National Children's Food Survey Research Articles

A food-exchange model for achieving the recommended dietary intakes for saturated fat in Irish children: analysis from the cross-sectional National Children's Food Survey II.

To identify the main foods determining saturated fatty acid (SFA) intakes and model the impact of food exchanges to improve compliance with dietary fat recommendations in Irish children. Estimated food and nutrient intakes were obtained from a cross-sectional study, the National Children's Food Survey II. Participants were categorised into low, medium, and high SFA consumers, and the contribution of food categories to SFA intakes were compared. A food-exchange model was developed, whereby a selected range of high SFA foods were exchanged with lower SFA or unsaturated fat alternatives. Participants were randomly selected from primary schools throughout the Republic of Ireland. A representative sample of 600 Irish children (5-12 years). The main determinants of low and high SFA consumers were milk, cheese, and butter. These foods, including snack foods, and meat and meat products, were considered exchangeable foods within the model. Compared with baseline data, modelled intakes for total fat, SFA, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and trans-fat presented decreases of 3.2, 2.7, 1.6 and <0.1% of total energy (% TE), respectively. Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), omega 6, omega 3 and alpha-linolenic acid showed increases of 1.0, 0.8, 0.2 and 0.1% TE, respectively. Compliance with total fat, MUFA and trans-fat recommendations remained adequate (100%). Adherence to SFA and PUFA recommendations improved from 18 to 63%, and 80 to 100%, respectively. The food-exchange model decreased SFA intakes and increased PUFA intakes, suggesting modest dietary changes to children's diets can effectively improve their overall dietary fat profile.

Application of a composite scoring protocol to identify factors that contribute to the risk of overweight and obesity in Irish children.

SummaryBackgroundInvestigations into the main drivers of childhood obesity are vital to implement effective interventions to halt the global rise in levels. The use of a composite score may help to identify children most at risk of overweight/obesity.ObjectivesTo investigate the cumulative impact of factors associated with overweight/obesity risk in children.MethodsData were analysed from the Irish National Children's Food Survey II which included 600 children, aged 5–12‐years. The risk factors examined included social class, parental, early life, lifestyle, and dietary components. A composite score was calculated which ranged from 0 (no risk factors for overweight/obesity) to 4 (4 risk factors for overweight/obesity).ResultsIn model 1 (%BF) the four factors associated with overweight/obesity risk were having a parent with overweight/obesity (odds ratio 3.1; 95% confidence interval 1.9–4.8), having a high birth weight of ≥4 kg (2.5; 1.6–3.9), being from a low social class (2.3; 1.4–3.8) and low physical activity (1.9; 1.2–2.8). Children who scored 3–4 points on the composite score had a 10‐fold (10.0; 4.2–23.9) increased risk of overweight/obesity compared to those with 0 points, a sevenfold (7.2; 3.9–13.5) increased risk compared to those with 1 point and a threefold (2.6; 1.4–4.8) increased risk compared to those with 2 points, with similar results observed in model 2 (BMI).ConclusionThe use of a composite score is a beneficial means of identifying children at risk of overweight/obesity and may prove useful in the development of effective interventions to tackle childhood obesity.

Dietary fat intakes in Irish children: changes between 2005 and 2019.

To examine current dietary fat intakes and compliance in Irish children and to examine changes in intakes from 2005 to 2019. Analyses were based on data from the Irish National Children's Food Survey (NCFS) and the NSFS II, two cross-sectional studies that collected detailed food and beverage intake data through 7-day and 4-day weighed food diaries, respectively. NCFS and NCFS II, Republic of Ireland. A nationally representative sample of 594 (NCFS) and 600 (NCFS II) children aged 5-12 years. Current intakes from the NCFS II were compared with those previously reported in the NCFS (www.iuna.net). Current intakes of total fat, SFA, MUFA, PUFA and trans fat as a percentage of total energy are 33·3, 14·0, 13·6, 5·6 and 0·5 %, respectively. Total fat, SFA and trans fat intakes since 2005 remained largely stable over time with all displaying minor decreases of <1 %. Adherence to SFA recommendations remains inadequate, with only 7 % of the population complying. Insufficient compliance with PUFA (71 %) and EPA and DHA (DHA; 16 %) recommendations was also noted. Children in Ireland continue to meet the total fat and trans fat target goals. Adherence to MUFA and PUFA recommendations has also significantly improved. However, deviations for some fats remain, in particular SFA. These findings are useful for the development of dietary strategies to improve compliance with current recommendations.

