Ready-to-eat Cereal Consumption Research Articles

Ready-to-eat cereal consumption is associated with improved nutrient intakes and diet quality in Canadian adults and children across income levels.

Results from observational studies suggest ready-to-eat cereal (RTEC) consumption is associated with higher diet quality. In the United States, studies have shown that RTEC is an important contributor to nutrient intakes across income levels. However, it is unknown if this association varies by income level in the Canadian population. Given its affordability, RTEC may represent an important source of nutrients for lower-income individuals. This study evaluated the association of RTEC consumption with nutrient intakes and diet quality across household income levels in Canadian adults and children. Income and dietary data from 24 h dietary recalls were obtained from the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS)-Nutrition in 6,181 children (2-18 years) and 13,908 adults (19+ years). Diet quality was assessed with a modified Nutrient Rich Food Index (NRF) 9.3. Income levels were stratified into low, middle, and high based on family size, and data were analyzed by RTEC consumption and income level using multivariate linear regression adjusted for energy, age, and sex. Diet quality was greater in adult and child RTEC consumers across all household income levels. Children and adults consuming RTEC also had higher nutrient intakes, including shortfall nutrients such as calcium, dietary fiber, iron, magnesium, and vitamin D. RTEC provided <10% of energy intake, <4% of saturated fat intake, and <9% of total sugar intake across all ages and income levels, while also providing one-third of daily iron intake and at least 10% of daily intake of dietary fiber, thiamin, folate, and vitamin B6. RTEC consumption was associated with improved nutrient intakes and diet quality in adults and children across household income levels. Nutrient dense and affordable food choices, such as RTEC, may be a helpful strategy to improve the diet quality of Canadians, particularly those with a lower household income.

Folate and vitamin B12 usual intake and biomarker status by intake source in United States adults aged ≥19 y: NHANES 2007–2018

BackgroundFolate and vitamin B12 are important biomarkers of nutritional status of populations. ObjectivesThis study aims to estimate folate and vitamin B12 usual intakes among United States adults and examine folate and vitamin B12 biomarker status by intake source. MethodsWe analyzed data for United States adults aged ≥19 y from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2018 (n = 31,128), during which time voluntary corn masa flour (CMF) fortification was started. Usual intake was estimated using the National Cancer Institute method. Folate intake included folate from natural foods and folic acid from 4 sources: enriched cereal grain products (ECGPs), CMF, ready-to-eat cereals (RTEs), and folic acid–containing supplements (SUP). Vitamin B12 intake was mainly from food and supplements. ResultsThe median natural food folate intake (222 μg dietary folate equivalents (DFE)/d) was below the estimated average requirement (EAR) of 320 μg DFE/d. The proportions of those who consumed folic acid from ECGP/CMF only, ECGP/CMF + RTE, ECGP/CMF + SUP, and ECGP/CMF + RTE + SUP were 50%, 18%, 22%, and 10%, respectively. Median usual folic acid intakes (μg/d) were 236 (IQR: 152, 439) overall and 134, 313, 496, and 695 in the ECGP/CMF only, ECGP/CMF + RTE, ECGP/CMF + SUP, and ECGP/CMF + RTE + SUP folic acid consumption groups, respectively. Overall, 2.0% (95% CI: 1.7%, 2.3%) of adults, all of whom used folic acid supplements, consumed greater than the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 1000 μg/d folic acid. The median usual vitamin B12 intake (μg/d) was 5.2 for vitamin B12 supplement nonusers and 21.8 for users. Consumption of RTE and/or supplements with folic acid was associated with higher serum and red blood cell folate concentrations. Vitamin B12 supplement users had significantly higher serum vitamin B12 concentrations. ConclusionsFolic acid fortification plays a critical role in helping United States adults meet the folate EAR. At current fortification levels, United States adults who do not consume supplements do not have the usual folic acid intake exceeding the UL.

