumption and dietary outcomes in children (n 1912, age 9⋅6 ± 0⋅1 years, 51 % boys) and adults (n 2064, age 48⋅7 ± 0⋅5 years, 49 % men) using cross-sectional data from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey rolling programme year 7 to year 9 (2014/15–2016/17). The frequency of yogurt consumption was determined by the number of days with yogurt reported in 4-d food diaries and participants were classified as non-eaters, occasional eaters (1–2 d of consumption) or regular eaters (3–4 d of consumption). Dietary outcomes were estimated from food diaries. The frequency of yogurt consumption was positively associated with intake of key vitamins and minerals such as thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin C, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and iodine in both children and adults (all P < 0⋅0018), as well as higher intake of total dairy (P < 0⋅0001 for both children and adults). Regular yogurt eaters were more likely to meet or exceed nutrient recommendations for vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, riboflavin, folate, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc and iodine (all P < 0⋅001). Diet quality was positively associated with frequency of yogurt consumption in children (P = 0⋅045) and adults (P < 0⋅001). No association between yogurt consumption and free sugar intake was found (P = 0⋅49 for children and P = 0⋅29 for adults). The study suggests that frequency of yogurt consumption is associated with better dietary intake and diet quality in children and adults in the UK.

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A Disaggregation Methodology to Estimate Intake of Added Sugars and Free Sugars: An Illustration from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu10091177 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (9) ◽

pp. 1177 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Birdem Amoutzopoulos ◽

Toni Steer ◽

Caireen Roberts ◽

Darren Cole ◽

David Collins ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Accurate Method ◽

Dietary Intakes ◽

Nutrition Survey ◽

Free Sugars ◽

Added Sugars ◽

Nutrition Research ◽

Dried Fruit ◽

Nutritional Surveillance ◽

Good Repeatability ◽

The Uk

Various and inconsistent definitions for free and added sugars are used in the consideration and assessment of dietary intakes across public health, presenting challenges for nutritional surveillance, research, and policy. Furthermore, analytical methods to identify those sugars which are not naturally incorporated into the cellular structure of foods are lacking, thus free and added sugars are difficult to estimate in an efficient and accurate way. We aimed to establish a feasible and accurate method that can be applied flexibly to different definitions. Based on recipe disaggregation, our method involved five steps and showed good repeatability and validity. The resulting Free Sugars Database provided data for seven components of sugars; (1) table sugar; (2) other sugars; (3) honey; (4) fruit juice; (5) fruit puree; (6) dried fruit; and (7) stewed fruit, for ~9000 foods. Our approach facilitates a standardized and efficient assessment of added and free sugars, offering benefit and potential for nutrition research and surveillance, and for the food industry, for example to support sugar reduction and reformulation agendas.

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Free and Added Sugar Consumption and Adherence to Guidelines: The UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (2014/15–2015/16)

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12020393 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 393 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Birdem Amoutzopoulos ◽

Toni Steer ◽

Caireen Roberts ◽

David Collins ◽

Polly Page

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Dietary Intake ◽

Free Sugar ◽

Food Diary ◽

Nutrition Survey ◽

Added Sugar ◽

Free Sugars ◽

Sugar Intake ◽

The Uk ◽

The Impact

Monitoring dietary intake of sugars in the population’s diet has great importance in evaluating the efficiency of national sugar reduction programmes. The study objective was to provide a comprehensive assessment of dietary sources of added and free sugars to assess adherence to public health recommendations in the UK population and to consider the impact of different sugar definitions on monitoring. The terms “added sugar” and “free sugar” are different sugar definitions which include different sugar components and may result in different sugar intakes depending on the definition. Dietary intake of added sugars, free sugars and seven individual sugar components (sugar from table sugar; other sugars; honey; fruit juice; fruit puree; dried fruit; and stewed fruit) of 2138 males and females (1.5–64 years) from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) 2014–2016, collected using a 4 day estimated food diary, were studied. Added and free sugar intake accounted for 7% to 13% of total energy intake respectively. Major sources of free sugar intake were “cereals and cereal products”, “non-alcoholic beverages”, and “sugars, preserves, confectionery”. Differences between added and free sugar intake were significantly large, and thus use of free sugar versus added sugar definitions need careful consideration for standardised monitoring of sugar intake in relation to public health.

