Child Nutrition Research Articles

Nutrition and Epstein-Barr viremia in children underwent liver transplantation: A retrospective, cross-sectional study

We aimed to examine the association between nutritional status, assessed by height/length and body weight for age and sex, and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) viremia in children underwent liver transplantation. Nutritional status was determined by total score of age- and sex-specific height/length and body weight: < (-2 SD) as "2 points", (-2 SD to-1 SD) as "1 point", and ≥ (-1SD) as "0 point". Children were further classified into three groups: malnutrition (4 points), risk of malnutrition (1-3 points), and normal (0 point). EBV viremia were confirmed by real time quantitative PCR method if EBV burden was ≥400 copies/ml. A total number of 896 children (414 boys and 482 girls, medium age 8 months) were included in the study. The medium height was 65.0cm while medium body weight was 7.0kg. The prevalence of EBV viremia was 54.6% during follow up. Comparing with children with normal nutritional status, the adjusted odds ratios for the risk of EBV viremia was 2.14 (95% CI: 1.44, 3.19) in children with risk of malnutrition, and 2.29 (95% CI: 1.54, 3.40) in children with malnutrition. Each point increase of nutritional score was associated with a 21% higher risk of EBV viremia (odd ratios=1.21; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.34) in fully adjusted model. Nutritional score was associated with EBV viremia in children underwent liver transplantation.

Childhood growth during recovery from acute illness in Africa and South Asia: a secondary analysis of the childhood acute illness and nutrition (CHAIN) prospective cohort

Growth faltering is well-recognized during acute childhood illness and growth acceleration during convalescence, with or without nutritional therapy, may occur. However, there are limited recent data on growth after hospitalization in low- and middle-income countries. We evaluated growth following hospitalization among children aged 2-23 months in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Between November 2016 and January 2019, children were recruited at hospital admission and classified as: not-wasted (NW), moderately-wasted (MW), severely-wasted (SW), or having nutritional oedema (NO). We describe earlier (discharge to 45-days) and later (45- to 180-days) changes in length-for-age [LAZ], weight-for-age [WAZ], mid-upper arm circumference [MUACZ], weight-for-length [WLZ] z-scores, and clinical, nutritional, and socioeconomic correlates. We included 2472 children who survived to 180-days post-discharge: NW, 960 (39%); MW, 572 (23%); SW, 682 (28%); and NO, 258 (10%). During 180-days, LAZ decreased in NW (-0.27 [-0.36,-0.19]) and MW (-0.23 [-0.34,-0.11]). However, all groups increased WAZ (NW, 0.21 [95% CI: 0.11, 0.32]; MW, 0.57 [0.44, 0.71]; SW, 1.0 [0.88, 1.1] and NO, 1.3 [1.1, 1.5]) with greatest gains in the first 45-days. Of children underweight (<-2 WAZ) at discharge, 66% remained underweight at 180-days. Lower WAZ post-discharge was associated with age-inappropriate nutrition, adverse caregiver characteristics, small size at birth, severe or moderate anaemia, and chronic conditions, while lower LAZ was additionally associated with household-level exposures but not with chronic medical conditions. Underweight and poor linear growth mostly persisted after an acute illness. Beyond short-term nutritional supplementation, improving linear growth post-discharge may require broader individual and family support. Bill & Melinda Gates FoundationOPP1131320; National Institute for Health ResearchNIHR201813.

Dissemination event on research in fluorides and dental fluorosis in Latin America - Santiago, Chile, October 18, 19 and 20, 2023

The activities developed in the Dissemination Day of the FONIS SA21I0117 project called “Academic dissemination events of the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Chile and entities participating in the study with foreign professors” are presented with the Agenda: Research in Fluorides and Dental Fluorosis”. This activity took place on October 18, 19 and 20, 2023 at the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Chile, Santiago, Chile (1). The activities carried out included a: I) Symposium on “Dental Fluorosis in Latin America”, with the participation of researchers from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru. II) Seminar on “Feeding in children from 0 to 12 months in Chile” and III) Presentation of results of research on “Fluorides” and Fluorosis developed in Latin American countries. In the fluorosis Symposium section, six research experiences were presented by researchers from 6 presentations were made from Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Peru. At the seminar on Nutrition in children under 1 year of age in Chile there were three presentations from three government entities in the country. The presentations of free works on fluorides and fluorosis in Latin America included one work from Argentina, two from Chile, one from Colombia, two from Ecuador, one from Brazil, and one from Peru. As the production of scientific works during the event was extensive and very varied, on this occasion we will present only the expanded summaries of the round table on “Dental Fluorosis in Latin America”.

