Unhealthy Snacking Behaviors and Nutrients to Limit From Snacks Among U.S. Infants and Toddlers
Abstract Objectives The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends avoiding foods with added sugars and limiting foods higher in sodium before 2 years of age. This study examined the contributions of sweet and salty snacks in infant and toddler diets. Methods This cross-sectional analysis of dietary intake used three 24-hour dietary recalls collected from mothers of 141 infants and toddlers ages 9 to <16 months. Dietary recalls were collected over the phone by trained researchers using a validated multiple pass method. Snacks high in nutrients to limit were categorized as sweet (e.g., cakes, cookies) and salty (e.g., chips, crackers) using What We Eat in America food categories. The average number of snacks per day, total energy from snacks, and nutrients to limit from snacks were evaluated for 71 infants (9 to <12 months) and 70 toddlers (12 to < 16 months). Results Mothers were on average 32.6 ± 4.4 years old, identified as white (78.0%), and were college graduates (87.1%). Most infants/toddlers were breastfed ≥6 months (68.1%) and were introduced to solid foods after 4 months (96.5%). More than one-third (40.1%) of infants consumed at least one snack high in nutrients to limit on any given day. These snacks accounted for 5% of total energy (24 ± 49 kcals), 56.2% of total added sugars, 11.7% of total sodium, and 2.8% of total fat in infant dietary intakes. Similarly, more than two-thirds (74.3%) of toddlers consumed at least one snack high in nutrients to limit on any given day. These snacks accounted for 6.3% of total energy (60 ± 74 kcals), 75.0% of total added sugars, 8.4% of total sodium, and 5.3% of total fat in toddler dietary intakes. Conclusions Infants and toddlers consume snacks that contribute discretionary calories and added sugars. Given the new guidelines to avoid foods and beverages with added sugars before 2 years, future studies should examine factors that influence snack intake during this early development period. Funding Sources National Institute on Child Health and Human Development, Grant/Award Number: R01HD087082-01.