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National Diet and Nutrition Survey: fat and fatty acid intake from the first year of the rolling programme and comparison with previous surveys

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114511002911 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 107 (3) ◽

pp. 405-415 ◽

Cited By ~ 45

Author(s):

Gerda K. Pot ◽

Celia J. Prynne ◽

Caireen Roberts ◽

Ashley Olson ◽

Sonja K. Nicholson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Age Groups ◽

Saturated Fat ◽

Food Sources ◽

First Year ◽

Dietary Intakes ◽

Nutrition Survey ◽

Established Risk Factor ◽

Adults And Children ◽

Total Fat ◽

The Uk

High saturated fat intake is an established risk factor for several chronic diseases. The objective of the present study is to report dietary intakes and main food sources of fat and fatty acids (FA) from the first year of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) rolling programme in the UK. Dietary data were collected using 4 d estimated food diaries (n896) and compared with dietary reference values (DRV) and previous NDNS results. Total fat provided 34–36 % food energy (FE) across all age groups, which was similar to previous surveys for adults. Men (19–64 years) and older girls (11–18 years) had mean intakes just above the DRV, while all other groups had mean total fat intakes of < 35 % FE. SFA intakes were lower compared with previous surveys, ranging from 13 to 15 % FE, but still above the DRV. Mean MUFA intakes were 12·5 % FE for adults and children aged 4–18 years and all were below the DRV. Meann-3 PUFA intake represented 0·7–1·1 % FE. Compared with previous survey data, the direction of change forn-3 PUFA was upwards for all age groups, although the differences in absolute terms were very small.Trans-FA intakes were lower than in previous NDNS and were less than 2 g/d for all age groups, representing 0·8 % FE and lower than the DRV in all age groups. In conclusion, dietary intake of fat and FA is moving towards recommended levels for the UK population. However, there remains room for considerable further improvement.

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Comparison of Dietary Intake Methods with Young Children

Psychological Reports ◽

10.2466/pr0.1994.74.3.883 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 74 (3) ◽

pp. 883-889 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Ronald J. Iannotti ◽

Alan E. Zuckerman ◽

Elaine M. Blyer ◽

Robert W. O'Brien ◽

Jeremy Finn ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Preschool Children ◽

Food Intake ◽

Home Care ◽

Dietary Intake ◽

Food Frequency Questionnaire ◽

Saturated Fat ◽

Accurate Assessment ◽

Food Frequency ◽

Dietary Recall ◽

The Third

To select a valid method for obtaining dietary intake of preschool children, food intake of 17 children (8 in daycare programs and 9 in home care) was measured for three days. Each day, home caregivers and daycare staff were asked to recall what the child had eaten during the previous 24 hours. After the third day, the Willett Food Frequency Questionnaire was administered to assess intake during the preceding seven days, which included the three days of measured foods. There were no significant differences between means from measured and recalled intake. Although the children's gender and care status (daycare versus home care) made no difference in measured intake, there were significant differences in recalled intake for energy and percent of calories from saturated fat. In this study the questionnaire did not provide an accurate assessment of measured intake and could not replace the dietary recall.