Nutrition Matters: Numeracy, Child Nutrition and Schooling Efficiency in Sub-Saharan Africa in the Long Run

School enrolment has increased at an unprecedented scale in Sub-Saharan Africa but learning and the associated education efficiency have not. Given that resources are limited, the efficient use of inputs is of utmost importance for sustainable development. Hence, we investigate whether improvements in children’s nutrition can improve learning and hence efficiency. To assess this relationship, we employ average female height as our proxy for nutrition during childhood. For learning, we estimate numeracy and efficiency using a linearized version of the Whipple Index. Our data is at the subnational level focusing on the birth decades from 1950 to 1999. To deal with the endogeneity of nutrition, we use an instrumental variable approach. Our instrument is negative rainfall shocks during childhood which can adversely affect nutrition. We find that better nutrition increases education efficiency. Therefore, investments in nutrition can advance self-sustaining long-term growth based on human capital in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Pendampingan Masyarakat Pesisir sebagai Trigger Wisata Lokal Potensial

In the context of local tourism development in Tapulaga Village, the achievement and potential in the tourism sector, as well as the importance of sustainability, are the main focus. The active participation of local communities is the key to success in developing sustainable tourism that preserves the environment and the welfare of children, while maintaining the cultural and natural values of the village. International cooperation is important in this effort, although it also brings challenges. The necessary follow-up includes the development of fishermen's activity-based tourism, training in tourism crafts and marketing, and environmental policy supervision by the village government. Active community participation in nature conservation and child nutrition monitoring is also emphasized. All these efforts must be sustainable and require cooperation between relevant parties, both from the village government and the community. The development of local tourism is a great opportunity for the village, focusing on ecological sustainability, economic empowerment, community welfare, and good natural resource management for a better future.

Early childhood development and nutritional status in urban Ethiopia.

Early childhood development (ECD) is crucial for better health and well-being throughout life, but few studies have examined how ECD relates to child malnutrition. This is mainly due to lack of reliable and disaggregated data on ECD. We estimated the prevalence of ECD delays (communication, fine motor, gross motor, problem-solving and personal-social) and examined how different ECD domains were associated with child nutritional status in urban Ethiopia. Using a community-based cross-sectional survey design, 627 mother-child (12-36 months old) pairs were included in the study. The ECD was assessed using the Age and Stage Questionnaire (ASQ-3), and the nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric measurements. The association between the ECD domains and nutritional status was analysed using ordinal logistic regression, adjusting for confounding variables. Delays in ECD domains were common, especially in fine motor domain (41.9%); and more than half of the children were stunted (52.8%). Stunting and underweight were associated with ECD delays, while wasting was not. Accordingly, stunted children were more likely to have worst ECD delays in fine motor (odds ratios [OR] = 1.54; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11; 2.15), gross motor (OR = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.05; 2.04) and problem-solving (OR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.02; 1.96) domains compared to non-stunted children. Similarly, underweight children were more likely to have worse ECD delays in gross motor (OR = 1.91; 95% CI: 1.20; 3.04) and fine motor (OR = 1.90; 95% CI: 1.15; 3.15) domains compared to normal children. Coordinated and targeted ECD interventions, such as nurturing care, should be promoted and implemented widely to improve ECD outcomes and child nutrition.

Nutritional Challenges among African Refugee and Internally Displaced Children: A Comprehensive Scoping Review.

Children's nutrition in Africa, especially among those displaced by conflicts, is a critical global health concern. Adequate nutrition is pivotal for children's well-being and development, yet those affected by displacement confront distinctive challenges. This scoping review seeks to enhance our current knowledge, filling gaps in understanding nutritional and associated health risks within this vulnerable population. We conducted a scoping review of the literature on the nutritional status and associated health outcomes of this vulnerable population with the goal of informing targeted interventions, policy development, and future research efforts to enhance the well-being of African refugee and internally displaced children. This scoping review adopted Arksey and O'Malley (2005)'s methodology and considered studies published between 2000 and 2021. Twenty-three published articles met the inclusion criteria. These articles highlighted a wide variation in the levels of malnutrition among African refugee/internally displaced (IDP) children, with the prevalence of chronic malnutrition (stunting) and acute malnutrition (wasting) ranging from 18.8 to 52.1% and 0.04 to 29.3%, respectively. Chronic malnutrition was of 'high' or 'very high' severity (according to recent WHO classifications) in 80% of studies, while acute malnutrition was of 'high' or 'very high' severity in 50% of studies. In addition, anemia prevalence was higher than the 40% level considered to indicate a severe public health problem in 80% of the studies reviewed. In many settings, acute, chronic, and micronutrient malnutrition are at levels of great concern. Many countries hosting large, displaced populations are not represented in the literature, and research among older children is also lacking. Qualitative and intervention-focused research are urgently needed.