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in Irish children between 1990 and 2019.

The present study aimed to examine the temporal prevalence of overweight and obesity in Irish children through different methodologies and evaluate the change in rates between 1990 and 2019. Anthropometric data from three Irish national food consumption surveys were used to examine the change in the prevalence of BMI and waist circumference-derived overweight and obesity levels. Three cross-sectional food consumption surveys from the Republic of Ireland: the Irish National Nutrition Survey (1990), the National Children's Food Survey (2005) and The Second National Children's Food Survey (2019). A demographically representative sample of Irish children aged 5-12 years: 1990 (n 148), 2005 (n 594) and 2019 (n 596). Twelve percentage of children had overweight/obesity in 1990, which was significantly higher in 2005 at 25 % and significantly lower in 2019 at 16 % (P = 0·003). In 2019, more girls had overweight/obesity in comparison with boys (19 v. 14 %), whilst children from the lowest social class group had the highest levels of overweight/obesity (P = 0·019). Overall, the proportion of children with abdominal overweight/obesity was significantly lower in 2019 in comparison with 2005 (P ≤ 0·001). Evidence from the most recent national survey suggests that overweight and obesity levels are plateauing and in some cases reducing in children in Ireland. Despite this, rates remain high, with the highest prevalence in 2019 observed in girls and in those from the lowest social class group. Thus, overweight/obesity prevention and intervention policies are necessary and should be continued.

National Children's Food Survey II

National Children's Food Survey II

Changes in consumption of milk in Irish children (5–12 years): preliminary analysis from the National Children's Food Survey II

AbstractIntroduction:Milk is widely recognised as a nutrient dense food, supporting the growth and development of children. Nevertheless some milk types such as whole milk can consist of high levels of saturated fat, which is recognised for its association with chronic disease risk in adults when intakes are elevated. In Ireland, current dietary guidelines recommend that children from two years onwards should consume low fat milk. Previous research has shown low levels of compliance with this guideline. Therefore the aim of this study is to review the current consumption of milk and non-dairy milk-based alternatives among Irish children and compare these with previous intakes.Materials and methods:Analyses are based on data from the nationally representative National Children's Food Survey (NCFS, 2003–2004) and the National Children's Food Survey II (NCFSII 2017–2018) (www.iuna.net). The NCFS and NCFS II collected detailed food and beverage intake data from 7-d and 4-d weighed food diaries respectively, of Irish children aged 5–12 years (NCFS, n594; NCFS II, n600). Dietary intakes were analysed using WISP© in NCFS and Nutritics V5.02 (Nutritics, Dublin, Ireland) in NCFS II. Milk intakes were categorised into three food groups: ‘Whole milk’, ‘reduced fat milk’, and ‘non-dairy milk alternatives’. Mean daily intakes (MDIs) were calculated for the total population and consumers only using SPSS© V24.0.Results:Dietary intakes of ‘whole milk’ decreased over time from 232 ± 186g/d to current intakes of 131 ± 154g/d. In contrast, increases were noted in ‘reduced fat milks’ (26 ± 86g/d to 52 ± 110g/d) and ‘non-dairy alternatives’ (0.2 ± 4g/d to 3 ± 19g/d). A total of 68% of children were classified as consumers of whole milk (193 ± 151g/d) compared to 90% (257 ± 178g/d) previously. ‘Reduced fat milk’ consumers increased from 17% to 31% and ‘non-dairy alternatives’ consumers also increased from &lt; 1% to 3%.Conclusion:Our preliminary results indicate that the number of Irish children consuming whole milk have decreased over the last number of years. In contrast consumers of ‘reduced fat milks’ have significantly increased, indicating potential improvement to healthy eating guidelines adherence. Further analysis to examine current intakes and sources of saturated fat is warranted to establish additional changes in dietary patterns and compliance with recommendations within this age group.

