Plant-based Dietary Index Scores are Not Associated with Body Composition in Young Children

Purpose: Plant-based diets have become increasingly popular and, in adults, have been inversely associated with body fat outcomes. We examined associations between overall, healthful, and less-healthful plant-based dietary index (PDI) scores and BMI z-score, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, % fat mass (%FM), and fat mass index in young children, aged 1.5-6 years. Methods: Baseline data from the Guelph Family Health Study (287 children and 211 families) were used in this cross-sectional study. PDI scores were calculated from a single dietary recall using the Automated Self-Administered 24-hour Dietary Assessment Tool - Canada. Body composition outcomes were measured by trained research staff, with FM assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Associations between PDI scores and body composition outcomes were estimated using generalized estimating equations applied to linear regression models. Covariates included energy intake, physical activity, age, sex, ethnicity, household income, and gestational age. Results: After adjusting for covariates, there were no significant associations between overall, healthful, and less-healthful PDI scores and body composition outcomes. Conclusions: Proportions of plant- and animal-based food consumption were not cross-sectionally related to body composition in this sample of young children. Further research on longitudinal associations between PDI scores and health outcomes in young children is warranted.