scholarly journals Characterizing children’s eating patterns: does the choice of eating occasion definition matter?

Author(s):  
Rebecca M. Leech ◽  
Alison C. Spence ◽  
Kathleen E. Lacy ◽  
Miaobing Zheng ◽  
Anna Timperio ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Recommendations to define eating occasions (EO) currently exist for research in adults, but not for children or adolescents. We examined how varying EO definitions affect the characterization of eating patterns in children and adolescents. Methods Cross-sectional dietary data collected using a 24-h recall data during the 2011–12 Australian National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (1364 boys and 1337 girls aged 2–18 years) were analyzed. Eight definitions were applied: participant-identified, time-of-day, and 6 neutral definitions (EO separated by 15- or 60-min and/or an additional energy criterion of 21 or 210 kJ). Frequency of and total energy intake from meals, snacks, and all EO were estimated. F tests stratified by gender and age-group, were used to assess differences between definitions. Agreement between definitions of meal and snack frequencies was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Linear regression was used to estimate the proportion of variance in total energy intake (kJ) and BMI z-score predicted by each definition. Results Mean frequencies of meals and snacks differed between the participant-identified and time-of-day definitions, in boys and girls and for all age groups (P < 0.01). Across the six neutral definitions, there were differences between mean frequencies of EO with the largest mean difference observed for children aged 2–3 y (boys: 2.3, girls: 2.5; P < 0.003). Between the participant-identified and time-of-day definitions, there was good agreement for frequencies of snacks (ICC for both genders: 0.93) but not meals (boys: 0.36; girls: 0.38). The 15-min time interval plus 210 kJ definition of an EO consistently predicted the most variance in total energy intake (R2 range = 8.1–34.8). Definitions that delineated meals and snacks better predicted variance in BMI z-score, when compared to the neutral definitions. Conclusions How eating patterns are characterized vary depending on the EO definitions employed, particularly in young children. Variance in total energy intake was best predicted by a variation of the neutral definition whereas definitions that delineated meals and snacks performed better in relation to predicting BMI variance. Further international research that compares EO definitions in children will help inform a standard approach.

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1053-1053
Author(s):  
Rebecca Leech ◽  
Alison Spence ◽  
Katie Lacy ◽  
Miaobing Zheng ◽  
Anna Timperio ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Currently, there are recommendations to defining eating occasions (EO) for use in studies of adults, but none exist for children or adolescents. This study examined how varying definitions of EO influence the characterization of eating patterns in children and adolescents. Methods Cross-sectional 24-h dietary recall data collected during the 2011–12 Australian National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (n = 2701, age range: 2–18 years) were analyzed. Eight definitions were applied: participant-identified, time-of-day, and 6 neutral definitions (individual EO separated by 15- or 60-min and/or an additional energy criterion of 5 kcal or 50 kcal). Frequency of and total energy intake from meals, snacks, and all EO were estimated. Differences between definitions were tested using F tests, stratified by sex and age-group. Agreement between definitions of meal and snack frequencies was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). For each definition, linear regression was used to estimate the proportion of variance in total energy intake (kcal) and BMI z-score predicted by frequency of meals and snacks and all EO. Results In boys and girls and across all age groups, mean frequencies of meals and snacks differed between the participant-identified and time-of-day definitions (P &lt; 0.01). There were differences between mean frequencies of EO across the 6 neutral definitions with the largest mean difference observed for children aged 2–3 y (boys: 2.3, girls: 2.5; P &lt; 0.003). There was good agreement (ICC) for snacks (boys: 0.93, girls: 0.93) but not meal frequencies (boys: 0.36; girls: 0.38) between the participant-identified and time-of-day definitions. The definition of 15-min time interval plus 210 kJ consistently predicted the most variance in total energy intake (R2 range = 8.1–34.8). Generally, definitions that delineated meals and snacks best predicted variance in BMI z-score. Conclusions Variations in the definition of EO affect how eating patterns are characterized, particularly in young children. A variation of the neutral definition best predicted variance in total energy intake and findings for BMI were mixed. Further research that compares EO definitions in younger and older children is needed to inform a standard approach. Funding Sources National Heart Foundation of Australia; National Health and Medical Research Council.


