Healthy snacking recommendations: one size does not fit all

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Lack of consensus on snacking's health effects due to diverse study populations and focus on single nutrients.
• Snacking's impact likely differs across age groups and those experiencing food insecurity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate snacking's potential contribution to healthy diets, particularly for older adults (≥65 years).
• To explore differing consequences of snacking for adults (18-60 years) with food insecurity.
• To describe the relationship between snacking frequency and overall dietary quality in adults (≥20 years).

Main Methods:

• Analysis of dietary intake, focusing on snacking frequency and overall dietary quality.
• Consideration of psychosocial stress indicators like food insecurity.
• Review of existing literature on snacking behaviors and health outcomes.

Main Results:

• Snacking may benefit older adults' diets.
• Dietary behaviors associated with snacking may negatively impact adults facing food insecurity.
• Focusing on single nutrients in snacking research limits understanding of complex dietary interactions.

Conclusions:

• Dietary recommendations for snacking and meal frequency are not universally applicable across all life stages.
• The term "snacking" may be perceived negatively, hindering nutrition behavior change.
• Alternative terminology is needed for effective health promotion campaigns regarding eating patterns.