Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 10, 2026

Modifying Levels of Maternal Dietary Folic Acid or Choline to Study the Impact of Deficiencies on Offspring Health Outcomes
Published on: June 28, 2024
Positive Maternal Feeding Practices in Early Childhood are Associated With Higher Food and Nutrition Literacy in
Marjorelee T Colega1, Jia Ying Toh1, Keith M Godfrey2
1Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Institute for Human Development and Potential, Singapore.
Background:
Food and nutrition literacy (FNLIT) is a set of skills and knowledge that empowers individuals to make informed food choices for better health. However, data on multiethnic Asian children are limited.
Objectives:
This study aims to characterize FNLIT among children aged 11 y and examine associations with maternal feeding practices during early childhood.
Methods:
FNLIT levels in 11-y-old children in the Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes cohort study were assessed using a self-administered modified FNLIT questionnaire. Scores ranging from 1 to 100 were categorized into tertiles. Maternal feeding practices at age 5 y and sociodemographic data were ascertained through interviews. Adjusted multinomial logistic regression examined associations with high, moderate, and low total FNLIT levels, along with cognitive and skill domains.
Results:
The healthy food environment {relative risk ratio [RRR] = 1.62 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09-2.40]} and teaching about nutrition [RRR = 2.07 (95% CI: 1.34-3.20)] practices were associated with a higher likelihood of total high FNLIT compared with total low FNLIT. "Giving child greater control" was associated with a lower likelihood of moderate [RRR = 0.58 (95% CI: 0.38, 0.90)] and high [RRR = 0.46 (95% CI: 0.30, 0.73)] FNLIT. Restriction for weight control, restriction for health, and pressure to eat were not associated with total FNLIT but showed domain-specific associations with cognitive FNLIT.
Conclusions:
Positive feeding practices in early childhood, such as environment and teaching about nutrition, are associated with higher FNLIT. Promoting these practices may enhance FNLIT of older children and support healthier dietary behaviors into adulthood.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Relationship with Parents: Attachment
Socioemotional Development during Infancy
Primary Temperament Types
Stella Chess...
Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
Development of the Oral Microbiota
Development of Human Microbiota
Parenting Styles
Authoritarian Parenting
This style is strict and controlling, with little room for open dialogue. Authoritarian parents demand obedience and often enforce rules with minimal warmth. Children raised this way may lack social skills and initiative, usually comparing themselves to others unfavorably.
Authoritative Parenting
This...