2012 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosangela A Pereira ◽  
Kiyah J Duffey ◽  
Rosely Sichieri ◽  
Barry M Popkin

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the patterns of consumption of foods high in solid fats and added sugars (SoFAS) in Brazil.DesignCross-sectional study; individual dietary intake survey. Food intake was assessed by means of two non-consecutive food records. Foods providing >9·1 % of energy from saturated fat, or >1·3 % of energy from trans fat, or >13 % of energy from added sugars per 100 g were classified as high in SoFAS.SettingBrazilian nationwide survey, 2008–2009.SubjectsIndividuals aged ≥10 years old.ResultsMean daily energy intake was 8037 kJ (1921 kcal), 52 % of energy came from SoFAS foods. Contribution of SoFAS foods to total energy intake was higher among women (52 %) and adolescents (54 %). Participants in rural areas (43 %) and in the lowest quartile of per capita family income (43 %) reported the smallest contribution of SoFAS foods to total energy intake. SoFAS foods were large contributors to total saturated fat (87 %), trans fat (89 %), added sugar (98 %) and total sugar (96 %) consumption. The SoFAS food groups that contributed most to total energy intake were meats and beverages. Top SoFAS foods contributing to saturated fat and trans fat intakes were meats and fats and oils. Most of the added and total sugar in the diet was supplied by SoFAS beverages and sweets and desserts.ConclusionsSoFAS foods play an important role in the Brazilian diet. The study identifies options for improving the Brazilian diet and reducing nutrition-related non-communicable chronic diseases, but also points out some limitations of the nutrient-based criteria.


BMJ Open ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (10) ◽  
pp. e005138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shashank R Joshi ◽  
Anil Bhansali ◽  
Sarita Bajaj ◽  
Subodh S Banzal ◽  
Mala Dharmalingam ◽  
...  

ObjectiveTo assess the dietary total and complex carbohydrate (CHO) contents in type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) participants in India.SettingWe enrolled 796 participants in this cross-sectional, single-visit, multicentre, two-arm, single-country survey. Participants were enrolled from 10 specialty endocrinology/dialectology centres from five regions of India.ParticipantsA total of 796 participants (Asian) were enrolled in this study (385, T2DM and 409, non-T2DM). Key inclusion criteria—male or female ≥18 years, diagnosed with T2DM ≥12 months (T2DM), and not on any diet plan (non-T2DM).Study outcomePrimary outcome was to find out the percentage of total energy intake as simple and complex CHO from total CHO. Secondary outcomes were to find the differences in percentage of total energy intake as simple CHO, complex CHO, proteins and fats between T2DM and non-T2DM groups. The percentage of T2DM participants adhering to diet plan and showing glycaemic controls were also examined.ResultsThe mean (SD) of total calorie intake per day (Kcal) was 1547 (610, 95% CI 1486 to 1608) and 2132 (1892, 95% CI 1948 to 2316), respectively, for T2DM and non-T2DM groups. In the T2DM group (n=385), the mean (SD) percentage of total energy intake as total CHO, complex CHO and simple CHO was 64.1±8.3 (95% CI 63.3 to 64.9), 57.0±11.0 (95% CI 55.9 to 58.1) and 7.1±10.8 (95% CI 6.0 to 8.2), respectively. The mean (SD) percentage of complex CHO intake from total CHO was 89.5±15.3 (95% CI 88.0 to 91.1). The mean (SD) total protein/fat intake per day (g) was 57.1 (74.0)/37.2 (18.6) and 57.9 (27.2)/55.3 (98.2) in T2DM and non-T2DM groups, respectively.ConclusionsOur study shows that CHO constitutes 64.1% of total energy from diet in T2DM participants, higher than that recommended in India. However, our findings need to be confirmed in a larger epidemiological survey.Trial registration numberNCT01450592 & Clinical Trial Registry of India: CTRI/2012/02/002398.


2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gustavo Cediel ◽  
Marcela Reyes ◽  
Maria Laura da Costa Louzada ◽  
Euridice Martinez Steele ◽  
Carlos A Monteiro ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the consumption of ultra-processed foods and analyse its association with the content of added sugars in the Chilean diet.DesignCross-sectional study of national dietary data obtained through 24 h recalls and classified into food groups according to the extent and purpose of food processing (NOVA classification).SettingChile.SubjectsA probabilistic sample of 4920 individuals (aged 2 years or above) studied in 2010 by a national dietary survey (Encuesta Nacional de Consumo Alimentario).ResultsUltra-processed foods represented 28·6 (se 0·5) % of total energy intake and 58·6 (se 0·9) % of added sugars intake. The mean percentage of energy from added sugars increased from 7·7 (se 0·3) to 19·7 (se 0·5) % across quintiles of the dietary share of ultra-processed foods. After adjusting for several potential sociodemographic confounders, a 5 percentage point increase in the dietary share of ultra-processed foods determined a 1 percentage point increase in the dietary content of added sugars. Individuals in the highest quintile were three times more likely (OR=2·9; 95 % CI 2·4, 3·4) to exceed the 10 % upper limit for added sugars recommended by the WHO compared with those in the lowest quintile, after adjusting for sociodemographic variables. This association was strongest among individuals aged 2–19 years (OR=3·9; 95 % CI 2·7, 5·9).ConclusionsIn Chile, ultra-processed foods are important contributors to total energy intake and to the consumption of added sugars. Actions aimed at limiting consumption of ultra-processed foods are being implemented as effective ways to achieve WHO dietary recommendations to limit added sugars and processed foods, especially for children and adolescents.