The role of unprocessed beef and lamb in the diets of Irish children and teenagers (5–17 years)

AbstractIntroductionMeat is a nutrient-dense food that plays a central role in the diets of many children globally, contributing significantly to intakes of energy, protein and a number of essential micronutrients. However, nutritive quality is variable across meat types and cuts, and dietary guidelines across Europe typically encourage the consumption of lean meats whilst limiting the consumption of processed meats. The current work aimed to estimate intakes of unprocessed beef and lamb and their contribution to nutrient intakes in Irish children and teenagers.MethodsAnalyses were based on data from the Irish National Children's Food Survey (NCFS) (2003–2004; 5–12 years; n 594) and National Teens’ Food Survey (NTFS) (2005–2006; 13–17 years; n 441) (www.iuna.net). Both surveys used a 7-day weighed (NCFS) or semi-weighed (NTFS) food record to collect dietary intake data from nationally representative samples of Irish children. Dietary intake data were converted to nutrient data using WISP©, based on UK and Irish food composition tables. Unprocessed beef and lamb was defined as beef or lamb that had not undergone any preserving process other than chilling, freezing or salting, and included beef or lamb dishes that were wrapped in a controlled atmosphere. Meat intakes from composite dishes (e.g. beef lasagne) were estimated following disaggregation of the non-meat components. Statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS© v23.0.ResultsUnprocessed beef was consumed by 79% of children and 83% of teenagers, while unprocessed lamb was consumed by 19% of children and 20% of teenagers. Mean daily intakes of unprocessed beef were 21 g and 34 g in children and teenagers (consumers only), while mean daily intakes of unprocessed lamb were 14 g and 23 g. Unprocessed beef and lamb contributed 5–6% to mean daily energy intakes and contributed the following proportions to daily nutrient intakes in children and teenagers, respectively: protein (11%, 15%), total fat (7%, 9%), saturated fat (7%, 10%), monounsaturated fat (9%, 11%), iron (7%, 10%), zinc (18%, 23%), vitamin A (7%, 7%), vitamin D (12%, 16%), total niacin (9%, 13%), vitamin B6 (6%, 9%), vitamin B12 (15%, 22%), sodium (6%, 7%).DiscussionUnprocessed beef and lamb are valuable sources of nutrients for Irish children and teenagers. Relative to their energy contribution, they contribute higher proportions of a number of important nutrients, such as protein, zinc, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and total niacin, while contributing relatively small proportions of total fat, saturated fat and sodium. This research was funded by Meat Technology Ireland.

Parental feeding practices and child's level of food fussiness and neophobia – Preliminary analysis from NCFSII

AbstractResearch suggests that food fussiness (FF) and food neophobia (FN) are two separate constructs. Food fussiness is the tendency to be selective about a large proportion of familiar and unfamiliar foods, while food neophobia is the refusal of novel foods. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the association between parental feeding practices and child's FF or FN.Analysis was based on cross-sectional data from the nationally representative Irish National Children's Food Survey II (NCFSII; 2017–2018). The NCFSII collected detailed eating behaviour data from children aged 5–12 (n = 596) using the Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ). This questionnaire contained four items from the food fussiness subscale that represented FN and two items that represented FF. The Feeding Practices &amp; Structure Questionnaire (FPSQ) assessed non-responsive and structure-related parental feeding practices. Spearman's correlation established the association between parental feeding practices and child's FF and FN. Moderation analyses was conducted to explore the extent to which child's age moderates the association.Higher levels of child's FN was weakly to moderately associated with higher parental reports of reward for eating (RE) (r = .210, p &lt; 0.001), persuasive feeding (PF) (r = .340, p &lt; 0.001), overt restriction (OR) (r = .195, p &lt; 0.001) and lower reports of structured meal settings (SMS) (r = -.085, p = 0.039) and family meals (FMS) (r = -.387, p &lt; 0.001). Higher levels of child's FF had a slightly stronger association with the same parental feeding as FN, with additional associations with structured meal timings (SMT) (r = -.089, p = 0.031) and covert restriction (CR) (r = -.083, p = 0.045). Age moderated the association between both child's FF [b = .22, p &lt; 0.001] and FN [b = .17, p = 0.002] and parental reports of PF, along with moderating the association between child's FF [b = .11, p = 0.04] and parental reports of SMT.Overall, child's FN and FF were both associated with higher levels of non-responsive feeding practices and lower reports of structure-related feeding practices, with child's FF associated with more parental feeding practices than FN. These findings suggest that it is important to address FN and FF as separate constructs, with more structure-related feeding practices inversely associated with higher levels of FF only. In addition, as children get older findings suggest that less parental feeding practices are utilised, however, higher levels of child's FF/FN are associated with similar levels of PF and SMT (FF only) regardless of age.