The Social Embeddedness of School-Holiday Meals for Children Based on Discourses of Need and Deservingness

AbstractThe study examines the provision of school-holiday meals for children and shows how it is embedded in society. Proper nutrition is very important for children's physical and cognitive development. However, international research shows that children's social and cultural background has a significant impact on their nutrition. To reduce these disparities and ensure that all children have a healthy diet, effective government intervention is necessary. In Hungary, school canteens and free meals during school holidays for children in need serve this purpose. The latter service is of great importance for the children of families affected by food poverty. Yet, statistics show that some of these children are unable to use this service. This study examines the period before 2016 and highlights the social embeddedness of the service and its consequences on the provision. Whether child food poverty is perceived as a social issue and a common cause generating community intervention largely depends on the local actor's correct perception of the issue, the local appraisal of need, and the consideration of parents' “deservingness.” The study also makes some suggestions about areas where further interventions should focus to improve the nutrition of children affected by food poverty.

Medical aspects of catering for children of different ages

The problems of nutrition of children and adolescents are currently of the greatest interest to domestic and foreign researchers. Currently, the issues of early formation of proper eating habits, taste perception and the impact of nutrition on the health of children of different ages are being actively studied. Various foreign and domestic studies of the nutrition structure and nutritional status of children and adolescents point to significant shortcomings in the organization of children’s nutrition, it is worth noting that these factors influence the formation of the health of children and adolescents of various age groups. The purpose of the review is to study the features of eating behavior, in particular, the issues of snacking and catering for children of different ages.

Measuring maternal autonomy and its effect on child nutrition in rural India

AbstractThis paper examines the link between a mother's autonomy—the freedom and ability to think, express, make decisions and act independently—and the nutritional status of her children. We treat ‘autonomy’ as a latent variable, and design a novel statistical framework to measure this. This method allows us to separate the direct associations of maternal and family characteristics in our model for nutrition, from their indirect associations that work through maternal autonomy. Using data from India, we explore the sensitivity of our estimates to endogeneity caused by sample selection in the presence of son preference. We find: (i) a one standard deviation (SD) higher autonomy score is associated with a 0.16 SD higher height‐for‐age z‐score (HAZ score); and (ii) a 10% lower prevalence of stunting (HAZ &lt; −2 SD). The latter is equivalent to the prevention of approximately 300,000 children stunting, indicating the important role of maternal autonomy.

Assessing Iron Deficiency Anemia in Obese Adolescents and Identifying Contributing Factors

Objective: Clinical outcomes can be significant for obesity and iron deficiency, two public health issues for which adolescents are especially vulnerable. The aim of this study was to assess the iron parameters and blood vitamin B12 levels in obese adolescents and identify the contributing variables to the development of anemia. Material and Method: The present study involved a retrospective evaluation of 260 children (130 obese-130 control) who were admitted to the Ankara Pediatrics Haematology Oncology Training and Research Hospital, Pediatric Outpatient Clinics, between March 2013 and May 2015. Body mass index (BMI) above the 95th percentile for age and gender was required for inclusion in the study group, which included children aged 12 to 18 years without acute or chronic illnesses. Data from patient files were used to collect information on physical examination findings, sociodemographic characteristics, daily dietary status, and level of physical activity. All patients had evaluations for CRP, iron parameters, vitamin B12, and complete blood count. Results: The study revealed that the obese group had significantly higher serum ferritin levels (p=0.002) and lower serum iron and vitamin B12 levels (p=0.036 and 0.047, respectively) as compared to the control group. In the obese population, elevated BMI has been demonstrated to be correlated with elevated CRP levels. Conclusion: In obese children, low serum iron and high ferritin levels can be regarded as typical reference values. Furthermore, it was discovered that low vitamin B12 levels were not associated with nutrition in obese children, although they were at risk for developing low levels

To Say or Not To Say: The Influence of Interpersonal Communication Message Structure on Child Nutrition Promotion