Consumption of Ready-to-Eat Cereal and Its Associations with Daily Nutrient Intake in Children Receiving WIC Benefits, NHANES 2013–2016

ObjectivesThe Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC program) is a federal program providing nutritious foods to eligible participants in the United States. Ready-to-eat cereal (RTEC) products that meet certain nutrition requirements are included in the WIC package. Consumption of RTEC and its association with nutrient intake in this population, however, has not been examined. This study was conducted to estimate the association between consumption of RTEC and daily nutrient intake in children receiving WIC benefits in the United States.Methods531 children aged 1 to 5 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2016 who were receiving WIC benefits at the time of the NHANES interview were classified as RTEC eaters or non-eaters depending on whether RTEC was reported in their day-1 dietary recall. Nutrient Intake was estimated as total intake from the day-1 dietary recall and was compared by RTEC consumption status using ANOVA for survey data.ResultsForty-five % of WIC children reported RTEC consumption. Those who reported RTEC consumption had significantly higher intake of energy (12%), carbohydrate (19%), dietary fiber (16%), calcium (18%), iron (75%), zinc (47%), vitamin A (36%) thiamin (39%), riboflavin (32%), niacin (41%), vitamin B6 (53%), folate (116%), vitamin B12 (57%), and vitamin D (28%), compared to non-eaters.ConclusionsThe results showed that consumption of RTEC was associated with higher intake of key vitamins and minerals in WIC children.Funding SourcesThe study was supported by Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition, General Mills, Inc.

Folate and Vitamin B12 Usual Intake and Biomarker Status in U.S. Adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2018

Abstract Objectives There are 3 major folic acid intake sources in the US—enriched cereal grain products (ECGP), ready-to-eat cereals (RTE), and folic acid containing supplements (SUP), generating 4 mutually exclusive consumption groups. This study aims to describe the contribution of these sources to folic acid intakes above the tolerable upper intake level (UL, 1000 mg/d), and their impact on red blood cell (RBC) folate and serum vitamin B12 concentrations. Methods We used data for nonpregnant US adults (≥19 y) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2018 (n = 31,128); serum vitamin B12 data were only available for 2011–2014 (n = 9,298). Median usual intake was estimated from two 24-h dietary recalls using the National Cancer Institute (NCI) method. Statistical analyses accounted for complex survey design using appropriate weights. Results The proportions of those who consumed folic acid from ECGP only, ECGP +RTE, ECGP +SUP, and ECGP +RTE +SUP were 50%, 18%, 22%, and 10%, and the median modelled usual folic acid intakes (mg/d) were 126 (interquartile range (IQR): 92,168), 308 (IQR: 267, 360), 490 (IQR: 347, 586), and 687 (IQR: 577, 767), respectively. Overall, 1.97% (95% CI: 1.96%, 1.98%) of adults consumed &amp;gt;UL. Adults who did not consume SUP did not have intakes &amp;gt;UL. The median usual vitamin B12 intake was 6.4 (IQR: 4.1, 11.7) mg/d. Consumption of RTE and/or SUP was associated with higher RBC folate concentrations (nmol/L) (ECGP only: 976 [95% CI: 963, 989], ECGP +RTE: 1130 [95% CI: 1110, 1150], ECGP +SUP: 1307 [95% CI: 1283, 1332], ECGP +RTE +SUP: 1467 [95% CI: 1439, 1495]). Serum vitamin B12 concentrations (pmol/L) were 350 (95% CI: 343, 356; ECGP only), 380 (95% CI: 366, 393; ECGP +RTE), 456 (95% CI: 440, 473; ECGP +SUP), and 485 (95% CI: 462, 509; ECGP +RTE +SUP). RBC folate deficiency (&amp;lt;305 nmol/L) was &amp;lt; 2% and vitamin B12 deficiency (&amp;lt;148 pmol/L) was &amp;lt; 6% across all folic acid consumption groups. Conclusions Folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies are low in the US population. At current fortification levels, US adults who do not consume supplements do not have usual folic acid intake exceeding the UL. Vitamin B12 intake among most US adults meets the recommended daily allowance (2.4 mg/d). Funding Sources This project was conducted with no specific support..

Abstract P130: Association Between Ready-to-eat Cereal Consumption And Nutrient Intakes Among Children 2 To 18 Years, Stratified By Household Income: Results From The National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey 2015-2018

