Ready-to-eat Cereal Consumption Research Articles

The Relationship of Breakfast Skipping and Type of Breakfast Consumption with Nutrient Intake and Weight Status in Children and Adolescents: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2006

Background National data comparing nutrient intakes and anthropometric measures in children/adolescents in the United States who skip breakfast or consume different types of breakfasts are limited. Objective To examine the relationship between breakfast skipping and type of breakfast consumed with nutrient intake, nutrient adequacy, and adiposity status. Subjects Children aged 9 to 13 years (n=4,320) and adolescents aged 14 to 18 years (n=5,339). Design Cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2006. Methods Breakfast consumption was self-reported. A 24-hour dietary recall was used to assess nutrient intakes. Mean adequacy ratio (MAR) for micronutrients and anthropometric indexes were evaluated. Covariate-adjusted sample-weighted means were compared using analysis of variance and Bonferroni's correction for multiple comparisons among breakfast skippers (breakfast skippers), ready-to-eat (RTE) cereal consumers, and other breakfast (other breakfast) consumers. Results Twenty percent of children and 31.5% of adolescents were breakfast skippers; 35.9% of children and 25.4% of adolescents consumed RTE cereal. In children/adolescents, RTE cereal consumers had lower intakes of total fat and cholesterol and higher intakes of total carbohydrate, dietary fiber, and several micronutrients ( P<0.05 for all) than breakfast skippers and other breakfast consumers. RTE cereal consumers had the highest MAR for micronutrients, and MAR was the lowest for breakfast skippers ( P<0.05). In children/adolescents, breakfast skippers had higher body mass index-for-age z scores ( P<0.05) and a higher waist circumference ( P<0.05) than RTE cereal and other breakfast consumers. Prevalence of obesity (body mass index ≥95th percentile) was higher in breakfast skippers than RTE cereal consumers ( P<0.05) in children/adolescents and was higher in other breakfast consumers than RTE cereal consumers only in adolescents ( P<0.05). Conclusions RTE cereal consumers had more favorable nutrient intake profiles and adiposity indexes than breakfast skippers or other breakfast consumers in US children/adolescents.

Folic acid source, usual intake, and serum folate concentrations in US children, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2006

Our objective was to estimate among US children usual folic acid intake above the tolerable upper intake levels (UL) established for that age group and folate concentrations by three major folic acid sources: enriched cereal grain products (ECGP), ready‐to‐eat cereals (RTE), and supplements (SUP). We analyzed data from 7397 children aged 1–18 years (y) in NHANES 2003–2006. Among children aged 1–3 y, 4–8 y, 9–13 y, and 14–18 y, 21%, 18%, 34%, and 47%, respectively, reported consumption of folic acid from ECGP only. Fifty‐two percent, 45%, 44% and 36%, respectively, reported consumption from ECGP+RTE. Eight to nine percent reported consumption from ECGP+SUP. Eighteen percent, 28%, 13%, and 9%, respectively, reported consumption from ECGP+RTE+SUP. Among all age groups, 0% of the children who consumed folic acid from ECGP only exceeded the UL for their age group. The proportion above the UL for their age group was greater with consumption of RTE and SUP. Compared with consumption of ECGP only, the adjusted geometric mean folate concentrations were progressively higher among those who consumed ECGP + RTE, ECGP + SUP, and ECGP+SUP+RTE in all age groups except children aged 4–8 y. Post‐fortification, US children who consume ECGP only are unlikely to exceed the UL for their age group and the majority of children consume folic acid from either RTE or SUP. Research funded by CDC.

