Dietary Patterns Of Children Research Articles

Plant-Based Diets in Pediatric Subjects: Heart-Healthy Option or Dangerous Choice?

Plant-based diets (PBDs) are dietary patterns characterized by a certain degree of animal-derived food exclusion. PBDs can be divided into different dietary patterns, from vegetarian to vegan, depending on the degree and the extent of animal-derived food avoidance. PBDs are becoming epidemically popular among the general population, including adult subjects as well as children and adolescents, who often follow the dietary pattern chosen by their families. Our narrative review aims to analyze the most frequently adopted plant-based dietary patterns in children and adolescents and to evaluate their feasibility, advantages, and risks in terms of health promotion and disease prevention in the developmental age. The MEDLINE-PubMed database was searched to collect and select publications from 1980 to 2024. Subjects following these dietary patterns, especially vegan diets, must be under strict nutritional control and receive adequate micronutrients and vitamin supplementation. Nutrition-skilled professionals should be adequately updated and informed about the feasibility and the risks of these different patterns' adoption at different ages, as they should guide and accompany children and adolescents and their families in their nutritional choices without prejudices, granting adequate macronutrient and micronutrient intake, adequate growth and neurodevelopment.

Dietary patterns among European children and their association with adiposity-related outcomes: a multi-country study.

Children's diets in school-age are inherently unhealthy, with few meeting dietary recommendations. Yet, little is known about similarities and differences on dietary patterns across countries and their association with obesity. We aimed to derive dietary patterns in childhood and explore their association with adiposity-related outcomes in childhood and adolescence. This study included data from six European countries (Spain, France, UK, Greece, Lithuania and Norway) during childhood (n = 1597) and adolescence (n = 803). Using a food frequency questionnaire, we derived data-driven dietary patterns through exploratory factor analyses and calculated the Mediterranean KIDMED index. We assessed body mass index z-score (zBMI), fat mass proportion and waist-to-height ratio at both visits. Associations were estimated using generalized linear regressions, adjusted for key-confounders. "Meat", "Dairy", "Western", "Healthy" and "Sweets and fats" dietary patterns were derived. Norwegian children showed better diet quality, with higher consumption of fruits and vegetables, and highest "Healthy pattern" adherence, and Lithuanian children, the worst, with higher sweets consumption, and highest "Western pattern" adherence. Children with lower intake of healthy foods (vegetables, fruits, fish) tended to have higher adiposity, e.g., children with average or low "Healthy pattern" adherence (vs. high) had higher fat mass proportion in childhood (average: β (95% CI) 1.44 (0.48; 2.39), low: 1.10 (0.09; 2.12)). Low adherence to a "Healthy pattern" (vs. high) was associated with increased adolescent zBMI, and child and adolescent waist-to-height ratio. Low "Dairy pattern" adherence (vs. high), was associated with lower zBMI and fat mass in childhood, but not in adolescence. No significant associations were seen with the KIDMED index. Many European children have poor diets and a low adherence to a healthy diet pattern may be of concern for adiposity-related outcomes. Assessment of children's dietary patterns can help tailor dietary advice and provide support for families aiming to prevent future excess weight gain.

Preschool Children's Dietary Patterns Are Associated with Food Shopping Establishments: The SENDO Project.

Background: Eating habits established during the preschool stage may last a lifetime, underlining the importance of choosing and purchasing healthy foods for proper nutrition. Aim: To assess the associations between place of food purchase and dietary intake and quality in Spanish preschool children. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was carried out within the framework of the SEguimiento del Niño para un Desarrollo Óptimo (SENDO) project. Data were collected using (1) the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), from which dietary nutrient intake and diet quality (NOVA System classification and KIDMED index) were analysed, and (2) the baseline food habits questionnaire, which asked about the food purchase outlet. Data were analysed by logistic regression, considering the intra-group correlation between siblings and using the type of food purchase outlet as a grouping variable. Results: Children from families shopping in hypermarkets consumed fewer nutrients, less minimally processed foods, as well as less fruit and vegetables than children from families shopping in specialised shops. Conclusions: Food shopping in specialised outlets can improve the quality of children's diets, promoting healthier habits such as greater adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and increasing the consumption of minimally processed foods. This has a positive impact on children's long-term health.