Ready-to-eat (RTE) cereal has been associated with higher diet quality and dairy intake (it is often consumed with milk) in children and is an affordable source of under-consumed nutrients and whole grains. Because of its affordability and accessibility, the contribution of RTE cereal to nutrient and whole grain intake could potentially differ by household income level. We hypothesized that children living in low income households, which may be more susceptible to poor dietary intakes due to food insecurity, may differentially benefit, in terms of nutrient intake, from RTE cereal consumption compared to children in higher income households. The objective of this study was to quantify the nutrient intakes of U.S. children who reported consuming RTE cereal eater versus those that did not according to household income. We used data from the 2015-2016 and 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a nationally representative, cross-sectional survey. Children 2 to 18 years (n=5,028) were stratified into six groups according to RTE cereal consumption (cereal eaters vs non-eaters) and poverty-to-income ratio (PIR; low-, mid-, and high-income). We calculated the difference in intakes of 28 nutrients between cereal eaters and non-eaters stratified by PIR. Overall, it appeared that there was a greater difference in intake of nutrients between RTE cereal eaters and non-eaters for the low-income compared to the high-income children. For example, in the low-income group, RTE cereal eaters had 23% higher calcium, 70% higher iron, and 90% higher vitamin D intake compared to non-RTE cereal eaters (p&lt;0.0001 for all). In the high-income group, these differences were attenuated with cereal eaters having 12% higher calcium (p=0.03), 58% higher iron (p&lt;0.0001), and 62% higher vitamin D intake (p&lt;0.0001) compared to non-RTE cereal eaters. These data suggest that although cereal eaters had higher intake of under-consumed nutrients across all incomes, children in the low-income group particularly benefited.

Breakfast Characteristics and Its Association with Daily Micronutrients Intake in Children and Adolescents-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Breakfast is an important source of key nutrients in the diet. For this reason, the aim of this review was to investigate the associations between breakfast consumption and daily micronutrients intake in both children and adolescents (aged 2–18 years). A peer-reviewed systematic search was conducted in three datasets (PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane Library) in February 2020 in English and Spanish. Two independent reviewers evaluated 3188 studies considering the AXIS critical appraisal and PRISMA methodologies. Meta-analysis was carried out comparing results according to type of breakfast consumed (Ready to eat cereals (RTEC) breakfast or other types of breakfast) and breakfast skipping. Thirty-three articles were included in the systematic review (SR) and 7 in the meta-analysis. In the SR, we observed that those children and adolescents who usually consume RTEC at breakfast had a higher consumption of B-vitamins than those not consuming RTEC at breakfast. Breakfast consumers had a higher mineral intake (iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and iodine) than breakfast skippers. In the Meta-Analysis, RTEC consumers had significantly higher vitamin C intake than breakfast skippers (Standard Mean Difference (SMD), −4.12; 95% confidence intervals (CI): −5.09, −3.16). Furthermore, those children who usually consume breakfast had significantly higher daily intake of calcium than breakfast skippers (SMD, −7.03; 95%CI: −9.02, −5.04). Our review proposes that breakfast consumption seems to be associated with higher daily micronutrients intake than breakfast skippers.

Association Between Ready-to-Eat Cereal Consumption and Serum Level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in US Children and Adults, NHANES 2013–2014

Abstract Objectives Previous studies have shown that consumption of ready-to-eat (RTE) cereal is associated with higher dietary intake of vitamin D; however, little is known about the association between RTE cereal consumption and vitamin D status measured by the serum biomarker, 25-hydroxyvitamin D. The study was conducted to examine association between consumption of RTE cereal and serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, the clinical biomarker for vitamin D status in children and adults in the United States. Methods Children aged 1–18 years old (N = 2553) and adults aged 19 years or older (N = 4901) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013–2014 were included in the study. Day 1 dietary data were used to classify participants by RTE cereal consumption status. Vitamin D deficiency and inadequacy were assessed by serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitaminD using cut-off values recommended by the National Academy of Medicine. Adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using survey logistic regression for associations between RTEC consumption and vitamin D status in children and adults. Results Both children and adults who reported RTE cereal consumption had a significantly higher level of serum 25-hydroxyitamin D than children and adults who did not consume RTE cereal (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, family income to poverty ratio, season of data collection, and use of vitamin D containing supplements, children who consumed RTE cereal were less likely to have vitamin D inadequacy than non-eaters (aOR = 0.48, 95% CI = [0.34, 0.68]). In adults, RTEC eaters were less likely to have vitamin D deficiency than non-eaters (aOR = 0.52, 95% CI = [0.28, 0.97]). Conclusions Consumption of RTE cereal is associated with better vitamin D status in both children and adults in the United States. Funding Sources The study was funded by the Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition, General Mills, Inc.