Purpose: This study analyzed the influence of Interpersonal Communication (IPC) message structure in the promotion child nutrition. The study which was guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM) and employed the mixed methods research design.&#x0D; Methodology: A sample of 10 Health Professionals (HPs) drawn from Public Healthcare facilities and 247 residents with children aged 5 years and below was drawn from Ganze Constituency in Kilifi County. Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics while thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data.&#x0D; Findings: The study found that incorporation of the 7Cs of effective communication was vital in Health Communication and Behaviour Change Communication specifically from a child nutrition perspective, with the strongest effect achieved through messages that were both concrete and coherent. Additionally, the ethos appeal proved to be the most powerful appeal in child nutrition communication.&#x0D; Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that communicators should ensure child nutrition messages are packaged in line with the 7Cs of effective communication. It also recommends for audience analysis research prior to the dissemination of CNI messages to ensure messages are structured using the appropriate tone, stylistic devices and persuasion appeals.

Research priorities for water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in humanitarian crises: A global prioritisation exercise

Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions should provide access to safe water and sanitation, and promote good hygiene practices with dignity, comfort and security. Multiple systematic reviews have noted evidence gaps and is a paucity of good quality evidence related to the effectiveness and implementation of WASH programmes and interventions in humanitarian crises. The aim of this study was to generate consensus-based actionable research priorities for the humanitarian WASH sector. A research prioritisation exercise was conducted by adapting the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) method. Research questions were compiled from a rapid scoping review, key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs). Questions were reviewed by a technical expert group. An online survey was circulated to score research questions according to five criteria. An overall prioritisation score was calculated and weighted to prioritise questions. A diverse range of 286 global WASH and health experts engaged in the CHNRI process. A list of 128 questions were generated and scored by experts. Prioritised research questions focussed on evaluating existing interventions or programmes, and making iterative changes to current programmes. Other important questions centred on describing WASH conditions and associated health risks in crises contexts. Priorities were also stratified by gender, organisation and region to understand differences globally. The WASH in Crises Research Agenda has identified key research questions of most importance to those implementing WASH in humanitarian crises and has established a list of research priorities. The identified priorities reinforce how more evidence is needed, and underlines the need for research to evaluate current practices in order to improve the quality of humanitarian response. Stakeholders, including donors, international and national organisations, governments and academic institutions, are invited to use this research agenda to encourage, inspire and enable relevant and high-quality research that will be used to inform humanitarian responses.

Exploring Two Years of Stunting Trends: Insights from Tidore Kepulauan

Stunting, as a complex issue, demands a serious and comprehensive approach. Accelerating efforts to reduce stunting is imperative and requires collaboration from all stakeholders, including the Tidore government, private sector, community, and families. Furthermore, addressing this issue necessitates extensive longitudinal research to investigate its prevalence and influencing factors. To tackle this, a crucial study is essential to unveil the prevalence trends of stunting from 2022 to 2023, covering the last two years in the Tidore Kepulauan. The primary goal of this research is to provide a comprehensive overview of stunting trends in Tidore through long-term analysis, exploring prevalence fluctuations. Employing a descriptive statistical approach, this study relies on numerical data as its primary foundation, focusing on in-depth descriptive analysis of stunting prevalence trends in the Tidore Kepulauan over the last two years. Data from the Directorate General of Regional Development's website reveals significant variations among villages in 2022. Villages like Gurabati (1.2%), Toloa (2.1%), and Maregam (3.8%) exhibit low rates, whereas Topo (45.5%), Topo Tiga (23.1%), and Maitara Tengah (20.6%) have high rates. Specific efforts are needed in high-prevalence villages to improve child nutrition and overall community well-being. The 2023 prevalence data shows significant variations among villages, with some areas displaying alarmingly high rates. Descriptive statistical analysis links stunting in the Tidore Kepulauan to several key factors. Malnutrition (32.4%), inadequate nutritional intake, and prenatal malnutrition (28.2%) are major contributors. Genetic factors (16.2%), poor hygiene (4.8%), and viral/bacterial infections (4.1%) also play roles. Lower economic levels and other factors contribute in smaller proportions (2.8% and 3.0% respectively). Although 8.5% of respondents are unaware of the causes, this analysis provides a comprehensive overview of factors that need attention to combat stunting in the Tidore Kepulauan.

Ankyloglossia in newborns: incidence and breastfeeding follow-up at 1 and 6 months.