Folic acid source, usual intake, and folate and vitamin B-12 status in US adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2006

US adults have access to multiple sources of folic acid. The contribution of these sources to usual intakes above the tolerable upper intake level (UL) (1000 microg/d) and to folate and vitamin B-12 status is unknown. The objective was to estimate usual folic acid intake above the UL and adjusted serum and red blood cell folate, vitamin B-12, methylmalonic acid, and homocysteine concentrations among US adults by 3 major folic acid intake sources-enriched cereal-grain products (ECGP), ready-to-eat cereals (RTE), and supplements (SUP)-categorized into 4 mutually exclusive consumption groups. We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2006 (n = 8258). Overall, 2.7% (95% CI: 1.9%, 3.5%) of adults consumed more than the UL of folic acid. The proportions of those who consumed folic acid from ECGP only, ECGP+RTE, ECGP+SUP, and ECGP+RTE+SUP were 42%, 18%, 25%, and 15%, respectively. Of 60% of adults who did not consume supplements containing folic acid (ECGP only and ECGP+RTE), 0% had intakes that exceeded the UL. Of 34% and 6% of adults who consumed supplements with an average of < or = 400 and >400 microg folic acid/d, <1% and 47.8% (95% CI: 39.6%, 56.0%), respectively, had intakes that exceeded the UL. Consumption of RTE and/or supplements with folic acid was associated with higher folate and vitamin B-12 and lower homocysteine concentrations, and consumption of supplements with vitamin B-12 was associated with lower methylmalonic acid concentrations (P < 0.001). At current fortification levels, US adults who do not consume supplements or who consume an average of < or =400 microg folic acid/d from supplements are unlikely to exceed the UL in intake for folic acid.

The Relationship of Ready-to-Eat Cereal Consumption to Nutrient Intake, Blood Lipids, and Body Mass Index of Children as They Age through Adolescence

Objective To examine sex differences and longitudinal changes in ready-to-eat (RTE) cereal and breakfast consumption in the Dietary Intervention Study in Children, and the relationship between RTE cereal intake with nutrient intake, blood lipids, and body mass index (BMI). Design Secondary analyses based on data from Dietary Intervention Study in Children, a randomized, controlled, multicenter, clinical trial with five sets of three 24-hour recalls. Subjects/setting Children (n=660) from six clinics aged 8 to 10 years at study entry. Participants had serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels between the 80th and 98th percentiles for age, and were followed for a mean of 7.5 years. Intervention Children were randomized to a total fat- and saturated fat-modified dietary intervention or usual care. Statistical analyses Frequency of RTE cereal and breakfast consumption was examined by sex and age. Mixed models by sex were used to examine the relationship of RTE cereal consumption to average daily intake of nutrients, blood lipids, and BMI. Results For all children, RTE cereal and breakfast consumption declined with age. Boys consumed RTE cereal more often compared with girls. Except for energy, RTE cereal consumption was positively associated with all measures of nutrients for both sexes. In boys, higher RTE cereal consumption was associated with lower total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and lower BMI. Conclusions Food and nutrition professionals should continue to educate youth and their parents on the nutritional benefits of routinely eating RTE cereal.

Ready-to-eat cereals are key sources of selected micronutrients among schoolchildren from public and private elementary schools in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala

This cross-sectional dietary survey aimed to assess the consumption and relative nutrient contribution of ready-to-eat cereals (RTEC) among schoolchildren from 2 social classes in an urban center in the Guatemalan province of Quetzaltenango. A total of 449 24-hour dietary records were collected using a pictorial workbook registry method among third- and fourth-grade schoolchildren. The sample population was divided between low-income, public school attendants (n = 219) and students from higher-income private institutions (n = 230). We described the contribution of RTEC to estimated total energy; carbohydrates; protein; fat; vitamins A, C, and D; thiamin; riboflavin; folate; calcium; iron; and zinc over the 24-hour interval of registry. Approximately 41% of the subjects mentioned RTEC at least once in their 24-hour record; 93% of these at breakfast time. From the 7 RTEC varieties reported, 4 were presweetened. Estimated cereal consumption was significantly higher among private school participants (P < .001). The RTEC contributed 2.4% of estimated total energy across the whole sample and 3.6% of total carbohydrate; iron intake from RTEC was 21% of total, whereas less than 1% of calcium intake came from this source. Among the subgroup of cereal consumers, RTEC accounted for more than 40% of their daily recommendation intake for iron, vitamin C, thiamin, and riboflavin. The RTEC consumers had significantly higher intakes for all nutrients except carbohydrate and riboflavin as compared with nonconsumers. This study demonstrates the importance of RTEC as a key source of several selected micronutrients to schoolchildren's diet in this setting.