Effects of Different Breakfast Cereals on Alertness and Wellbeing

Rationale: Previous studies have shown that there are established methodologies that can demonstrate differences between having no breakfast and consuming ready-to-eat cereals (RTEC). Much of this research has used high carbohydrate cereals (e.g. cornflakes) or high fibre cereals (e.g. wheat bran) and the present study extended this research by comparing cereals with different nutrients with a no breakfast condition. &#x0D; &#x0D; Objectives: The main objective of the study was to compare breakfast cereal conditions differing in type of grain and the presence of 2g inulin, over a 14 day period.&#x0D; &#x0D; Methods: The study involved a 14 day intervention where the participants (adults and primary school children) were assigned to either a no breakfast condition, a Rice Krispie breakfast condition or a Multi-grain condition with 2g of inulin. Questionnaires measuring aspects of wellbeing and ratings of alertness were completed at baseline and days 7 and 14.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: Participants in the breakfast conditions reported lower scores than the no breakfast group for depression, anxiety, emotional distress, fatigue, cognitive difficulties, somatic symptoms, and digestive symptoms. These effects were observed across different cereals, in both children and adults, and were significant in both weeks. Differences between the cereal conditions were not observed in the wellbeing outcomes but the cereal with inulin was associated with increased alertness at day 14. &#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusions: Consumption of RTEC is associated with better wellbeing. These effects appear to be consistent across different products, age groups and over time. In contrast, a Multi-grain cereal with added inulin was, compared to Rice Krispies, associated with greater alertness at the end of the study which could plausibly be due to changes in gut bacteria.

Within-subject Comparison of Dietary Intake and Diet Quality on Days with and Without Ready to Eat Cereal Consumption (P18-053-19)

ObjectivesStudies have shown ready to eat cereal (RTEC) eaters had better dietary intake than non-eaters, however, little is known about within-subject differences by RTEC consumption. The study was conducted to compare differences in dietary intake and diet quality between the day with and without RTEC consumption in adults from the United States. MethodsData from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013–2014 and 2015–2016 were used in the study. The sample comprised of 1818 adults aged 18 years or older who reported consumption of RTEC in one day but not the other day based on two 24-hour dietary recalls. Energy and nutrient intake were obtained from the dietary data, whereas intake of whole grains and added sugar were estimated using Food Patterns Equivalent Database. Diet quality was measured by Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI-2015). Multiple linear regression analyses for surveys were conducted to estimate within-subject differences in each outcome by RTEC consumption while adjusting for recall day, recall method, as well as a separate fixed effect of each person to control for demographic characteristics. ResultsSubjects had significantly higher intake of vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, carbohydrate, as well as dietary fiber and whole grains, together with significantly lower intake of total fat and sodium, on the day when they consumed RTEC than the day when RTEC was not consumed (P < 0.05 for all). Total energy intake, intake of protein and total sugar as well as added sugar did not differ significantly between the day with and without RTEC consumption. On days when RTEC was consumed, HEI-2015 total score, as well as sub scores for adequacy components including whole fruits, whole grains, dairy, and moderation components including saturated fat, added sugar, and sodium, were significantly higher (P < 0.05 for all). ConclusionsWhen adults consumed RTEC on a given day, they had a healthier diet with higher daily intake of dietary fiber, whole grains, as well as many key vitamins and minerals than the day when they did not consume RTEC. RTEC consumption is not associated with total energy intake and intake of total sugar or added sugar. Funding SourcesThe study was funded by General Mills, Inc.

Associations Between Consumption of Ready to Eat Cereal and Dietary Intake and Diet Quality in Hispanics (P18-052-19)

ObjectivesTo understand consumption pattern of ready to eat cereal (RTEC) in the Hispanic population in the United States and investigate associations between RTEC consumption and dietary intake as well as diet quality in this population. MethodsChildren aged between 2–17 years old (N = 899) and adults aged 18 years or older (N = 1593) who were Mexican American or other Hispanics from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015–2016 were included in the study. Day 1 dietary data were used to determine RTEC consumption status, energy intake, nutrient and food group intake. Diet quality was measured as the Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI-2015). Multiple linear regression analyses for surveys were conducted to estimate covariates-adjusted associations between RTEC consumption and dietary intake, as well as diet quality. ResultsAbout 40% of Hispanic children reported RTEC consumption whereas only 14% of Hispanic adults were RTEC eaters. RTEC eaters were more likely from lower income families. Compared to non-eaters, both children and adults who reported RTEC consumption had significantly higher intake of whole grains, dairy products, and vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc, folate, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin A, vitamin D; as well as significantly lower intake of sodium and dietary cholesterol (P < 0.05 for all). Total energy intake and added sugar intake did not differ by RTEC consumption status in both age groups. HEI-2015 total score was significantly higher in RTEC eaters than non-eaters in both Hispanic children and adults (P < 0.05 for both). ConclusionsConsumption of RTEC is associated with improved diet quality including higher intake of whole grain and dairy products, as well as several vitamins and minerals in both Hispanic children and adults. Consumption of RTEC is not associated with total energy intake or added sugar in the Hispanic population. Funding SourcesThe study was funded by General Mills, Inc.