Family meals on prescription as treatment for childhood obesity-a randomized controlled trial.

The aim with the present study was to evaluate the effects and tolerability of Family Meals on Prescription, a 3-month intensive dietary intervention with a participatory approach on body mass index (BMI) and metabolic health in children living with obesity. In this prospective randomized controlled trial, children aged 5-15years were included from the Pediatric Obesity outpatient Clinics in Halland, Sweden. Participants were randomly assigned to receive lifestyle treatment with or without Family Meals on Prescription (FMP) consisting of a subsidized prepacked grocery bag including recipes and provisions for five Family Meals per week for 3months. The primary endpoint was changed in BMIz after 3, 12 and 18-24months and secondary endpoints included to assess tolerability of FMP and effects on metabolic biomarker and frequency of shared meals. Eighty-nine children (51.7% female) entered the study, 54 patients in the intervention group and 35 in the control group. There were no significant differences between the groups concerning gender, age or level of obesity at baseline. The Family Meal on Prescription intervention combined with lifestyle treatment led to a significantly greater reduction in BMIz than lifestyle treatment alone after the 3-month long intervention (- 0.17 vs + 0.01, p < 0.01); however, this difference was not sustained throughout the study period, and in fact, the control group had a greater reduction in BMIz after 18-24months.A subsidized prepacked grocery bag may be a novel, well-tolerated and effective tool in the treatment of childhood obesity. The fact that the BMIz reduction shown at the end of the intervention did not persist over time emphasized the need of long-term treatment. Registered at clinicaltrals.gov 27 Nov 2020, retrospectively registered: clinicaltrials.gov number 19002468. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05225350 What is Known: • Swedish data shows that lifestyle treatment alone is not sufficient for many families undergoing treatment for childhood obesity. • Regular family meals and mealtime routines have been shown to be important for nutritional health and dietary patterns in children and adolescents. What is New: • This intervention with a participatory approach involving prepacked family meals was well tolerated and led to a significant reduction in BMIz during the intervention. • That fact that these results were not sustained over time indicates a need to evaluate longer interventions, and that childhood obesity is a chronic and complex disease which requires long-time treatments.

Exploring Maternal Socio-Demographic Factors Shaping Children's Dietary Patterns in Brazil: Results from the 2019 National Health Survey.

This study aimed to identify the dietary patterns of Brazilian children aged 6-23 months and to investigate their association with maternal socio-demographic factors. Data from the 2019 Brazilian National Health Survey were used in this cross-sectional study. Mothers of 1616 children aged 6-23 months reported on their children's dietary intake. Dietary patterns were identified using principal component analysis, and their associations with maternal socio-demographic characteristics were assessed using linear regression models. The first consisted of healthy patterns and the second, unhealthy ones. Linear regression showed that adherence to a healthy dietary pattern was higher among children of mothers who were older (β = 0.02, p = 0.01), had more years of education (β = 0.49, p = 0.04), reported living with a partner (β = 0.29, p = 0.01), and resided in an urban area (β = 0.35, p = 0.01). Conversely, adherence to the unhealthy pattern was positively associated with mothers who declared themselves as black or brown (β = 0.25, p = 0.03). Our results show that older mothers with higher levels of education and paid work and who live with a partner are more likely to contribute to their children's healthy eating patterns. We conclude that socio-demographic factors may influence the quality of the food offered to children. Nevertheless, advocating for public policies promoting nutritious complementary diets emphasising fresh and minimally processed foods remains crucial for children whose mothers do not possess these favourable socio-demographic characteristics.