Ankyloglossia is an anatomical variation of the lingual frenulum that negatively interferes with the functionality of the tongue. This condition can affect breastfeeding negatively. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of ankyloglossia among healthy babies born in Siena Hospital and the correlation between ankyloglossia and breastfeeding difficulties. We performed an observational prospective study conducted on healthy and breastfed newborns born in Siena Hospital in the period between January and June 2022. The evaluation of lingual frenulum in the first few days of life was performed by Martinelli's Lingual Frenulum Protocol with scores for Infants (MLFPI), while the clinical assessment of breastfeeding initiation was performed by the Breastfeeding Observation and Evaluation Form according to WHO-UNICEF guidelines. We also compared the reliability in predicting breastfeeding of a tool that measured the features of the tongue frenulum: the Bristol Tongue Assessment Tool (BTT). Breastfeeding at one and six months of babies' age was assessed by telephone interview, and information among children's nutrition, weight growth and difficulties found in breastfeeding was also collected. This study was approved by the Pediatric Ethics Committee for Clinical Trials of the Tuscany Region. One hundred and ninety infants were included in the study; 21 (11.05%) had a MLFPI score ≥13. Data at one month of age showed a statistically higher MLFPI score (P value <0.001) in babies with breastfeeding difficulties (median score 13.0, IQR 5.5-14), than in those without (median score 5.0, IQR 2.0-7.5). Data at 6 months of age showed a similar difference in babies with and without breastfeeding difficulties (median 12.0, IQR 4.0-14.0 vs. 5.0, IQR 2.0-8.0 respectively). A MLFPI score ≥13 is positively associated with breastfeeding difficulties at 1 and 6 months. Also, the BTT was positively a risk factor for problems in breastfeeding at 1 and 6 months. A high MLFPI score is a risk factor of breastfeeding difficulties. In these cases, a referral to experienced personnel is advisable: they can provide the emotional and professional support to the mother-child dyad, and/or refer for surgical evaluation and frenotomy. In our cohort, the usefulness of either MLFPI score or BTT was evident in predicting breastfeeding difficulties; the rate of surgical removal of the frenulum was nonetheless low.

Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies: A Narrative Review.

In emergencies, infants and young children are at risk of morbidity and mortality, which is increased by malnutrition. Environmental factors, food insecurity, household needs, misconceptions regarding breastfeeding, uncontrolled distribution of breast-milk substitutes, and psychological trauma make it difficult to implement proper feeding practices during disasters. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of infectious diseases and mortality in emergencies and is the safest way of feeding. Therefore, breastfeeding should be supported and promoted under all circumstances. When breastfeeding is not possible, relactation, wet nursing, or donor human milk should be considered as alternatives. If these options are not feasible, infant formula should be used. Formula should be provided only for infants in need, based on individual assessment. Donations of breast-milk substitutes should not be accepted; when needed, the procurement and distribution should be conducted by a single center under strict control, adhering to the requirements of the Code and Codex Alimentarius. Education and support should be provided to the family for the safe use of formulas. For infants older than 6 months, appropriate complementary feeding should be started. Complementary foods should contain nutrients that support the growth and development of infants, and they should be stored, prepared, and served safely. In conclusion, nutrition of infants and young children should be given priority in disasters as part of all emergency interventions. Determining the infants needs and ensuring proper nutrition, overcoming environmental challenges, and supporting parents will reduce nutrition-related risks and protect the health and well-being of infants and young children in emergencies.

Designing Child Nutrition Interventions to Engage Fathers: Qualitative Analysis of Interviews and Co-Design Workshops.

Fathers play a pivotal role in parenting and child feeding, but they remain underrepresented in intervention studies, especially those focused on disadvantaged populations. A better understanding of fathers' experiences and needs regarding support access and child nutrition information in the context of disadvantage can inform future interventions engaging fathers. This study aims to explore fathers' experiences; perceived enablers; and barriers to accessing support and information related to parenting, child feeding, and nutrition and to co-design principles for tailoring child nutrition interventions to engage fathers. Australian fathers of children aged 6 months to 5 years with lived experience of disadvantage participated in semistructured interviews and co-design workshops, primarily conducted via videoconference. Creative analogies were used to guide the ideation process in the workshops. A total of 25 interviews and 3 workshops (n=10 participants) were conducted, with data analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis and the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation-Behavior model. The interview data illuminated factors influencing fathers' initiation in seeking support for parenting, child feeding, and nutrition, including their experiences. It highlighted fathers' diverse information needs and the importance of an inclusive environment and encouragement. Enablers and barriers in accessing support related to parenting and child nutrition were identified at the individual (eg, personal goals and resource constraints), interpersonal (family support and false beliefs about men's caregiving role), organizational (inadequate fathering support), and systemic levels (father-inclusive practice and policy). Digital data collection methods enabled Australia-wide participation, overcoming work and capacity barriers. Videoconferencing technology was effectively used to engage fathers creatively. Key principles for engaging fathers were co-designed from the workshop data. Interventions and resources need to be father specific, child centered, and culturally appropriate; promote empowerment and collaboration; and provide actionable and accessible strategies on the what and how of child feeding. Fathers preferred multiformat implementation, which harnesses technology-based design (eg, websites and mobile apps) and gamification. It should be tailored to the child's age and targeted at fathers using comprehensive promotion strategies. Fathers faced barriers to accessing support and information related to parenting and feeding that may not adequately address their needs. Future interventions could integrate the co-designed principles to engage fathers effectively. These findings have implications for health service delivery and policy development, promoting father-inclusive practice.