Consumption of Ready-to-Eat Cereal in Canada and Its Contribution to Nutrient Intake and Nutrient Density among Canadians.

In recent years, ready-to-eat cereal (RTEC) has become a common breakfast option in Canada and worldwide. This study used the nationally representative cross-sectional data from the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) 2015-Nutrition to determine patterns of RTEC consumption in Canada and the contribution to nutrient intake among Canadians who were ≥2 years, of whom 22 ± 0.6% consumed RTEC on any given day. The prevalence of RTEC consumption was highest in children aged two to 12 years (37.6 ± 1.2%), followed by adolescents aged 13 to 18 years (28.8 ± 1.4%), and then by adults ≥19 years (18.9 ± 0.6%). RTEC consumers had higher intakes of “nutrients to encourage” compared to the RTEC non-consumers. More than 15% of the daily intake of some nutrients, such as folic acid, iron, thiamin, and vitamin B6, were contributed by RTEC. It was noted that nearly 66% of milk consumption was co-consumed with RTEC among RTEC consumers. The nutrient density of the diet, as defined by Nutrient-Rich Food Index (NRF 9.3), was significantly higher among RTEC consumers compared to non-consumers. RTEC consumption was not associated with overweight/obesity. RTEC consumption considerably contributed to the intake of some key nutrients among all age groups in Canada.

Improving breakfast patterns of portuguese children-an evaluation of ready-to-eat cereals according to the European nutrient profile model.

Ready-to-eat cereal (RTEC) breakfasts have been increasing in Portugal, among children. Eat Mediterranean (EM), a Portuguese comprehensive community-based intervention, proposed to improve breakfast patterns of children and adolescents and to evaluate the healthiness of RTEC according to WHO/Europe nutrient profile model (Euro-NP). EM Program was developed during two scholar years (15/16 and 16/17) toward 2333 students (pre to secondary education). Data on breakfast was provided using a family record form. The intervention consisted of 257 educational sessions addressing the principles of Mediterranean Diet, and promoting a "healthy breakfast at home". To check for compliance with Euro-NP, RTEC package food labels' nutritional composition was used. After intervention 92.9% of children/adolescents had breakfast daily with no report of breakfast skippers. RTECs were one of the most frequent (66.5%) breakfasts. Statistically significant improvements were showed for: daily qualitative and complete breakfast frequency (5.6%) and fruit (11.2%). Consumption of RTEC decreased 28%. According to Euro-NP, 84.6% of the RTECs were non-compliant, regarding sugar content. Children's RTECs presented 5% more of energy and 26% more sugar than the "non-children's" RTECs. EM strategy showed to be a successful program to improve patterns and quality of breakfast of the children and adolescents, reinforcing the importance of school-based nutritional programs in changing lifestyles. Nutrient profiling can be a useful tool to provide a selection of foods to be part of a healthy diet and can be used by policy-makers to design policies to identify the foods to which marketing restrictions to children, will apply.

Patterns of Ready‐to‐Eat Cereal Consumption and Nutrient Intakes Among Ready‐to‐Eat Cereal Eaters: Results from NHANES 2013–2014

