Ultra-Processed Food Intake and Associations With Demographic Factors in Young New Zealand Children.
J Acad Nutr Diet, 2021/02;121(2):305-313.
Fangupo LJ, Haszard JJ, Taylor BJ, Gray AR, Lawrence JA, Taylor RW
PMID: 33500114DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2020.08.088
Impact factor: 5.234
Abstract
background: Children consume ultra-processed food (UPF) from a young age, but the proportional contribution of UPF to young children's total energy intakes has not been evaluated in developed countries.
objectives: To describe UPF intake and associations with demographic factors in young children from 12 to 60 months of age.
design: Cohort study comprising a secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial. Demographic data were collected by questionnaire. At 12, 24, and 60 months of age validated food frequency questionnaires estimated percentage of energy intake from UPF (%kcal UPF).
participants/setting: The 669 children were born in Dunedin, New Zealand, between May 2009 and December 2010.
main outcome measures: Mean percentage of energy intake from UPF at 12, 24, and 60 months of age, mean differences in %kcal UPF by demographic variables.
statistical analyses performed: Mixed effects regression models were used to estimate relationships between demographics and %kcal UPF. Multiple imputation methods were used to impute missing UPF data.
results: UPF contributed mean (95% confidence interval) 45% (44%, 47%), 42% (41%, 44%), and 51% (50%, 52%) of energy intake to the diets of children at 12, 24, and 60 months of age, respectively. Energy intake from UPF was moderately correlated between 24 and 60 months (r = 0.36). No demographic factors were associated with mean %kcal UPF across time points, except for maternal obesity predicting higher UPF intake at 12 months. Bread, yoghurt, crackers, whole-wheat breakfast cereal, sausages, and muesli bars were among the 10 foods making the greatest contribution to mean %kcal UPF intakes at all time points.
conclusions: UPF contribute a substantial proportion of energy to the diets of young children. A range of foods with varying nutritional profiles contribute to these high intakes.
Keywords: Children; Early life feeding practices; NOVA; Percentage of energy from ultra-processed foods; Ultra-processed foods
MeSH terms
Child Behavior; Child, Preschool; Demography; Diet; Diet Surveys; Energy Intake; Fast Foods; Feeding Behavior; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; New Zealand; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Regression Analysis; Surveys and Questionnaires
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