Nutrient profiling of ready to eat breakfast cereals reveals substantial differences in macronutrient composition despite similar nutrition claim usage

AbstractUnder Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 the usage of nutrition and health claims are permitted, however foods that are high in fat, sugars and salt are advised not to use such claims as foods promoted with these claims may influence consumer food choice. The use of nutrient profiles has been proposed as a means of avoiding the potential of such claims masking the overall nutritional status of a product. Ready to eat breakfast cereals (RTEBC) often display nutrition claims whilst also contributing significantly to total sugar and energy intake. The aim of this study was to profile a variety of RTEBC and compare nutrient composition and claim information between nutrient profile categories.The Irish National Food Ingredient database (INFID) is a record of brand specific information from food labels collected during the Irish national food surveys. A convenience sub-sample of RTEBC as eaten by Irish children during the National Children's Food Survey 2 (2017/2018) were selected (n = 102). Nutrient profile (NP) scores were calculated using the UK Nutrient Profiling Model (FSA). NP scores were calculated based on a set of negative macronutrient indicators (energy, saturated fat, total sugars and sodium) minus positive indicators (protein, fibre, “fruit, vegetables and nuts”) present per 100 g. Foods scoring four points or more were classified as “less healthy”.More than half of RTEBC were classed “less healthy” (53%) with a median NP score of 8.0 with “healthy” RTEBC scoring significantly lower at -0.0 (p &lt; 0.001). “Healthy” RTEBC had a median sugar content of 13.4g/100 g compared to 24g/100 g in the “less healthy” (p &lt; 0.001). “Healthy” RTEBC had a higher fibre content of 8.8g/100 g compared to 5.72g/100 g in the “less healthy” (p = 0.001), with 35% of healthy and 28% of less healthy RTEBC making a substantiated “high in fibre” claim. Micronutrient contents of all RTEBC were similar, with only iron significantly higher in “healthy” (13.3mg/100g) compared to “less healthy” (9.5mg/100g) (p = 0.02). The prevalence of substantiated micronutrient related claims was the same between “healthy” and “less healthy” RTEBC.“Healthy” and “less healthy” RTEBC display similar micronutrient profiles, with most of the nutrition claims on both pertaining to the micronutrient and fibre content, potentially overshadowing the macronutrient contribution of the cereals. This analysis shows the ability of nutrient profiling to distinguish products by macronutrient profiles however it identifies the complexity of application with respect to micronutrient content. Further research is required to investigate the contribution of the profiled RTEBC to total nutrient intakes.

The utility of linking National Food Ingredient Databases to National Food Consumption surveys: a pilot study on fibre and sugar

AbstractIntroduction:Current dietary recommendations encourage increased fibre and reduced sugar consumption. In the UK, specific targets and benchmarks have been established for the sugar content of some foods but not for fibre. National Food Consumption Surveys provide comprehensive information of all foods consumed by representative population samples. The Irish national food surveys as completed by the Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance (IUNA) capture dietary data at brand level with all details as gathered on pack entered into a discrete but inter-linked database, the Irish National Food Ingredient Database (INFID). The aim of this study was to profile the carbohydrate quality of a convenience sub-sample of packaged foods as eaten by Irish children during the National Children's Food Survey II (2017/2018) as entered into INFID.Materials and Methods:All on-pack details from 385 available foods in the categories ‘white breads and rolls’; ‘brown breads and rolls’; ‘other breads and scones’; ‘ready to eat breakfast cereals (RTEBC)’; ‘biscuits’; and ‘cakes, buns and pastries’ were entered in to INFID and quality control completed. The carbohydrate profile of the products was assessed with respect to fibre labelling criteria and UK sugar guidelines and targets. SPSS Version 25 was used for all analyses.Results:Although 56% (n210) of all products entered were eligible to make a ‘source of’ or ‘high’ fibre claim, only 20% (n78) made such a claim. Of this, 46% stated ‘high fibre’ and 32% ‘source’, predominately in the ‘brown breads and rolls’ and ‘RTEBC’ groups. When compared to UK Department of Health guidance for ‘low’, ‘medium’ and ‘high’ sugar, 65% of all products examined (n250) were either ‘low’ or ‘medium’ sugar. Comparison of median sugar contents with Public Health England sugar reformulation targets revealed different responses in each category, with all categories other than foods deemed as “morning goods” yet to meet the 2020 target of 20% reduction in sugar content.Discussion:This small pilot study of a convenience sample of foods suggests that for the limited number of foods examined, for some there remains challenges to reduce sugar and increase fibre contents. Strategies such as reformulation, change in portion size, flexibility in labelling and/or a shift in sales portfolios could be considered but only alongside technological and safety considerations. Further research to broaden this analysis and to link nutrient levels as listed on pack with actual consumption patterns could help ensure all recent initiatives including reformulation are recognised.