Ready‐to‐eat (RTE) cereal intake has previously been associated with improved nutrient intakes in both children and adults in the U.S. With this research, our objective was to investigate the latest patterns of RTE cereal consumption, as well as the contribution of RTE cereal to nutrient intakes in a representative sample of the U.S. population. Using data from the National Health and Examination Survey 2013–2014, we classified children (4–12 years; n = 1,540), adolescents (13–18 years; n = 992) and adults (≥19 years; n = 5,076) as RTE cereal consumers or RTE cereal non‐consumers according to one‐day 24 hour dietary recall data. Using appropriate study weights, we found that 40% of children, 27% of adolescents and 20% of adults reported consuming RTE cereal. The majority of RTE cereal was consumed at breakfast (84%, 82% and 80% of RTE cereal for children, teens, and adults, respectively) although RTE cereal consumption was reported at all eating occasions (lunch, dinner and snacks). The mean ± standard error serving size for all RTE cereals, including light‐weight, medium‐weight and heavy‐weight cereals as defined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, at breakfast was 35±2 g for children, 48±4g for adolescents and 50±2g for adults. The mean serving size of RTE cereal for snacks, the next most frequently reported eating occasion for RTE cereal, was smaller at 30±2g for children, 49±7g for teens, and 45±3g for adults. Taken together, the majority (44%, n=116) of children, adolescents and adults who reported consuming RTE cereal as a snack had it in the evening (8pm to midnight). When comparing total day nutrient intakes between RTE cereal consumers and RTE cereal non‐consumers, we found that children, adolescents and adults who consumed RTE cereal had higher intake of several nutrients including B‐vitamins, calcium, fiber, iron, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin D, and zinc while intake of total fat and sodium were lower among RTE cereal eater (all p&lt;0.05). There was no difference total energy intake between RTE cereal consumers and non‐consumers for children, teens and adults. Total sugar intake did not differ between RTE cereal consumers and RTE cereal non‐consumers for children (110±3 g/day vs 115±3 g/day, p=0.20) and teens (123±4 g/day vs 121±5 g/day, p=0.77) although it was higher in adults (109±1 vs 122±4 g/day, p=0.01). RTE cereal contributions to daily nutrient intakes were 23–57% for B‐vitamins, 6% for calcium, 17–20% for fiber, 46–54% for iron, 10–11% for magnesium, 28–34% for vitamin A, 19–22% for vitamin D, and 29–38% for zinc while contributing 8–10% of daily energy intake. Overall, these findings indicate that RTE cereal is a popular breakfast and snack food that makes important contributions to total nutrient intake in children, adolescents and adults.Support or Funding InformationFunded by the Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition, General Mills, Inc.

Consumption of ready-to-eat cereals (RTEC) among Malaysian children and association with socio-demographics and nutrient intakes – findings from the MyBreakfast study

ABSTRACTBackground: The association between different types of breakfast meals and nutrient intakes has been studied to a lesser extent.Objective: This study compared nutrient intakes at breakfast and throughout the day between Malaysian children who consumed ready-to-eat cereals (RTEC) and those who did not.Methods: Anthropometric and dietary data for 1955 children aged 6–12 years from the MyBreakfast study were used in the analysis.Results: Overall, 18% of the children consumed RTEC at breakfast on at least one of the recall days. RTEC consumption was associated with younger age, urban areas, higher income and education level of parents. Among consumers, RTEC contributed 10% and 15% to daily intakes of calcium and iron respectively and ≥20% to daily intakes of vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin and niacin. RTEC consumers had significantly higher mean intakes of vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, iron and sugar but lower intakes of fat and sodium than non-RTEC consumers at breakfast and for the total day.Conclusion: Consumption of fortified RTEC at breakfast was associated with lower fat and sodium intakes and higher intakes of several micronutrients both at breakfast and for the total day. However, total sugar intakes appeared to be higher.

Effects of Ready-to-Eat-Cereals on Key Nutritional and Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review.

BackgroundIn many countries breakfast cereals are an important component of breakfast. This systematic review assesses the contribution of consumption of ready-to eat cereal (RTEC) to the recommended nutrient intake. Furthermore, the effects of RTEC consumption on key health parameters are investigated as well as health promoting properties of RTEC.MethodThe Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL have been searched up till 16th of June 2015. Randomized controlled trials were excluded if RTEC were used during hypocaloric diets, if RTEC were eaten at other times than breakfast and if breakfasts included other products than RTEC, milk and fruit. Observational studies were excluded when “breakfast cereals” were not defined or their definition included cooked cereals. From cross-sectional studies only data concerning energy and nutrient intake as well as micronutrient status were used.ResultsFrom 4727 identified citations 64 publications met the inclusion criteria of which 32 were cross-sectional studies, eight prospective studies and 24 randomized controlled trials. Consumption of RTEC is associated with a healthier dietary pattern, concerning intake of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, fat and micronutrients, however total sugar intake is higher. Persons consuming RTEC frequently (≥ 5 times/week) have a lower risk of inadequate micronutrient intake especially for vitamin A, calcium, folate, vitamin B 6, magnesium and zinc. Evidence from prospective studies suggests that whole grain RTEC may have beneficial effects on hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Consumption of RTEC with soluble fiber helps to reduce LDL cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic men and RTEC fortified with folate can reduce plasma homocysteine.DiscussionOne of the review’s strengths is its thorough ex/inclusion of studies. Limitations are that results of observational studies were based on self-reported data and that many studies were funded by food-industry.ConclusionConsumption of RTEC, especially of fiber-rich or whole grain RTEC, is implicated with several beneficial nutritional and health outcomes. The effect on body weight, intestinal health and cognitive function needs further evaluation. Of concern is the higher total sugar intake associated with frequent RTEC consumption.

