Nutrient intake and dietary patterns in children 2.5-5 years of age with picky eating behaviours and low weight-for-height

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Author : Sheri Volger, Xiaoyang Sheng, Ling M Tong, Dongmei Zhao, Ting Fan, Feng Zhang, John Ge, Wing Man Ho, Nicholas P Hays, Manjiang Yao
Keyword : picky eating, fussy eating, poor eating, preschooler, dietary intake
DOI : 10.6133/apjcn.102015.02
Issue : Asia Pac J Clin Nutr 2017;26(1):104-109
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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 chil- dren 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 in- takes were calculated using validated dietary analysis software and compared with age-appropriate Chinese Rec- ommended Nutrient Intakes (RNIs). Dietary patterns were compared with Hong Kong Food Pyramid recommen- dations. 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 insuffi- ciencies.

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