Dietary patterns and risk of developing asthma among pre-schoolers

BackgroundEarly childhood dietary patterns have been identified as potential factors that can influence the development of asthma in children. The objective of the study was to determine the association between dietary patterns, identified through PCA, and asthma in pre-schoolers. MethodsThis unmatched case-control study used data from 3 145 pre-schoolers participating in the parent population-based observational study conducted in a District Municipality, Province. The study consisted of 189 pre-schoolers (63 with asthma, 126 controls) between 1 and 8 years. We identified primary dietary patterns by conducting a PCA on reported food consumption data from the Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (QFFQ). Multivariate logistic regression models determined the relationship between food patterns and asthma. ResultsThe results of our study identified four primary dietary patterns that defined the dietary preferences of the pre-schoolers: Meat general and dressings pattern, Healthy dietary pattern, Sugary and /or sweetened drinks pattern, and Mixed dietary pattern. The consumption of sugary and sweetened drinks, (adjusted OR 7.0, 95% CI: 2.3-21.1-1; p=0.00) as well as a Mixed dietary pattern, (adjusted OR 4.0, 95% CI: 1.4-11.1; p=0.03) were positively associated with a higher probability of developing asthma. A Healthy dietary pattern (adjusted OR 0.02, 95% CI: 0.00-0.09; p=0.00) was negatively associated with an increased likelihood of presenting with asthma. ConclusionsIn the current study, a Healthy dietary pattern was negatively associated with an increased likelihood of presenting with asthma. Diet modification may be a potential intervention to impact the increasing prevalence of this disease.

The Effects of Different Dietary Patterns on Bone Health.

Bone metabolism is a process in which osteoclasts continuously clear old bone and osteoblasts form osteoid and mineralization within basic multicellular units, which are in a dynamic balance. The process of bone metabolism is affected by many factors, including diet. Reasonable dietary patterns play a vital role in the prevention and treatment of bone-related diseases. In recent years, dietary patterns have changed dramatically. With the continuous improvement in the quality of life, high amounts of sugar, fat and protein have become a part of people's daily diets. However, people have gradually realized the importance of a healthy diet, intermittent fasting, calorie restriction, a vegetarian diet, and moderate exercise. Although these dietary patterns have traditionally been considered healthy, their true impact on bone health are still unclear. Studies have found that caloric restriction and a vegetarian diet can reduce bone mass, the negative impact of a high-sugar and high-fat dietary (HSFD) pattern on bone health is far greater than the positive impact of the mechanical load, and the relationship between a high-protein diet (HPD) and bone health remains controversial. Calcium, vitamin D, and dairy products play an important role in preventing bone loss. In this article, we further explore the relationship between different dietary patterns and bone health, and provide a reference for how to choose the appropriate dietary pattern in the future and for how to prevent bone loss caused by long-term poor dietary patterns in children, adolescents, and the elderly. In addition, this review provides dietary references for the clinical treatment of bone-related diseases and suggests that health policy makers should consider dietary measures to prevent and treat bone loss.