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Misclassification of coffee consumption data and the development of a standardised coffee unit measure

BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health ◽

10.1136/bmjnph-2018-000013 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 11-19 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Robin Poole ◽

Sean Ewings ◽

Julie Parkes ◽

Jonathan A Fallowfield ◽

Paul Roderick

Keyword(s):

Coffee Consumption ◽

Sensitivity Analyses ◽

Future Research ◽

Food Diary ◽

Nutrition Survey ◽

Coffee Intake ◽

Preparation Methods ◽

Consumption Data ◽

Different Populations ◽

The Uk

BackgroundAssociations of coffee consumption with multiple health outcomes have been researched extensively. Coffee consumption, usually reported in cups a day, is a heterogeneous measure due to numerous preparation methods and cup sizes, leading to misclassification. This paper develops a new ‘unit’ measure of coffee and uses coffee consumption data from a representative sample of the UK population to assess misclassification when cup volume and preparation type are not taken into account.MethodsA coffee unit measure was created using published estimates of caffeine and chlorogenic acid concentrations, and applied across volumes and preparation types. Four-day food diary data in adults from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS; 2012–2016) were used to quantify coffee intake. Participant self-reported cups a day were compared with cups a day standardised by (a) 227 mL volume and (b) 227 mL instant coffee equivalents (unit measure), and the degree of misclassification was derived. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to model coffee drinking preferences of different populations and caffeine:chlorogenic acid weighting assumptions of the unit measure.ResultsThe NDNS sample consisted of 2832 adult participants. Coffee was consumed by 62% of participants. Types varied, with 75% of caffeinated coffee cups being instant, 17% filter, 3% latte, 2% cappuccino, 2% espresso and <1% other types. Comparing reported cups to volume-standardised cups, 84% of participants had correct classification, and 73% when using the coffee unit measure, 22% underestimated and 5% overestimated, largely by one cup. Misclassification varied by gender, age and income. Sensitivity analysis highlighted the benefits of using the unit measure over volume alone to cater for different populations, and stability of the unit composition assumption.ConclusionCup volume and preparation type should be taken into account, through the application of a standardised coffee unit measure, when coffee consumption is classified in future research studies.

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The nutritional impact of replacing dietary meat with meat alternatives in the UK: a modelling analysis using nationally representative data

British Journal Of Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s0007114521002750 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-31

Author(s):

Dominic N Farsi ◽

Dinithi Uthumange ◽

Jose Munoz Munoz ◽

Daniel M Commane

Keyword(s):

Sugar Content ◽

Saturated Fat ◽

Nutritional Intake ◽

Market Model ◽

Nutrition Survey ◽

Meat Intake ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

Total Fat ◽

The Uk

Abstract Dietary patterns high in meat compromise both planetary and human health. Meat-alternatives may help facilitate meat reduction, however the nutritional implications of displacing meat with meat-alternatives does not appear to have been evaluated. Here, data from the 9th cycle of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey was used as the basis of models to assess the effect of meat substitution on nutritional intake. We implemented three models; model 1 progressively replaced 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% of the current meat intake with a weighted mean of meat-alternatives available in the UK market. Model 2 compared different ingredient categories of meat-alternative; vegetable, mycoprotein, a combination of bean and pea, tofu, nut and soy. Model 3 compared fortified versus unfortified meat-alternatives. The models elicited significant shifts in nutrients. Overall, there were increases in carbohydrate, fibre, sugars and sodium, whereas reductions were found for protein, total and saturated fat, iron and B12. The greatest effects were seen for; vegetable-based (+24.63g/day carbohydrates), mycoprotein-based (−6.12g/day total fat), nut-based (−19.79g/day protein, +10.23g/day fibre; −4.80g/day saturated fat, +7.44g/day sugars), soy-based (+495.98mg/day sodium), and tofu-based (+7.63mg/day iron, −2.02μg/day B12). Our results suggest meat-alternatives can be a healthful replacement for meat if chosen correctly. Consumers should seek out meat-alternatives which are low in sodium and sugar, high in fibre, protein and with high micronutrient density, to avoid compromising nutritional intake if reducing their meat intake. Manufacturers and policy makers should consider fortification of meat-alternatives with nutrients such as iron and B12 and focus on reducing sodium and sugar content.

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