Comparison of nutrition education policies and programs for children in China and other selected developed countries

Abstract

A double burden of overweight/obesity and malnutrition during childhood is a major concern in China. Dietary intakes in this critical period affect children's physical and cognitive development, and also have health consequences in later life. Therefore, establishing healthy eating habits that will endure is crucial for children. Nutrition education is an effective way in improving nutrition knowledge and attitudes, and healthy eating behaviors. Diverse forms of nutrition improvement programs that targeting children, family, teachers, and school settings have been conducted in many developed countries. However, due to the differences of genetic background, household environment as well as dietary patterns between Chinese children and children from other countries, the existing nutrition education programs for children abroad might not be appropriate for children in China. Thus, nutrition education programs that consider Chinese nutrition-related policies and food supply as well as the local educational resources are required for Chinese children. This review summarized nutrition-related policies and legislations in China and developed countries. A series of evidence-based nutrition education programs that combined educational strategies and environmental supports conducted in the Southwest China Childhood Nutrition and Growth Study were presented. These programs can serve as example models for adopting nutrition interventions to improve nutrition and health status of children in different regions of China.