Sex-Moderated Divergence between Adult Child and Parental Dietary Behavior Patterns in Relation to Body Mass Condition-Evaluating the Mediating Role of Physical Activity: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The main objective of this study was to explore the dietary behaviors of parents and their adult children, focusing on patterns, potential intrinsic and extrinsic predictors of body mass, and determinants of becoming overweight. Non-probability, cross-sectional sampling was used to select participants from a university student population. Young adults (19-21 years of age, n = 144) and their parents were examined. The data of those family pairs with complete sets of results were used. Dietary patterns and physical activity were assessed with questionnaires (QEB and IPAQ), and body height, weight measurements, and body mass indexes were calculated. A cophylogenetic approach with tanglegrams and heatmaps was used to study patterns, while predictors of body mass index were identified using multiple linear regression, stepwise logistic regression, and mediation analysis procedures. Cophenetic statistics confirmed significant incongruence between fathers and sons, confirmed by Baker's Gamma correlation (rBG = 0.23, p = 0.021), and mothers and daughters (rBG = 0.26, p = 0.030). The relationships between the dietary patterns of the fathers and daughters, as well as mothers and sons, were of medium strength (rBG = 0.33, p = 0.032, rBG = 0.43, p = 0.031; respectively). Most of the patterns were mixed. Fast food, fried meals, alcoholic drinks, energy drinks, and sweetened beverages were associated significantly with being overweight. Significant intrinsic predictors of excessive weight in young adults were sex (b = 2.31, p < 0.001), PA (b = -0.02, p < 0.001), and eating fermented milk and curd cheese (b = -0.55, p = 0.024), while extrinsic (parental) predictors included eating fast food and fried meals (b = -0.44, p = 0.049). Both physical activity and dietary behaviors independently determined the sons' overweight status (b = -1.25, p = 0.008; b = -0.04, p < 0.001; respectively); while only PA did in daughters (b = -0.04, p < 0.001). No mediating effects of physical activity were observed. Adult children and parental dietary patterns were divergent, reflecting the influence of multiple factors on a child's dietary habits. However, this divergence is moderated by sex. Reciprocal interactions between dietary intake-particularly positive dyads such as fruits and vegetables, fermented milk, and curd cheese-and physical activity significantly impacted children's body mass index (BMI). The study of dietary patterns in conjunction with physical activity (both as independent determinants), particularly in relation to the link between overweight/obese children and overweight/obese parents, presents a separate challenge.

Cultural hierarchies in health: Does inherited sociocultural position (biraderi) shape diet and nutrition among British Pakistani children? Protocol for a mixed-methods study.

This study aims to explore links between biraderi-a form of identity-based social grouping and stratification which cuts across religions among South Asians-and infant and child nutrition among British Pakistanis using data from the Born in Bradford cohort study. The study will entail a mixed-methods approach to (i) develop an operational framework of biraderi for epidemiologic analyses and apply it to longitudinal data from the Born in Bradford cohort study, (ii) quantify and describe child nutrition and dietary patterns for biraderi sub-groups, and (iii) investigate whether known mechanisms of identity-based segregation, graded inequality, and network effects operate through diet and nutrition in the UK. Using Krieger's ecosocial theory as an integrative framework we will (iv) re-conceptualise and interpret the role of biraderi / caste in the social construction and embodied experience of how infants and children eat in the UK. Following a literature review on biraderi and health, we will convene and consult a lay consultation group in Bradford through focus groups and academic experts through a Delphi study to guide planning, implementation, interpretation and dissemination of our secondary data analysis. In addition to being the first study to look at biraderi-based nutritional inequalities in the UK, our study is innovative in that we will formally involve experts and users in the design and interpretation of our quantitative analyses. Findings will be applicable in any part of the world where children experience disadvantage linked to sociocultural hierarchy and identity. Our findings will be of particular use in (i) identifying women and children at particular risk of suboptimal breastfeeding practices, poor complementary feeding, and unhealthy diets in primary school in the UK, and (ii) elucidating the sociocultural pathways through which inequalities in population health nutrition outcomes are expressed.

Exploring dietary patterns and their association with environmental sustainability and body mass index in children and adolescents: Insights from the National Food, Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey 2015–2016

