Association between provegetarian food patterns and micronutrient adequacy in preschoolers: the SENDO project

Abstract

This study aims to examine the association between different versions of a provegetarian food pattern and micronutrient adequacy in a population of children from the SENDO Project. Children aged 4–5 years old were recruited and baseline information on diet, lifestyle and socio-demographic characteristics was collected through self-administered online questionnaires completed by their parents. Scores were calculated for overall, healthful, and unhealthful provegetarian food patterns (FP) using an a priori approach. Participants were categorized into tertiles according to their scores. Micronutrient adequacy was assessed using the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) cut-off point. Multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between tertiles of each provegetarian FP and the risk of inadequate micronutrient intake (failing to meet ≥ 3 requirements). Despite lower intakes of certain micronutrients, children with higher scores in the healthful provegetarian FP did not exhibit a higher prevalence of inadequacy. Children in the highest tertile of this index had 0.47-fold lower odds (95%CI 0.23–0.95) of having ≥ 3 inadequate micronutrient intakes than their peers in the lowest tertile, after adjusting for potential confounders. In contrast, children in the highest tertile of the unhealthful provegetarian FP had 20.06-fold higher odds (95%CI 9.19–43.79) of having ≥ 3 inadequate micronutrient intakes compared to children in the lowest tertile. Conclusions: Adherence to a healthful provegetarian food pattern is associated with improved nutritional adequacy in preschoolers, while following an unhealthful pattern is detrimental to micronutrient adequacy. These results suggest that moderate reductions in animal food consumption within a healthy diet may not compromise micronutrient adequacy in young children. Further research is needed to explore the impact of diets reduced in animal food intake on the health of children.What is Known:• There's a notable trend towards plant-based diets due to health and sustainability concerns.• Research links plant-based diets in adults with lower risks of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.What is New:• A new study examines how different versions of a provegetarian food pattern affect micronutrient adequacy in children, using a moderate and stepwise approach.• Following a healthful provegetarian food pattern enhances nutritional adequacy in preschoolers, whereas an unhealthful pattern negatively impacts micronutrient adequacy.