Estimates of Sodium and Potassium intake and their molar ratio in Irish children: Preliminary findings from NCFSII

AbstractThe Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) have set target maximum daily salt intakes for children (4–6y: 3 g, 7–10y: 5 g, 11–14y: 6g) while the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have set Adequate Intakes (AI) for potassium of 1100mg/d, 1800mg/d and 2700mg/d for children of the same respective age groups. An individual's sodium to potassium (Na:K) intake ratio is an important predictor of hypertension and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend a Na:K intake ratio of ≤ 1.0mmol/mmol for both adults and children. Although the morbidities associated with hypertension may not be seen until adulthood, blood pressure in childhood has a significant association with blood pressure in adulthood. Therefore, estimation of Na:K intake ratios (best measured by urinary excretion) in children may predict their susceptibility to hypertension related diseases in later life. The aim of this study was to estimate sodium and potassium intake and mean molar Na:K intake ratio of Irish children and to assess compliance with dietary guidance.Morning spot urine samples were collected for 572 children aged 5–12 years (95% of total sample) as part of the nationally representative Irish National Children's Food Survey II (2017–2018) (NCFSII; www.iuna.net). Samples were transported, processed and stored using best practice procedures. Urinary excretion of sodium and potassium were measured using a Randox RX Daytona and were corrected for gender and age-specific 24-hour urine volume estimations based on 24-hour urine volume estimates from Australian children. SPSS Version 25 was used for all analyses.Mean 24-hour urinary sodium excretion was 2018mg/d, equivalent to an average salt excretion of 5.0g/d exceeding the FSAI maximum target intake for all age groups except 11–12 year olds. Mean 24-hour urinary potassium excretion was 1411mg/d with mean intakes below the AI from EFSA for all age groups with the exception of 5–6 year olds. The mean molar Na:K ratio of Irish children was 2.8 for boys and 3.4 for girls. Only 5% of Irish children met the WHO recommendation for a Na:K ratio of ≤ 1.0mmol/mmol.High intakes of sodium and low intakes of potassium reported in this study result in a low compliance with the WHO recommendation of a Na:K ratio ≤ 1.0mmol/mmol. This may lead to a higher risk of hypertension and related morbidities in later life. Based on these findings, dietary interventions to combat hypertension related diseases (such as lowering sodium and increasing potassium intakes) should be implemented from childhood.

Intakes and sources of menaquinones (vitamin K2) in the Irish population aged 1–90 years