ObjectiveTo adapt four dietary patterns for children and adolescents, and study their associations with sustainability (greenhouse-gas emissions-GHGE and land use-LU), and health (body mass index-BMI) indicators. Research methods & proceduresDietary intake of children (3-9y) and adolescents (10-17y) from the National Food, Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey 2015–2016, Portugal (n = 1153) was assessed through two non-consecutive interviews: one-day food diaries (children), and 24-h recalls (adolescents), using an automated multiple-pass method, including a picture book for portion sizes estimation. Adherence to the Eat-Lancet and World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, Mediterranean and Atlantic diets were evaluated using adapted versions for pediatrics of the World Index for Sustainability and Health (WISH), Diet Quality Index (DQI), Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) and Southern-European Atlantic Diet (SEAD), respectively. Diet-related GHGE and LU were estimated using the SHARP-Indicators database. BMI (measured) z-scores were classified according to WHO criteria. A standardized weighted health-sustainability composite index was created (BMI + 0.5*GHGE+0.5*LU). Adjusted linear regression models were computed. ResultsWISH, DQI, MDS, and SEAD had weighted mean scores (range) of 50 (0−130), 24 (9–36), 20 (8–32), and 17 (8–32), respectively. All dietary patterns were associated with lower environmental impact, particularly in children, but not with BMI. Only MDS explained both health and sustainability indicators in childhood (composite index: sd.β = −0·223,95%CI:-0·347,-0·072,R2 = 25.1 %), and adolescence (composite index: sd.β = −0·159,95%CI:-0·315,-0·003,R2 = 31.3 %). ConclusionThe Mediterranean diet was the most related to (higher) environmental sustainability and (lower) BMI. However, in children (not adolescents), the WISH, DQI, and SEAD showed then same associations.

Healthy Eating Report Card for Pre-school Children in Hong Kong.

This study aimed to develop the Healthy Eating Report Card for Pre-school Children in Hong Kong for evaluating the prevalence of healthy eating behaviours and favourable family home food environments (FHFEs) among pre-school children in Hong Kong. In this cross-sectional study, 538 parent-child dyads from eight kindergartens in Hong Kong were recruited. Parents or guardians completed a questionnaire comprising Report Card items. The Report Card included two indicators of Children's Eating Behaviours (ie, Children's Dietary Patterns and Children's Mealtime Behaviours) and three indicators of FHFEs (ie, Parental Food Choices and Preparation, Avoidance of Unhealthy Foods, and Family Mealtime Environments). Each indicator and its specific items were assigned a letter grade representing the percentage of participants achieving the predefined benchmarks. The grades were defined as A (≥80%, Excellent); B (60%-79%, Good); C (40%-59%, Fair); D (20%-39%, Poor); and F (<20%, Very poor). Plus (+) and minus (-) signs were used to indicate the upper or lower 5% of each grade. Overall, Children's Eating Behaviours were classified as Fair (average grade of 'C'), whereas FHFEs were classified as Good (average grade of 'B'). The sub-grades ranged from 'C' to 'A-', as follows: Children's Dietary Patterns, 'C+'; Children's Mealtime Behaviours, 'C'; Parental Food Choices and Preparation, 'C+'; Avoidance of Unhealthy Foods, 'B'; and Family Mealtime Environments, 'A-'. The findings highlight areas for improvement in healthy eating among children. The Healthy Eating Report Card could offer novel insights into intervention tools that promote healthy eating.

Evaluation of Childhood Dietary Patterns and Their Impact on Nutrition Status: A Literature Review

One of the main public health issues in underdeveloped nations like Nepal is malnutrition, which is closely related to dietary practices. Child malnutrition has been one of the major public health issues of the twenty-first century in the world. A search of some electronic databases was conducted to identify research involving nutritional status of children. A total 19 studies were identified in this review. The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional status and dietary pattern of children and its related factors. The study was conducted based on literature review. The search of literature from scholar.google.com, pubmed.com, jstor.com, nepjol.info, tucl.remotexs.co (proquest.com search.ndltd.org) were used for the study. A total of 140 full-text papers were identified from electronic sources. Among 140 full-text papers, irrelevant papers were excluded. Only English medium literature about dietary patterns and nutritional status of children were included in this study. Sixteen studies were related to nutritional status of children and three studies were related to dietary pattern of children. The results of study showed low nutritional status of children of different countries. The result of the study showed that different behaviors related to eating habits promote the nutritional status of children. Dietary behavior strongly correlates nutritional status of children. Similarly, children are facing numerous nutritional problems due to the lack of exclusive breast feeding, maternal education, disease prevalence and low socio-economic condition. Especially the children are suffered from the problem of stunting and wasting in rural area. Most of the studies have been centered in an urban area. The study suggested to conduct appropriate nutritional intervention programs regarding school children and their mothers.