2013 ◽  
Vol 27 (S1) ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Whitney Evans ◽  
Paul Jacques ◽  
Gerard E. Dallal ◽  
Jennifer Sacheck ◽  
Aviva Must

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naoko Hatta ◽  
Yuki Tada ◽  
Tadasu Furushou ◽  
Misao Kato ◽  
Rieko Kanehara ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Childhood motor skills are important not only for the physical and mental health of children, but also for the prevention of future lifestyle diseases. This study aimed to investigate how motor skills among first-grade children in Japan are associated with dietary and lifestyle habits, after adjustment for various confounding factors.Methods: First-grade children (aged 6-7 years) attending three public elementary schools in Tokyo, Japan (n=884), participated in this cross-sectional study. Homeroom teachers distributed self-administered questionnaires to parents and children. Questionnaires focused on lifestyle habits and required completion of a 1-day dietary record. Motor skills were measured by the New Physical Fitness Test (NPFT). Physique was calculated using Rohrer’s index formula: weight (kg) / height (cm) 3 × 107. Multiple regression analysis was used to investigate the association between NPFT score and determinant factors. We also examined the association between NPFT score and the amount of energy derived from a healthy diet versus snacks.Results: NPFT scores were significantly and positively correlated with involvement in exercise lessons (boys, β = 0.131, P = 0.006; girls, β = 0.121P = 0.012), total energy intake (boys, β = 0.096, P = 0.041; girls, β = 0.145, P = 0.003), and outside playtime in boys (β = 0.135), and negatively correlated with Rohrer’s index in girls (β = -0.097, P = 0.047). Moreover, the amount of energy derived from a healthy diet showed positive correlations with NPFT score (boys, β = 0.120, P = 0.011; girls, β = 0.137, P = 0.005).Conclusions: Children’s motor skills were associated with the Rohrer’s index, involvement in sports lessons, outside playtime, and total energy intake, particularly that derived from a healthy diet. These results suggest that a well-balanced diet including grains, vegetables, fish and meat, fruits, and milk, is important for improving children’s motor skills.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Steib Céline ◽  
Ingegerd Johansson ◽  
Mohammed Hefni ◽  
Cornelia Witthöft

AbstractDespite the growing evidence supporting legume consumption as part of healthy and sustainable diet, little information is known on legume intake in the Swedish population. The aim of the present study was to describe legume consumers in Sweden, their nutrient intake and study the association with biomarkers of nutritional status using food consumption and biomonitoring data from Swedish adults in the 2010–11 National Riksmaten survey. Total legume intake - including pulses, fresh legumes, soy products, peanuts, sprouts and mixed meals with legumes - was estimated using a web-based 4-d food records in adults 18–80 years (n = 1772). A range of biomarkers including non-fasted plasma ferritin and folate, as well as erythrocyte folate, were measured for a subsample of the population (n = 282). Legumes were consumed by 44% of the population, median intake was 36 g/d (Q1 = 16; Q3 = 71; n = 777). Legumes provided on average 3.3% of individual's total energy intake (%E) with no significant difference between sexes. Pulses were consumed by 33% of consumers contributing to 3.2 ± 2.8 %E intake whereas soy products were consumed by 8.6% of legume consumers but contributing to 6 ± 7.5 %E. Legume intake among self-reported vegetarians (n = 55) was significantly higher (p < 0.000) than for non-vegetarians, with mean daily intakes of 92 ± 99 g/d and 21 ± 42 g/d, respectively. Age (p 0.0066) was significantly higher in Q4 of legume intake and alcohol consumption was significantly lower (p 0.0008); BMI, gender, smoking habits, education and total energy intake did not differ. 23% of legume consumers have a fiber intake of 25–35 g/d whereas only 11% of non-consumers reach recommended intake (p 0.0001). Iron, folate and dietary fiber intakes were significantly higher (p < 0.000) in Q4 of legume intake. 32% of legume consumers meet recommended intakes of folate (RI 300 μg/d) versus 18% for non-consumers (p 0.000). Notably, 5.76% of women of reproductive age (18–44 y.o.) eating legumes reach 400 μg/d versus 0.79% for non-consumers (p 0.002). Plasma ferritin and erythrocyte folate levels did not differ between legume consumers and non-consumers. However, for women in reproductive age (n = 31), plasma folate levels were significantly higher in consumers than non-consumers (p 0.0102). Legume consumers have higher fiber intake and more frequently meet recommended folate intakes while maintaining adequate iron intake. In conclusion, legume consumers in Sweden are characterized by a defined diet pattern that generally is associated with better health.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oscar F. Herrán ◽  
Edna M. Gamboa-Delgado ◽  
María Del Pilar Zea