AbstractRecent evidence suggests that menaquinones (Vitamin K2) may be important for both bone health and cardiovascular health. With the exception of menaquinone-4 which is formed from the tissue specific conversion of phylloquinone or menadione, menaquinones are synthesized by bacteria. They are typically found in foods of animal origin such as meat, dairy and fermented foods and may account for up to 25% of total vitamin K intake. There are few data available on menaquinone intakes in population groups due to lack of available composition data. The Irish food composition database however has recently been updated to include data on menaquinones. Therefore, the aim of this study was to use these data to estimate the intakes and key dietary sources of menaquinones (menaquinone-4 &amp; menaquinone-5–10) in the Irish population.Analyses included data from four nationally representative surveys of the Irish population; The National Pre-School Nutrition Survey (1–4y; 2010–2011), the National Children's Food Survey (5–12y; 2003–2004), the National Teens’ Food Survey (13–17y; 2005–2006) and the National Adult Nutrition Survey (18–90y; 2008–2010) (www.iuna.net). For all of the surveys, food and beverage intake data (including supplements) were collected using food records and quantified using food scales, photographic atlases, household measures and standard portion sizes. Mean daily intakes of menaquinone-4 and menaquinone-5–10 were estimated using UK food composition tables and analytical values from published papers. The percent contribution of food groups to menaquinone intake was calculated by the mean proportion method (which provides information about the sources that are contributing to the nutrient intake ‘per person’). Statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS© V22.Mean intakes of menaquinone-4 ranged from 8–12μg/d and 10–14μg/d in children aged 1–17 years and adults aged 18–90 years, respectively. Mean combined intakes of menaquinone-5–10 ranged from 32–43μg/d and 32–50μg/d in children aged 1–17 years and adults aged 18–90 years, respectively. ‘Meat &amp; meat products’ were the top contributor of menaquinone-4 (50–66%) intakes across all population groups followed by ‘milks’ (9–25%). ‘Meat &amp; meat products’ (44–61%) and ‘cheeses’ (21–37%) were important contributors to menaquinone-5–10 intakes across all population groups examined.This study is the first of its kind to report the intakes and sources of menaquinones in the Irish population. ‘Meat &amp; meat products’, ‘cheeses’ and ‘milks’ are important contributors to intakes of menaquinones in the Irish diet. Further research is required to fully understand the role of the menaquinones in human health.

The factors associated with food fussiness in Irish school-aged children.

To establish the factors that determine food fussiness, to explore if child age determines the extent to which these factors influence food fussiness and to identify whether parental neophobia is an independent determinant of food fussiness. Cross-sectional data from the National Children's Food Survey (2003-2004). The Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ) assessed eating behaviours in children. The Food Neophobia Scale (FNS) assessed parental food neophobia. Young children were classified as 5-8 years old with older children classified as 9-12 years old. Republic of Ireland.ParticipantsNationally representative sample of Irish children aged 5-12 years (n 594). Parents identifying child's food preferences as a barrier to providing their child with a healthy diet was significantly associated with increased food fussiness in younger (P&lt;0·001) and older children (P&lt;0·001). Higher levels of parental neophobia were significantly associated with an increase in food fussiness in younger (P&lt;0·05) and older (P&lt;0·001) children. Food advertising as a barrier to providing a healthy diet was inversely associated with food fussiness in younger children (P&lt;0·05). In older children, there was a significant inverse association between child's BMI and food fussiness (P&lt;0·05), but not to the extent that a difference in weight status was noted. Family mealtimes in older children were associated with significantly lower levels of food fussiness (P&lt;0·05). Findings from the present study identify that a child's age does determine the extent to which certain factors influence food fussiness and that parental neophobia is an independent determinant of food fussiness.

Dietary energy density: estimates, trends and dietary determinants for a nationally representative sample of the Irish population (aged 5-90 years).

Higher dietary energy density (DED) has been reported to be associated with weight gain, obesity and poorer dietary quality, yet nationally representative estimates that would allow tracking of secular trends and inter-country comparisons are limited. The aims of the present study were to calculate DED estimates for the Irish population and to identify dietary determinants of DED. Weighed/semi-weighed food records from three cross-sectional surveys (the National Children's Food Survey, the National Teens' Food Survey and the National Adult Nutrition Survey) were collated to estimate habitual dietary intakes for a nationally representative sample of the Irish population, aged 5-90 years (n 2535). DED estimates, calculated using the total diet method, the food only method and a novel method, including foods and solids in beverages, were 3·70 (sd 1·09), 7·58 (sd 1·72) and 8·40 (sd 1·88) kJ/g, respectively. Determinants of DED did not vary by the calculation method used. Variation in the intakes of fruit, vegetables and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) across consumer groups contributed to the largest variance in DED estimates, followed by variation in the intakes of potatoes, fresh meat, bread, chips, ready-to-eat breakfast cereals, and confectionery. DED estimates were inversely associated with age group and consistently lower for females than for males. The inverse association of DED with age group was explained by higher intakes of vegetables, fruit, fish, potatoes, fresh meat and brown bread and lower intakes of SSB, chocolate confectionery, ready-to-eat breakfast cereals and savoury snacks in older age groups. Females consumed, on average, 1·5 times more fruit and vegetables combined when compared with males, largely explaining the sex differences in DED estimates. Current DED estimates for adults were similar to those calculated in a previous survey, carried out 10 years earlier. These estimates and determinants serve as a baseline for comparison for other works and public health campaigns.

