Migration-Related Characteristics and Children's Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are globally prevalent, impacting dietary patterns worldwide.
• UPF consumption is linked to socioeconomic status, creating dietary inequalities.
• International migration influences family diets, but its association with children's UPF intake is understudied in Portugal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between migration-related characteristics and UPF consumption in young children in Portugal.
• To examine how parental nationality and child's residency history relate to UPF intake.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional analysis of the prospective ScreenHealth cohort.
• Inclusion of 682 children aged 5.6 ± 1.0 years (52.1% male).
• Data collected on migration status, dietary intake, parental education, and age.

Main Results:

• Children with two foreign parents or who had not always lived in Portugal exhibited higher odds of consuming various UPFs.
• These associations persisted, though partially attenuated, after adjusting for parental education.
• Descriptive findings suggest potential differential exposure to UPF-rich environments.

Conclusions:

• Migration-related factors are associated with increased UPF consumption in young children in Portugal.
• These findings highlight potential early-life dietary inequalities among migrant populations.
• Further research with larger sample sizes and longitudinal designs is warranted.