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Diet and nutrient intake in young adults born preterm at very low birth weight
Nina Kaseva1, Karoliina Wehkalampi, Katri Hemiö
1Department of Chronic Disease and Diabetes Prevention, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland. nina.kaseva@fimnet.fi
Insights
Young adults born preterm at very low birth weight (VLBW) consume fewer vegetables, fruits, and dairy products. This lower intake of key nutrients like calcium and vitamin D may increase their risk for osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Preterm birth at very low birth weight (VLBW) can impact long-term health outcomes.
- Dietary habits established in early life may persist into adulthood.
- Understanding the nutritional status of VLBW individuals is crucial for preventative health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the dietary intake patterns of young adults born preterm at very low birth weight (VLBW).
- To compare the nutrient and food group consumption between VLBW adults and term-born controls.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 151 VLBW young adults (aged 19-27 years) and 156 term-born controls were studied.
- Participants completed a 3-day food record, meticulously reviewed by a nutritionist.
- Dietary analysis software calculated food and nutrient intakes, with data analyzed using multiple linear regression.
Main Results:
- VLBW individuals consumed significantly less vegetables, fruits, berries, and milk products compared to controls.
- Mean daily intake of calcium and vitamin D was lower in the VLBW group.
- While energy intake from macronutrients was similar, VLBW participants had lower cholesterol intake and higher essential fatty acid intake.
Conclusions:
- Lower consumption of fruits, vegetables, berries, and dairy products in VLBW adults is a key finding.
- Reduced intake of calcium and vitamin D in this population presents a potential target for intervention.
- Addressing these dietary gaps may help mitigate the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases in individuals born at VLBW.
Objective:
To assess dietary intake in young adults born preterm at very low birth weight (VLBW) (≤ 1500 g).
Study Design:
We studied 151 young adults aged 19-27 years who were born at VLBW and 156 term-born controls, group-matched for age, sex, and birth hospital. Participants completed a 3-day food record, which was checked by a nutritionist. Food and nutrient intakes were calculated with use of a dietary analysis program. Data were analyzed by multiple linear regression, adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, height, living at parental home, daily smoking, and highest parental education.
Results:
Compared with controls, VLBW subjects had lower mean (SD) daily intake of vegetables, fruits, and berries (183 [150] g vs 241 [168] g, P = .002] and milk products (343 [242] g vs 427 [316] g, P = .003). Energy intake from carbohydrates, protein, and fat was similar, as was salt intake. VLBW participants had lower daily intake of calcium (858 [389] mg vs 1080 [514] mg, P < .0001), vitamin D (3.7 [2.6] μg vs 4.4 [3.6] μg, P = .02), and cholesterol (189 [74] mg vs 227 [105] mg, P = .002], whereas intake of essential fatty acids was higher (4.3 [1.5] mg vs 4.0 [1.5] mg, P = .01).
Conclusions:
Lower consumption of vegetables, fruits, berries, and milk products combined with lower calcium and vitamin D intake in VLBW participants offers a target for reducing the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases in persons of VLBW.
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