Food portion sizes and dietary quality in Irish children and adolescents.

To describe relationships between the portion sizes of a range of foods commonly consumed by Irish children and adolescents and key indicators of dietary quality on the days they were consumed. Cross-sectional data from the Irish National Children's Food Survey (2003-2004; 7 d weighed record) and National Teens' Food Survey (2005-2006; 7 d semi-weighed record) were used to compare mean values for a number of dietary quality indicators (e.g. energy-adjusted intakes of saturated fat, dietary fibre and Na) across portion size tertiles for a range of foods, on the days the foods were consumed. The Republic of Ireland. Nationally representative samples of children aged 5-12 years (n 594) and adolescents aged 13-17 years (n 441). Relationships between food portion sizes and indicators of dietary quality on the days the foods were consumed were similar in both children and adolescents. Lower dietary energy density and saturated fat intakes, and higher dietary fibre intakes, were observed on the days larger portions of fruit and boiled potatoes were consumed. Higher dietary energy density and lower micronutrient intakes were observed on the days larger portions of sugar-sweetened beverages were consumed. Higher Na intakes were observed on the days larger portions of frying meats were consumed. The current work identifies foods for which larger portion sizes may be associated with positive dietary attributes, as well as the opposite. Findings will form an evidence base from which more specific dietary guidance relating to portion size may be developed for Irish children and adolescents.

Nutritional quality of the school‐day diet in Irish children (5–12 years)

The European Commission has identified schools as a priority setting for health promotion, including nutrition education and intervention. The present study examined the school-day diet of Irish primary-school children with the aim of identifying opportunities for dietary improvement. Data from The National Children's Food Survey (2003-2004) were used to establish a dataset of school-days. Dietary intake data were collected from 594 children (5-12 years) using a 7-day weighed food-record. The nutritional quality of the diet was examined for the total school-day and for food eaten 'before school', 'at school' and 'after school'. Examination of dietary intake on school-days has highlighted nutritional imbalances for intakes of fat, saturated fat, added sugars, sodium and dietary fibre (DF). Mean energy (E) intake for the overall school-day was 7.1 MJ, with 16% of energy provided from food eaten 'before school', 33%E from food eaten 'at school' and 53% of energy from food eaten 'after school'. Relative to the overall school-day, food eaten 'before school' was lower in saturated fat and sodium, and higher in DF and many micronutrients. Food eaten 'at school' was relatively high in added sugars and sodium; lower in DF and micronutrients; and similar in saturated fat compared to the overall school-day. Food eaten 'after school' was relatively high in DF and vitamin A; similar in saturated fat, magnesium and sodium; and lower in added sugars and other micronutrients compared to the overall school-day. To improve the overall nutritional quality of the school-day diet, food eaten at school should be targeted.

Dietary energy density and its association with the nutritional quality of the diet of children and teenagers.

To examine the relationship between dietary energy density (DED) and the nutritional quality of the diet, using data from the Irish National Children's Food Survey (NCFS) and the National Teens' Food Survey (NTFS), two cross-sectional studies of food consumption were carried out between 2003 and 2006. Data from the NCFS and NTFS were used to examine the intakes of nutrients and foods among those with low- (NCFS <7·56, NTFS <7·65kJ/g), medium- (NCFS 7·56-8·75, NTFS 7·66-8·85kJ/g) and high-energy-dense diets (NCFS >8·75, NTFS >8·85kJ/g). A 7-d food diary was used to collect food intake data from children (n 594) and teenagers (n 441). DED (kJ/g) was calculated including food alone and excluding beverages. Participants with lower DED consumed more food (weight) but not more energy. They also consumed less fat and added sugars and more protein, carbohydrates, starch and dietary fibre and had higher intakes of micronutrients. Participants with lower DED had food intake patterns that adhered more closely to food-based dietary guidelines. Low DED was associated with multiple individual indicators of a better nutritional quality of the diet, including higher intakes of dietary fibre and micronutrients and a generally better balance of macronutrients, as well as being associated with food intake patterns that were closer to healthy eating guidelines. Taken together, these findings support the conclusion that a low DED may be an indicator of a better nutritional quality of the diet.

