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Effects of early intervention on dietary intake and its mediating role on cognitive functioning: a randomised

Aifric O'Sullivan1, Nick Fitzpatrick2, Orla Doyle2

  • 11UCD Institute for Food and Health,University College Dublin,Dublin,Republic of Ireland.

Public Health Nutrition
|July 26, 2016
PubMed

Insights

An early intervention program improved children's protein food intake, which partially mediated its positive effect on cognitive functioning. This highlights the role of nutrition in early childhood development.

Area of Science:

  • Child Development
  • Nutritional Science
  • Public Health Interventions

Background:

  • Early childhood nutrition significantly impacts cognitive development.
  • Socio-economically disadvantaged populations often face greater nutritional challenges.
  • Community-based interventions show promise in addressing these disparities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the "Preparing for Life" early intervention program's effect on children's dietary intake.
  • To examine the mediating role of diet in the relationship between the intervention and cognitive functioning.

Main Methods:

  • Randomized controlled trial with biweekly home visits and parent training.
  • Dietary intake assessed via Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) at 12, 18, 24, and 36 months.
  • Cognitive functioning measured at 24 and 36 months; mediation analysis performed.

Main Results:

  • Intervention increased adherence to dietary recommendations for protein foods and all food groups at 24 months.
  • No significant effects observed for grain, dairy, fruit/vegetable, or fatty/sugary food recommendations.
  • 13% of the intervention's impact on cognitive functioning was mediated by protein food consumption at 36 months.

Conclusions:

  • Community-based early intervention programs can positively influence early childhood dietary patterns.
  • Targeting protein food intake may be a key mechanism for improving cognitive outcomes.
  • Further research is warranted to optimize nutritional components of early interventions.
Abstract

Keywords:
Cognitive functioningDietary intakeHome visitingIrelandRandomised controlled trial

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