An increase of cereal intake as an approach to weight reduction in children is effective only when accompanied by nutrition education: a randomized controlled trial.

BackgroundThe main emphasis of dietary advice for control of obesity has been on reducing dietary fat. Increasing ready to eat cereal (RTEC) consumption could be a strategy to reduce fat intake and increase carbohydrate intake resulting in a diet with lower energy density.Objectives1. To determine if an increase in RTEC intake is an effective strategy to reduce excess body weight and blood lipids in overweight or at risk of overweight children. 2. To determine if a nutrition education program would make a difference on the response to an increase in cereal intake. 3) To determine if increase in RTEC intake alone or with a nutrition education program has an effect on plasma lipid profile.Experimental designOne hundred and forty seven overweight or at risk of overweight children (6–12 y of age) were assigned to one of four different treatments: a. One serving of 33 ± 7 g of RTEC for breakfast; b. one serving of 33 ± 7 g of RTEC for breakfast and another one for dinner; c. one serving of 33 ± 7 g of RTEC for breakfast and a nutrition education program. d. Non intervention, control group. Anthropometry, body composition, physical activity and blood lipids were measured at baseline, before treatments, and 12 weeks after treatments.ResultsAfter 12 weeks of intervention only the children that received 33 ± 7 g of RTEC and nutrition education had significantly lower body weight [-1.01 (-1.69, -0.34) ], p < 0.01], lower BMI [-0.95 (-1.71, -0.20), p < 0.01] and lower total body fat [-0.71 (-1.71, 0.28), p < 0.05] compared with the control group [1.19 (0.39, 1.98), 0.01 (-0.38, 0.41), 0.44 (-0.46, 1.35) respectively]. Plasma triglycerides and VLDL were significantly reduced [-20.74 (-36.44, -5.05), -3.78 (-6.91, -0.64) respectively, p < 0.05] and HDL increased significantly [6.61 (2.15, 11.08), p < 0.01] only in this treatment group. The groups that received 1 or 2 doses of RTEC alone were not significantly different to the control group.ConclusionA strategy to increase RTEC consumption, as a source of carbohydrate, to reduce obesity is effective only when accompanied by nutrition education. The need for education could be extrapolated to other strategies intended for treatment of obesity.Trial RegistrationAustralian New Zealand Clincial Trial Registry. Request no: ACTRN12608000025336

The Contribution of Ready-to-Eat Cereals to Daily Nutrient Intake and Breakfast Quality in a Mediterranean Setting

Objectives: To examine if and how ready-to-eat cereals (RTEC) contribute to the quality of the diet of children, adolescents and young adults in a Mediterranean setting.Methods: A random sample of 3534 subjects aged 2 to 24 years in Spain was studied. Food and nutrient intakes were determined by a 24 hour recall. RTEC consumption was assessed by a quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Additional questions on socioeconomic level and nutritional knowledge were administered. Cereal consumption was classified into non-consumers and daily intakes between 1 and 20g, 21 and 40g, and more than 40g. After excluding the underreporters the final sample consisted of 2852 individuals.Results: About half of the population (49.8%) reported eating RTEC. Macronutrient profile improved with increasing cereal consumption. Intakes of thiamine, riboflavin and vitamin B6 increased significantly with increasing consumption of RTEC in all age-sex groups, whereas niacin and folate intake improved in almost all groups and calcium, iron and vitamin D in at least half of the groups. Except for magnesium, vitamin B12 and vitamin E in males, consumption of RTEC was significantly associated with increased coverage of the daily nutrient requirements for all micronutrients studied. Higher levels of RTEC consumption was associated with a greater consumption of dairy products, and related to better breakfast quality.Conclusions: Level of RTEC consumption is associated with a better nutritional profile in the diets of Spanish children, adolescents and young adults and a lower risk for inadequate micronutrient intakes. RTEC consumers have better quality breakfasts, in terms of both food choices as well as energy and nutrient content.