A Higher Adherence to the ALINFA Nutritional Intervention Is Effective for Improving Dietary Patterns in Children.

Food patterns are deteriorating and, consequently, not meeting nutritional recommendations. Learning about the adherence to a diet is crucial for understanding children's dietary habits. The objective of the present analysis was to assess the degree of compliance with the ALINFA nutritional intervention and the effectiveness of adherence groups, and to evaluate potential baseline factors predicting a higher adherence to the intervention. A total of 44 children aged 6 to 12 years-old participated in the eight-week intervention. A two-week dietary plan was specifically designed, providing participants with food products, ready-to-eat dishes, and recipes. An intake of 75% of calories of the prescribed diet was defined to divide the participants into high- and low-adherence groups (HA/LA, respectively). From the 44 participants, 24 showed a LA to the intervention, whereas 20 of them were in the HA group. Diet quality improved in both groups (p < 0.001), mainly by increasing cereals and nuts, and reducing pastries. A decrease in BMI z-score was observed (LA: p < 0.001; HA: p = 0.021). Fat mass (p = 0.002), LDL-c (p = 0.036), and CRP (p = 0.023) reductions were only achieved in the HA group, whereas leptin decreased only in the LA group (p = 0.046). All participants ameliorated their dietary habits, but those with better diet quality at baseline experienced greater enhancements in their nutritional status.

A Dietary Pattern With More Fruits and Vegetables in Children of Mothers Who Immigrated to the United States From Latin America Is Associated With Healthful Nutrient Intake and Weight Status

BackgroundChildren from families who immigrated to the United States may consume a lower-quality diet compared with their US-born peers. However, specific features of their dietary patterns, which could be a focus for improving diet quality, are not well-studied. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine dietary patterns that distinguish interpersonal variability in dietary intake and explore the association of dietary patterns with nutrient intake and weight status. DesignThis study was a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from the Live Well randomized controlled trial collected between 2009 and 2010. Participants/settingStudy participants included 313 children (3-12 years) whose mothers immigrated to the United States from Latin America and resided in Somerville, Massachusetts. Main outcome measuresDietary patterns (derived using principal component analysis); nutrient intake (derived from dietary data collected using the Block Food Screener); and weight status (categorized using body mass index z score based on measured height and weight). Statistical analyses performedNutrient intake levels were compared across quartiles for dietary patterns using analysis of covariance. Multivariable logistic or linear regression models were used to determine the associations between dietary pattern scores and odds of overweight or obesity or z scores. ResultsTwo dietary patterns emerged: “fruits and vegetables” and “meat and sweets.” Highest adherence to the fruits and vegetables pattern was associated with more healthful nutrient intake and lower odds of having overweight or obesity (odds ratio 0.37; 95% CI 0.16 to 0.98), but not body mass index z score (β = –.07; 95% CI –.51 to 0.36) compared with the lowest adherence. Adherence to the meat and sweets pattern was associated with less healthful nutrient intake but not with the odds of experiencing overweight or obesity (odds ratio 0.48; 95% CI 0.16 to 1.46). ConclusionsA healthful dietary pattern in children of families who immigrated to the United States from Latin America may include a variety of fruits and vegetables. Longitudinal studies should be conducted to further assess the role of dietary intake patterns on the health of these children.

