Nutrient Inadequacy Rates Among Japanese Adolescents Aged 10-14: Cross-Sectional Pooled Analysis From 2018 to 2023...

Area of Science:

• Adolescent Nutrition
• Dietary Assessment
• Public Health

Background:

• Adolescence is a critical period for growth and development, necessitating adequate nutrient intake.
• Dietary patterns established during adolescence can influence long-term health outcomes.
• Understanding the nutritional status of Japanese adolescents is crucial for targeted public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the demographics, nutrient intakes, and adherence to dietary guidelines among Japanese adolescents aged 10-14 years.
• To identify specific nutrient and food group intake patterns and assess nutritional adequacy.
• To provide data for developing strategies to improve adolescent dietary habits in Japan.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 5225 Japanese elementary and junior high school students (ages 10-14).
• Dietary intake assessed using the brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire (BDHQ).
• Nutrient intake inadequacy evaluated against the Dietary Reference Intakes for Japanese (2025).

Main Results:

• Higher prevalence of thinness in females and overweight/obesity in males.
• Daily breakfast consumption decreased with age; nutritional inadequacy rates were higher in females (12-14 years).
• Common micronutrient inadequacies included iron, calcium, vitamin D; high salt intake (>90% inadequacy) and low fiber intake were observed.

Conclusions:

• Japanese adolescents exhibit significant nutritional inadequacies, with specific challenges in micronutrient and fiber intake and high sodium consumption.
• Dietary interventions should focus on promoting regular breakfast, increasing micronutrient and fiber intake, and reducing sodium, total fat, and saturated fat.
• Addressing these dietary issues is essential for improving the nutritional status and long-term health of Japanese adolescents.