Ready‐to‐eat cereal (RTEC) consumption is associated with a lower risk of being overweight in children and adolescents in NHANES, 1999–2002.

This study examined the relationship of breakfast and RTE cereal (RTEC) consumption on body weight status in US children and adolescents. Dietary records (24 hour recall) and body weight measures were gathered from interviews with 3964 children aged 4–13 y and 2720 adolescents aged 14–18 y in the NHANES, 1999–2002. RTEC consumers showed significantly lower BMI and waist circumference (WC) than breakfast skippers (RTEC consumers vs. breakfast skippers: BMI, 19.1±0.19 vs. 22.5±0.28, p<0.01; WC, 66.9±0.52cm vs. 77.5±0.83cm, p<0.01). RTEC consumption was associated with lower z scores for BMI (0.35 ±0.06 vs. 0.59±0.06, p<0.01) and weight (0.39± 0.05 vs. 0.61± 0.06, p<0.01) as compared to breakfast skipping. RTEC breakfast consumers showed consistently lower body weight measures than other breakfast food eaters (BMI, 19.1±0.19 vs. 20.1± 0.11, p<0.01; WC, 66.9±0.52 vs. 69.6± 0.31, p<0.01). RTEC consumers also showed the highest daily intakes of fiber and the lowest energy intakes from fat. The data indicated that RTEC consumption may be an important component of maintaining a healthy weight in children and adolescents.

Ready‐to‐eat cereal consumption improves nutrient intake profiles of 5 shortfall nutrients in U.S. children

We aimed to study the impact of ready-to-eat cereal (RTEC) on nutrient intake of five shortfall nutrients in the diets of American children: dietary fiber, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin E. Dietary data from 3964 children aged 4–13y in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2002) were analyzed according to breakfast consumption pattern. Consumption of RTEC was associated with higher mean daily intake levels of these 5 nutrients compared to breakfast skippers (RTEC consumers vs. breakfast skippers in age 4–8 y group -fiber: 12.4±0.26 g vs. 9.2±0.49 g; calcium: 1006±22 mg vs. 706±45 mg; magnesium: 229±4.1 mg vs. 157±7.6 mg; potassium: 2276±35 mg vs.1662±88 mg; and vitamin E: 6.0±0.23 mg vs. 4.8±0.35 mg. RTEC consumers vs. breakfast skippers in age 9–13 y group -fiber: 13.8±0.39 g vs. 11.2±0.53 g; calcium: 1105±25 mg vs. 799±60 mg; magnesium: 247±6.1 mg vs. 196±11 mg; potassium: 2413±65 mg vs.1950±121 mg; and vitamin E: 6.4±0.34 mg vs. 6.1±0.29mg). With the exception of vitamin E, children who ate RTEC breakfast had higher mean daily intakes of nutrients than other breakfast food eaters. The data suggest that RTEC are important sources of these key nutrients for children.

Serum Homocysteine Concentration of US Adults Associated with Fortified Cereal Consumption

Background: Elevated serum total homocysteine (tHcy) concentration is implicated in the etiology of cardiovascular disease (CVD). A significant food source of B-vitamins involved in homocysteine metabolism is ready-to-eat cereal (RTEC) in the U.S.Objective: To test the hypothesis that tHcy concentration is inversely associated with RTEC intake and blood B-vitamin levels in the U.S. general population.Design: A cross-sectional study using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 1999–2000). Data were stratified according to age and gender. Men and women ≥ 19 y (n = 4,218) were classified as RTEC consumers (RTEC-C; n = 824) and RTEC non-consumers (RTEC-NC; n = 3,394) based on 24-hr dietary recall.Results: Forty nine percent of participants showed folate intake with below the estimated average requirements (EARS). Serum folate and red blood cell (RBC) folate concentrations were increased with age in both genders, and significantly higher among RTEC-C than RTEC-NC (p < 0.05). Mean tHcy concentration increased with age, and was significantly lower among both men and women RTEC-C than among RTEC-NC. In multivariate linear regression analyses, RTEC consumption strongly predicted serum folate and tHcy concentrations.Conclusion: tHcy concentrations were significantly lower in RTEC-C among the majority of age/gender groups than in RTEC-NC. RTEC consumption may potentially reduce the risk for CVD, mediated through tHcy.