Children's dietary patterns and dietary networks in five regions in China

To analyze the dietary patterns and dietary networks of children in China, explore regional differences in dietary habits in each region. The subjects of the study were children aged 3-17(n=5824) in North Coast Economic Zone, Northeast, Central China, East Coast Economic Zone and Southwest Economic Zone who participated in the China Health and Nutrition Survey. The dietary pattern was obtained by factor analysis. Using mutual information, a measure to detect both linear and non-linear correlations between food groups constructed the dietary networks. Factor analysis resulted in five dietary patterns. Pattern 1 was related to high intakes of wheat and other cereals, pattern 2 was related to high intakes of fruits, milk, eggs and fast foods, pattern 3 was associated with high intakes of tubers, snacks, cakes, beverages and fast foods. The Northeast, Central China and North Coast Economic Zone regions had higher pattern 1 score. Pattern 2 scored higher for North Coast Economic Zone and East Coast Economic Zone regions. Pattern 3 scores in the Northeast region were higher than North Coast Economic Zone and East Coast Economic Zone regions. North Coast Economic Zone, Central China and Southwest Economic Zone regions had focused networks. The network of Northeast and East Coast Economic Zone regions were multiple. All regions were characterized by vegetables, or cereals as the hub. The dietary patterns and networks of children in the five regions of China exhibit regional differences.

Correlation Serum Vitamin D with Level of control of Childhood Asthma

Background: Childhood asthma is the most prevalent chronic condition in children, and it, like many other chronic illnesses, has a significant impact on the social and emotional life of children and their families. Objectives: To study the correlation of Serum Vitamin D With Level Of Control Of Childhood Asthma. Methods: A comprehensive clinical history was taken, including the child's dietary patterns and the amount of hours spent outside during the day to assess the child's exposure to sunshine. An evaluation of the respiratory system was carried out. The child's nutritional status was determined using WHO growth charts. Diagnostic investigations like Chest x-ray, complete blood count (CBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), absolute eosinophil count (AEC), nasal smear cytology, Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR), and spirometry were all performed. Results: A total of 150 children with Asthma were divided into groups based on severity, The Intermittent (n=34), mild persistent (n=93), moderate persistent (n=23) and severe persistent (n=0), Since there was no case classified in the severe persistent group only 3 groups were classified. Intermittent: Out of 34 children having intermittent asthma severity, Vitamin- D was deficient in 35.29% of the cases, Insufficient in 17.64% of the cases, Sufficient in 47% of the cases. Mild Persistent: Out of 93 children having mild persistent asthma severity, Vitamin- D was deficient in 58% of the cases, Insufficient in 19.35% of the cases, Sufficient in 22.58% of the cases. Moderate Persistent: Out of 23 children having moderate persistent asthma severity, Vitamin-D was deficient in 56.5% of the cases, Insufficient in 17.39% of the cases, Sufficient in 26% of the cases. Conclusion: Asthmatics have a significant prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency. Although there was no significant relationship between asthma severity and Vitamin D levels, low Vitamin D levels were correlated to a protracted duration of illness and a larger proportion of exacerbations, suggesting that Vitamin D may have a role in asthma exacerbations.

Infants’ Dietary Pattern Characterized by Ultraprocessed Foods Is Associated With Rapid Weight Gain and Overweight/Obesity Risk: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009-2018