Development of an online database of typical food portion sizes in Irish population groups.

The Irish Food Portion Sizes Database (available at www.iuna.net) describes typical portion weights for an extensive range of foods and beverages for Irish children, adolescents and adults. The present paper describes the methodologies used to develop the database and some key characteristics of the portion weight data contained therein. The data are derived from three large, cross-sectional food consumption surveys carried out in Ireland over the last decade: the National Children's Food Survey (2003-2004), National Teens' Food Survey (2005-2006) and National Adult Nutrition Survey (2008-2010). Median, 25th and 75th percentile portion weights are described for a total of 545 items across the three survey groups, split by age group or sex as appropriate. The typical (median) portion weights reported for adolescents and adults are similar for many foods, while those reported for children are notably smaller. Adolescent and adult males generally consume larger portions than their female counterparts, though similar portion weights may be consumed where foods are packaged in unit amounts (for example, pots of yoghurt). The inclusion of energy under-reporters makes little difference to the estimation of typical portion weights in adults. The data have wide-ranging applications in dietary assessment and food labelling, and will serve as a useful reference against which to compare future portion size data from the Irish population. The present paper provides a useful context for researchers and others wishing to use the Irish Food Portion Sizes Database, and may guide researchers in other countries in establishing similar databases of their own.

Whole grain intakes in the diets of Irish children and teenagers

A growing body of evidence supports the inclusion of whole grain foods in the diet to help prevent certain chronic diseases. Although much of the research has been conducted in adult cohorts, it is thought that younger populations may also benefit from whole-grain-rich diets. The aim of the present study was to quantify the intake of whole grain in Irish children and teenagers, and assess the major sources of intake. Data used in the present study were from the National Children's Food Survey and the National Teens' Food Survey, which used 7 d food diaries to collect data on habitual food and beverage consumption in representative samples of Irish children and teenagers. Results showed that over 90 % of children (5-12 years) and over 86 % of teenagers (13-17 years) are consumers of whole grain, with mean daily intakes of 18·5 and 23·2 g/d, respectively. Ready-to-eat breakfast cereals made the greatest contribution to whole grain intakes for both children and teenagers (59·3 and 44·3 %), followed by bread (14·4 and 26·5 %), with wheat being the major source of intake, accounting for over 65 % of all whole grains consumed. Whole grain consumers had significantly higher intakes of fibre, P and Mg in comparison with non-consumers of whole grain, even though whole grain intakes in this sample were well below the recommendation of three servings or 48 g/d. The present study characterises, for the first time, the patterns of whole grain consumption in Irish children and teenagers and shows whole grain intake to be low.

The impact of added sugar consumption on overall dietary quality in Irish children and teenagers

There is concern that added sugar may dilute micronutrients and displace nutrient dense foods from the diet. The data for this analysis was based on the National Children's Food Survey and National Teen Food Survey, which used 7-day food diaries to collect food and beverage intake data in representative samples of Irish children (5-12 years, n = 594) and teenagers (13-17 years, n = 441) respectively. High consumption of added sugars was associated with a decrease in the micronutrient density of the diet and increased prevalence of dietary inadequacies in children and teenagers. The decrease in micronutrient density was significant for several micronutrients, including magnesium (P < 0.001), calcium (P < 0.01 children; P < 0.001 teenagers), zinc (P < 0.05) and vitamins B(12) (P < 0.01 children; P < 0.001 teenagers) and C (P < 0.05). There was wide variation in the micronutrients for which prevalence of dietary inadequacies increased depending on gender and population group. Clinical data are required before conclusions can be made on whether micronutrient dilution is a concern in Ireland. A change in the consumption of several foods across level of added sugar intake may explain the decrease in the intake of several micronutrients and the decrease in the compliance with macronutrient recommendations in high consumers of added sugars in children and teenagers.