Is Consumption of Breakfast Associated with Body Mass Index in US Adults?

Objective To test the hypothesis that breakfast consumption is associated with weight status measured by body mass index in US adults. Design Analyses of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999–2000. Participants/Setting Men and women aged ≥19 years (N=4,218), excluding pregnant and/or lactating women. Statistical Analyses Performed SAS (release 8.1, 2000, SAS Institute Inc, Cary, NC) and SUDAAN (release 8.0.2, 2003, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC) software were used to calculate sample-weighted means, standard errors, and population percentages of breakfast consumers. Multiple logistic and linear regression models, with controls for covariates, were used to determine the predictability of body mass index from breakfast consumption and from inclusion of ready-to-eat cereal (RTEC) in the breakfast meal. Results Breakfast consumers were more likely than breakfast nonconsumers to be older, female, white, nonsmokers, regular exercisers, and trying to control their weight. For women, daily energy intake was higher among breakfast consumers than among breakfast nonconsumers; for both men and women, energy intake from fat among RTEC breakfast consumers was significantly lower than among non-RTEC breakfast consumers, whereas energy from carbohydrate among RTEC breakfast consumers was significantly higher than among non-RTEC breakfast consumers. For women, the odds ratios for BMI ≥25 were lower for breakfast consumers (odds ratio=0.76) and RTEC breakfast consumers (odds ratio=0.70) compared with breakfast nonconsumers and non-RTEC breakfast consumers, respectively, after adjusting the models for covariates. When RTEC consumption was added as a covariate, breakfast consumers no longer exhibited significantly lower odds ratios compared with breakfast nonconsumers. Furthermore, regression analyses supported an inverse association between RTEC breakfast consumption and body mass index in women (regression coefficient=–0.37, P<.01) after adjusting for covariates. Conclusions When we document the association of breakfast consumption with lower prevalence of overweight and obesity, types of meal should be considered as an important determinant. RTEC breakfast consumption, associated with a desirable macronutrient profile for preventing obesity, predicted weight status in women, but not in men. In addition to sex difference in the association of breakfast consumption and RTEC breakfast consumption with lower prevalence of overweight, the effects of physiological variables and health-related behaviors on the relationship between total and RTEC intake at breakfast and weight status, remain to be established.

Consumption of Ready-to-Eat Cereals in Relation to Health and Diet Indicators among School Adolescents in Crete, Greece

Background/Aims: We aimed at examining the intake of ready-to-eat cereals (RTEC) among adolescents in Crete, Greece, and investigate relationships with health and diet indicators. Methods: A sample of 392 adolescents (183 boys, 209 girls) aged 15 ± 0.4 years, attending high schools of two major counties in Crete, was studied to determine consumption of RTEC using a frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were performed and blood was drawn for analysis of serum lipoproteins and blood glucose (BG). The physical fitness was assessed with the 20-meter shuttle run test (SRT) and the amount of time watching television was estimated. Nutrient intakes were calculated through 24-hour dietary recalls. Results: 42% (n = 77) of boys and 43% (n = 90) of girls reported consumption of RTEC at least once per week. Approximately 40% of the male and 47% of the female consumers reported eating RTEC only at meals other than breakfast. RTEC consumption was inversely related to the obesity indices and BG levels, and positively related to the SRT (p < 0.05 in all analyses). RTEC consumers had significantly higher intakes of fibre, magnesium, calcium, iron, folate, and vitamins A, B₂ and B₆ (p < 0.05 in all analyses). Conclusion: Our results demonstrated favourable associations between RTEC intake and health and diet indicators in Greek adolescents, with potential implications for improved health status and chronic disease risk reduction.

