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Factors Correlated With Ultra-Processed Food (UPF) Intake in Preschool-Aged Children and Association With Weight
Jennifer E Carroll1, Susan R Sturgeon2, Elizabeth Bertone-Johnson3
1Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA; Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH.
Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior
|February 10, 2024
Summary
Ultra-processed food intake in young children is linked to factors like screen time and parental habits. Interventions promoting less processed foods are recommended for preschoolers.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Public Health
- Dietary Assessment
Background:
- Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) constitute a significant portion of young children's diets.
- Understanding factors influencing UPF consumption is crucial for child health.
- Previous research has explored UPF intake, but specific correlates in preschoolers require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify correlates of ultra-processed food (UPF) intake in children aged 3-5 years.
- To examine the association between UPF intake and changes in body mass index (BMI) in this age group.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study involving 624 parent-child dyads.
- UPF intake assessed using 3-day food records and the NOVA classification system.
- Child BMI objectively measured; parent-reported surveys captured demographics and media use.
Main Results:
- UPFs comprised 67.6% of total caloric intake.
- Higher UPF intake associated with older child age, increased television viewing, and frequent parental consumption of soda/fast food.
- UPF intake negatively correlated with higher parental education and non-Hispanic White race/ethnicity. No association found with BMI change.
Conclusions:
- Several predictors of UPF intake in preschoolers were identified.
- Family-centered interventions targeting the reduction of UPF consumption are warranted.
- Promoting minimally processed foods early in life may mitigate adverse dietary patterns.
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