Nutrition related practice of mother’s under-five children

Background: Childhood nutrition; a term which rings the bell in everyone’s mind especially the mothers of a child. Good nutrition for a child is a fact that cannot be denied for a healthier growth of a child. Individual families or communities have their own practices and belief and their own choices regarding their dietary practices. Aims &amp; Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess the nutritional knowledge of mothers of under-five children, assess the nutrition related practices of mothers of under-five children and develop multicomponent program for mothers of malnourished children. Methods &amp; Material: An exploratory survey was carried out among 146 mothers of malnourished children. The instruments used were socio-demographic profile, knowledge questionnaire on Nutrition of children and structured questionnaire on Nutrition related practices of mothers. Results: The results revealed that 129 (88.3%) mothers had average knowledge. About 71 (48.6%) mothers had moderately adequate practices and 51 (35%) had inadequate practices regarding nutrition for children. Conclusion: Mothers knowledge and dietary practices they adopt for their child has an invariable effect on their nutritional status.

한국 학령기 아동의 체중상태에 따른 식생활 특성 및 영양섭취 실태

Objectives This study aims to determine the status of obesity and underweight among school-age children in Korea and to compare and analyze dietary characteristics and nutrient intake status according to weight status.&#x0D; Methods Data from a total of 2,075 children aged 6 to 11 who participated in the 7th and 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) conducted from 2016 to 2019 were used for analysis. The height and weight of participants were used to calculate body mass index (BMI). The participants were then classified into underweight, normal weight, and overweight/obese groups. Differences in socioeconomic and dietary characteristics for each weight group were analyzed. Energy, intake of the three main nutrients, rate of energy supply, nutrient intake ratio to dietary reference intake, and the ratio of those below the nutrient reference intake were calculated for each weight group.&#x0D; Results Results indicated that 9.45% of male children and 10.74% of female children were underweight, while 20.57% of male children and 18.10% of female children were overweight/obese. The lower the parents’ education level, the higher the rate of overweight/obesity in children. Children who skipped breakfast more than five times a week had a higher rate of overweight/obesity than children who skipped breakfast less than five times a week. Compared to the underweight group, the overweight/obese group consumed more vegetables, meat, fish, and seafood but less fruit. The intake ratio to the estimated energy requirements (EER) was 97% in the underweight group and 102 to 108% in the normal and overweight/obese groups. The intake ratio of protein to the recommended intake (RI) was 144 to 166%, exceeding the protein reference intakes for all weight groups. The intake ratios of vitamin A and calcium to the RI were low at 73 to 74% and 63 to 69% in all weight groups, respectively.&#x0D; Conclusions Thus, this study suggests that the government, community-related organizations, and schools should continue to cooperate to provide efficient intervention programs to manage the health and nutrition of obese and underweight children.&#x0D;

Nutrition of preschoolers and junior schoolchildren: trends, problems and search for ways of optimization

Nutrition is one of the key factors shaping and determining the health of children in all periods of childhood. Rational nutrition provides adequate development of children’s organism, contributes to the prevention of a wide range of diseases, while nutritional imbalance affects not only physical health, but also all spheres of life activity. The article presents generalized data on the factors that ensure the formation of nutritional behavior of the child, discusses the issues of age physiology of preschool and school age, the peculiarities of the organization of nutrition, taking into account the attendance of educational institutions. The main trends and problems in the nutrition of children 3–10 years old are presented, as well as possible ways to solve them. The article discusses the possibilities of preventive interventions in case of unbalanced diet and/or increased nutrient requirements of the organism through the correction of diet, lifestyle and the use of combined vitamin and mineral complexes and biologically active additives both to ensure the physiological needs of the child’s organism and in the situation of deficiency.