Ready-to-Eat Cereal Consumption with Total and Cause-Specific Mortality: Prospective Analysis of 367,442 Individuals

Background: Intakes of ready-to-eat cereal (RTEC) have been inversely associated with risk factors of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers; however, their relations with total and cause-specific mortality remain unclear.Objective: To prospectively assess the associations of RTEC intakes with all causes and disease-specific mortality risk.Design: The study included 367,442 participants from the prospective National Institutes of Health (NIH)–AARP Diet and Health Study. Intakes of RTEC were assessed at baseline.Results: Over an average of 14 years of follow-up, 46,067 deaths were documented. Consumption of RTEC was significantly associated with reduced risk of mortality from all-cause mortality and death from CVD, diabetes, all cancer, and digestive cancer (all p for trend < 0.05). In multivariate models, compared to nonconsumers of RTEC, those in the highest intake of RTEC had a 15% lower risk of all-cause mortality and 10%–30% lower risk of disease-specific mortality. Within RTEC consumers, total fiber intakes were associated with reduced risk of mortality from all-cause mortality and deaths from CVD, all cancer, digestive cancer, and respiratory disease (all p for trend < 0.005).Conclusions: Consumption of RTEC was associated with reduced risk of all-cause mortality and mortality from specific diseases such as CVD, diabetes, and cancer. This association may be mediated via greater fiber intake.

CONSUMPTION OF READY-TO-EAT CEREAL IS INVERSELY ASSOCIATED WITH BODY MASS INDEX IN 6-13 YEARS OLD CHILEAN SCHOOLCHILDREN

childhood obesity in Chile is a serious problem with the prevalence continuing to increase over the last decade, despite all governmental efforts to diminish it. Studies indicate that the consumption of certain foods may help to control body weight. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between ready-to-eat cereals (RTEC), body mass index and nutritional intake of macronutrients and micronutrients in school children from Santiago, Chile. the study included 1 477 children aged 6-13 years who were evaluated by trained nutritionists. Weight, height and waist circumference were measured and a 24-hour recall questionnaire was administered in which the hours spent watching TV were also recorded. Overall, 32% of boys and 28 % of girls were overweight but the difference between them was not significant. All children, regardless of sex, showed a significant inverse relationship between amounts of RTEC consumed and body mass index (BMI). Those girls that consumed higher amount of RTEC had a reduced waist circumference than those that had a lower intake. A high consumption of RTEC in all children was related to a higher intake of calories, proteins, carbohydrates, calcium and zinc and to a lower intake of calories from fat. RTEC consumption was also associated with lower risk of being overweight/obese. this study identifies RTEC intake as a potential indicator of a healthy diet. Controlled interventions are necessary to isolate the effect of RTEC consumption from other participating factors.

Ready-to-eat cereals improve nutrient, milk and fruit intake at breakfast in European adolescents.