Contribution of Ready-to-Eat Cereals to Nutrition Intakes in French Adults and Relations with Corpulence

Aims: The nutrient impact of ready-to-eat (RTE) cereal consumption was assessed in adults (men 45–60 years; women 35–60 years old) who regularly consumed RTE cereals anytime during the day, compared to those who did not or who were occasional eaters. Methods: Data were obtained for 2,188 men and 2,851 women living in France and participating in the SU.VI.MAX cohort, who reported twelve 24-hour dietary records during 2 years of follow-up (60,468 records). Results: In the heavy consumers group, RTE cereals provided 193 kcal/day for men and 168 kcal/day for women and contributed 8–10% of total daily energy intake; 15–17% of total daily carbohydrates intake; 4% of total daily lipids intake; 5–6% of total protein intake; and 19–23% of total fiber intake. Moreover, RTE cereals contributed 20–30% of total daily intake for vitamins B₁, B₂, B₆ and folic acid, and 7% for vitamin B₁₂. For minerals, they provided, respectively, for men and women, 22 and 25% of total daily intake for iron, 12 and 14% for magnesium, and 4% for calcium. In both genders, heavy consumers of RTE cereals derived a greater proportion of daily energy from carbohydrates and a lesser proportion of energy from fats. Total daily fiber intake is higher for RTE cereal consumers than for nonconsumers and increases with the frequency of consumption. Frequent consumers of RTE cereals have higher dietary intakes of calcium, magnesium, iron, vitamins B₁, B₂, B₆, and folic acid than do nonconsumers. BMI and waist/hip ratio were significantly lower in heavy consumers of RTE cereals than in nonconsumers. Conclusion: The present data suggest that the consumption of RTE cereals contributes to a balanced diet. The strong association between cereal consumption and vitamin and mineral intakes confirm previous studies suggesting that RTE cereals make a major contribution to micronutrient intakes. The consumption of RTE cereals also appears to be associated with lower corpulence.

Nutrient Intake of Breakfast vs. Non-Breakfast Eaters

The most recently reported national food consumption survey, the USDA Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII) 1989–92 was analyzed to examine the influence of breakfast consumption on nutrient intake. Each year of the 1989–92 CSFII used a stratified sample of individuals in U.S. households representing a cross section of the population of the 48 contiguous states. The sample included 242,707 daily dietary intakes of individuals who were classified as breakfast eaters vs. non-eaters based on self-reporting over the annual 3-day survey. The population was divided into subgroups by age: 2–5, 6–11, 12–18, 19–34, 35–50, 51–64, 65 and older. Intake of carbohydrate, fiber, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, calcium, iron, and vitamins A, C, & E was higher for people of all age groups consuming breakfast as compared to breakfast skippers.Fiber consumption was an average 33% greater for breakfast consumers. People eating breakfast had an average of 54, 50, & 38% of vitamins A, C, and E, respectively. Mineral consumption for breakfast eaters was 37% greater for calcium and 49% for iron. The mean folate intake of breakfast eaters was 68% greater than that of breakfast skippers. In general, the contribution of breakfast to daily nutrient intake was more important for children, adolescents, and young adults. Older Americans have more similar nutrient intakes, regardless of their breakfast habits, although those eating breakfast in the 65+ age group consumed 49% more fiber.The data were also analyzed for the contribution of ready-to-eat-cereals (RTEC) to total daily nutrient intake. For those consuming RTEC, the cereal contributed an average of the following total dairy nutrient intake for all age groups: 37% of Vitamin A, 21% of Vitamin C, 47% of iron, 48% of folate, 4% of calcium, and 22% of fiber. RTEC contributed only 10.8% of daily calories. As expected, at least 85% of RTEC consumption occurs at breakfast. An average of 7% of RTEC is eaten as a snack.