Abstract The present study was aimed at (1) the differences between current weight v. ideal weight, (2) total energy intake and comparing it with required energy (Rkeer), (3) absolute protein intake in g/kg per d and g/1000 calories, (4) how energy and protein intake relate to the nutritional status of the subjects in terms of overall overweight (OEW) [overweight + obesity] and conservative overweight (CEW) [obesity] and (5) the contribution (%) of protein to total energy intake based on the acceptable macronutrient distribution range (AMDR). A dietary study was carried out in Colombia with 29 259 subjects between 1 and 64 years of age, based on cross-sectional data collected in 2015 by a 24-h dietary recall (24HR) administered as part of the National Nutrition Survey. Energy and protein intake did not differ by nutritional status. In the general population, energy intake was 2117 kcal/d (95 % CI 1969, 2264). The total protein intake was 64⋅3 g/d (95 % CI 61⋅4, 67⋅3). Adequate energy intake ranged from 90 to 100 %, except for the 1–4-year-old group, which ranged from 144 to 155 %. Protein intake was 1⋅64 g/kg per d (95 % CI 1⋅53, 1⋅75). The mean AMDR for protein to total energy intake was 13⋅3 % (95 % CI 12⋅9, 13⋅7). Excess weight began during the first 4 years of age. In conclusion, it is worth reviewing and updating energy and protein intake recommendations and dietary guidelines for the Colombian population and designing and modifying public policy.


2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (12) ◽  
pp. 2271-2279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernanda Marcelina Silva ◽  
Luana Giatti ◽  
Roberta Carvalho de Figueiredo ◽  
Maria del Carmen Bisi Molina ◽  
Letícia de Oliveira Cardoso ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectiveTo verify if the intake of ultra-processed foods is associated with higher BMI and waist circumference (WC) among participants of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) cohort.DesignCross-sectional analysis of the ELSA-Brasil baseline (2008–2010). Dietary information obtained through an FFQ was classified according to characteristics of food processing (NOVA) and used to estimate the percentage energy contribution from ultra-processed foods (i.e. industrial formulations, elaborated from food processing, synthetic constituents and food additives) to individuals’ total energy intake. BMI and WC and their respective cut-off points served as response variables. Associations were estimated through linear and multinomial logistic regression models, after adjusting for confounders and total energy intake.SettingSix Brazilian capital cities, 2008–2010.SubjectsActive and retired civil servants, aged 35–64 years, from universities and research organizations (n8977).ResultsUltra-processed foods accounted for 22·7 % of total energy intake. After adjustments, individuals in the fourth quartile of percentage energy contribution from ultra-processed foods presented (β; 95 % CI) a higher BMI (0·80; CI 0·53, 1·07 kg/m2) and WC (1·71; 1·02, 2·40 cm), and higher chances (OR; 95 % CI) of being overweight (1·31; 1·13, 1·51), obese (1·41; 1·18, 1·69) and having significantly increased WC (1·41; 1·20, 1·66), compared with those in the first quartile. All associations suggest a dose–response gradient.ConclusionsResults indicate the existence of associations between greater energy contribution from ultra-processed foods and higher BMI and WC, which are independent of total energy intake. These findings corroborate public policies designed to reduce the intake of this type of food.


2016 ◽  
Vol 75 (4) ◽  
pp. 487-500 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Almoosawi ◽  
S. Vingeliene ◽  
L. G. Karagounis ◽  
G. K. Pot

The importance of the circadian rhythm in regulating human food intake behaviour and metabolism has long been recognised. However, little is known as to how energy intake is distributed over the day in existing populations, and its potential association with obesity. The present review describes global trends in time-of-day of energy intake in the general population based on data from cross-sectional surveys and longitudinal cohorts. Evidence of the association between time-of-day of energy intake and obesity is also summarised. Overall, there were a limited number of cross-sectional surveys and longitudinal cohorts that provided data on time-of-day of energy intake. In the identified studies, a wide variation in time-of-day of energy intake was observed, with patterns of energy distribution varying greatly by country and geographical area. In relation to obesity, eight cross-sectional surveys and two longitudinal cohorts were identified. The association between time-of-day of energy intake and obesity varied widely, with several studies reporting a positive link between evening energy intake and obesity. In conclusion, the current review summarises global trends in time-of-day of energy intake. The large variations across countries and global regions could have important implications to health, emphasising the need to understand the socio-environmental factors guiding such differences in eating patterns. Evidence of the association between time-of-day of energy intake and BMI also varied. Further larger scale collaborations between various countries and regions are needed to sum data from existing surveys and cohorts, and guide our understanding of the role of chrono-nutrition in health.


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