Purpose Breakfast consumption has been recommended as part of a healthy diet. Recently, ready-to-eat cereals (RTEC) became more popular as a breakfast item. Our aim was to analyse the dietary characteristics of an RTEC breakfast in European adolescents and to compare them with other breakfast options. MethodsFrom the European multi-centre HELENA study, two 24-h dietary recalls of 3137 adolescents were available. Food items (RTEC or bread, milk/yoghurt, fruit) and macro- and micronutrient intakes at breakfast were calculated. Cross-sectional regression analyses were adjusted for gender, age, socio-economic status and city.ResultsCompared to bread breakfasts (39 %) and all other breakfasts (41.5 %), RTEC breakfast (19.5 %) was associated with improved nutrient intake (less fat and less sucrose; more fibre, protein and some micronutrients like vitamin B, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus) at the breakfast occasion. Exceptions were more simple sugars in RTEC breakfast consumers: more lactose and galactose due to increased milk consumption, but also higher glucose and fructose than bread consumers. RTEC consumers had a significantly higher frequency (92.5 vs. 50.4 and 60.2 %) and quantity of milk/yoghurt intake and a slightly higher frequency of fruit intake (13.4 vs. 10.9 and 8.0 %) at breakfast.ConclusionsAmong European adolescents, RTEC consumers showed a more favourable nutrient intake than consumers of bread or other breakfasts, except for simple sugars. Therefore, RTEC may be regarded as a good breakfast option as part of a varied and balanced diet. Nevertheless, more research is warranted concerning the role of different RTEC types in nutrient intake, especially for simple sugars.

The intake of ready to eat cereals in breakfast is associated with fewer intakes of 24 h unsaturated fats but not of fruits, vegetables or fiber in Mexican children

IntroductionThe consumption of Ready to eat cereal (RTEC) at breakfast has been associated with a better dietary habits and healthy life styles.ObjectiveTo describe the macronutrient intake, food consumed with breakfast and healthy lifestyles in Mexican children by category of RTEC: Breakfast RTEC, Non‐RTEC breakfast and breakfast skippers (BS).MethodsDietary data were collected from a 24h recall. We examined fruits and vegetables, fiber, saturated and unsaturated fat intakes, screen time, and physical activity. Statistical analyses were adjusted by the survey design.ResultsPreschoolers (11.5%), scholars (10.2%) and adolescents (5.7%) had RTEC breakfast. The foods most frequently consumed with RTEC were milk sugar and fruit. No differences between adequacy of fruits, vegetable and fiber were found by RTEC categories. The 24 h intake of saturated (20.5g vs 17.8g, p&lt;0.05) or unsaturated fats (28.3 vs 23.9 g, p&lt;0.05) was greater in preschoolers breakfasting non‐RTEC than those eating RTEC or non‐breakfast. The 24h intakes of unsaturated fats was lower in scholar girls (35.5 g vs 39.3 g &amp; 41.8g, p&lt;0.05) and adolescents (40.0g vs 45.5g, &amp; 52.0g respectively, p&lt;0.05) RTEC consumers thannon‐RTEC or BS individuals. Adolescents that had breakfastcomparedwith non‐RTEC or BS individuals had the same physical activity and less screen time.ConclusionThe RTEC intake is associated with fewer intakes of 24 h fat intakes, without differences in the intake of fruits, vegetables, fiber, physical activity and screen time.

Unmetabolized Folic Acid by Sources of Folic Acid Intake Among US Adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007‐2008

Circulating unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA) has generated great interest; however, its biological effects are unclear. The prevalence of UMFA by all sources of folic acid intake from foods and supplements has not been assessed among a nationally representative sample of US adults. Using cross‐sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007‐2008, we examined the prevalence of any detectable circulating UMFA and UMFA &gt;1 nmol/L among US adults &gt;19 years (n=1,496), categorized into mutually exclusive groups according to sources of folic acid consumption: enriched cereal grain products (ECGP) only, ECGP + ready‐to‐eat cereals (RTE), ECGP + supplements (SUP), and ECGP+RTE+SUP. Intake was self‐reported and assessed using 2‐24 hour dietary recalls. We used chi‐square tests in SUDAAN to compare the prevalence across different exposure groups adjusting for sex, age, and race/ethnicity. Compared to those consuming ECGP only, the consumption of RTEs and/or supplements with folic acid was positively associated with detectable circulating UMFA and UMFA &gt;1 nmol/L. The proportion of adults with detectable UMFA among ECGP only, ECGP+RTE, ECGP+SUP, and ECGP+RTE+SUP was 95%, 97%, 96%, and 99%, respectively (p=0.0447). The proportion of adults with UMFA &gt;1 nmol/L among these same groups was 18%, 32%, 50%, and 62%, respectively (p&lt;0.0001). Among adults who consumed supplements containing folic acid, the prevalence of UMFA &gt;1 nmol/L was 47% and 68% among those consuming &lt;400 and &gt;400 µg folic acid/day from supplements, respectively (p=0.0014). These analyses indicate that the prevalence of circulating UMFA was high among US adults post‐folic acid fortification.