BackgroundGlobal trends toward childhood obesity have been associated with several factors, including suboptimal infant feeding practices, the increasing availability of ultraprocessed foods in the world's food supply, and the corresponding changes in children's dietary patterns. ObjectiveTo describe infants’ dietary patterns and assess their associations with weight status outcomes in a nationally representative sample of US infants. DesignCross-sectional analyses were performed on data collected from infants participating in the 2009-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Participants/settingParticipants included 744 infants aged 6 to 12 months who had data from at least 1 day of valid 24-hour dietary recall data. Main outcome measuresRapid weight gain and overweight/obesity risk. Statistical analyses performedPrincipal component analysis was used to identify dietary patterns considering the energy intake of 39 Nova food subgroups (expressed in calories per day), including breast milk. Associations were evaluated using logistic regression adjusted for potential confounders. ResultsA total of 42% infants experienced rapid weight gain, and 33% were at risk of overweight/obesity. Most infants (65.5%) were started on solid foods early. Three main dietary patterns were derived. The first pattern, labeled Natural or Minimally Processed Foods, had positive loadings for a variety of natural or minimally processed foods, some processed culinary ingredients, and a few processed and ultraprocessed foods. The second pattern, labeled Infant Formula, had high negative loading for breast milk, and high positive loading for infant formula and breakfast cereal. The third pattern, labeled Ultraprocessed Foods, had negative loadings for natural or minimally processed foods and processed culinary ingredients, positive loadings for other processed foods and for a variety of ultraprocessed foods, and negative loading for infant formula. Infants who adhere to the Ultraprocessed Foods dietary pattern were more likely to present rapid weight gain (adjusted odds ratio 1.3, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.5) and overweight/obesity risk (adjusted odds ratio 1.2, 95% CI 1.0 to 1.4). ConclusionsHigher adherence to a dietary pattern characterized by ultraprocessed foods was associated with a greater likelihood of both rapid weight gain and overweight/obesity risk early in life. Promoting breastfeeding and increasing consumption of unprocessed/minimally processed foods during early infancy while restricting ultraprocessed foods are key components to reducing the growing burden of childhood obesity.

Dietary patterns of children between the ages of 6–10 years from primary schools in Lesser Poland

Dietary patterns of children between the ages of 6–10 years from primary schools in Lesser Poland

Identifying and understanding barriers to optimal complementary feeding in Kenya.

Optimal complementary feeding between the ages of 6 and 23 months provides children with the required range of nutritious and safe foods while continuing to be breastfed to meet their needs for essential nutrients and develop their full physical and cognitive potential. The rates of exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months of life have increased from 32% in 2008to 60% in 2022 in Kenya. However, the proportion of children between 6 and 23 months receiving a minimum acceptable diet remains low and has declined from 39% in 2008to 31% in 2023. The Kenyan Ministry of Health, GAINand UNICEF collaborated to understand the drivers of complementary feeding practices, particularly proximal determinants, which can be directly addressed and acted upon. A secondary analysis of household surveys and food composition data was conducted to outline children's dietary patterns within the different regions of Kenya and the extent to which the affordability of animal-source foods could be improved. Ethnographic data were analyzed to identify socio-cultural barriers to optimal complementary feeding. Furthermore, we outlined the critical steps for developing user-friendly and low-cost complementary feeding recipes. The results of all the analyses are presented in five of the six papers of this Special Issue with this additional paper introducing the Kenyan context and some of the critical findings. The Special Issue has highlighted multidimensional barriers surrounding the use and availability of animal-source foods. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for a multi-sectoral approach in enacting policies and programmes that address these barriers.

Nutritional Factors and Pubertal Disorders: Implications of Obesity and Early Puberty Onset

Purpose: This study aims to examine the relationship between early puberty onset and childhood dietary patterns in Indonesian adolescents, as well as the effects of nutritional factors including obesity, on pubertal disorders. Approach, methodology, and design: Eighty-five sixth-graders participated in a non-randomized intervention trial at Elementary School Muhammadiyah 16 Surabaya. Pediatricians conducted seminars that provided participants with information regarding puberty. The data was analyzed using SPSS, and knowledge was assessed through pre-and post-tests. Findings: The results highlighted a double burden of malnutrition, with 49.4% having insufficient dietary intake and 50.5% having excessive intake. The effect was not significant, despite a minor increase in knowledge following the seminar. Every participant’s pubertal timing was within the normal range. The results highlight the necessity of treating both undernutrition and overnutrition to prevent early puberty and other health issues in the future. Limitations/Implications: The results’ generalizability is limited by the study’s non-randomized design and emphasis on a single institution. Practical Implications: The results demonstrate the necessity of comprehensive nutritional interventions in schools to promote balanced diets and reduce health risks related to early puberty and malnutrition. Originality/Value: By contributing insights for focused campaigns to promote health in adolescent populations, the study improves our knowledge of dietary imbalances.