Interventions for increasing fruit and vegetable consumption in children aged five years and under

Dietary intake and gastrointestinal symptoms are altered in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: the relative contribution of autism-linked traits

BACKGROUND

Dietary and gastrointestinal (GI) problems have been frequently reported in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the relative contributions of autism-linked traits to dietary and GI problems in children with ASD are poorly understood. This study firstly compared the dietary intake and GI symptoms between children with ASD and typically developing children (TDC), and then quantified the relative contributions of autism-linked traits to dietary intake, and relative contributions of autism-linked traits and dietary intake to GI symptoms within the ASD group.

METHODS

A sample of 121 children with ASD and 121 age-matched TDC were eligible for this study. The dietary intake indicators included food groups intakes, food variety, and diet quality. The autism-linked traits included ASD symptom severity, restricted repetitive behaviors (RRBs), sensory profiles, mealtime behaviors, and their subtypes. Linear mixed-effects models and mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to estimate the relative contributions.

RESULTS

Children with ASD had poorer diets with fewer vegetables/fruits, less variety of food, a higher degree of inadequate/unbalanced dietary intake, and more severe constipation/total GI symptoms than age-matched TDC. Within the ASD group, compulsive behavior (a subtype of RRBs) and taste/smell sensitivity were the only traits associated with lower vegetables and fruit consumption, respectively. Self-injurious behavior (a subtype of RRBs) was the only contributing trait to less variety of food. Limited variety (a subtype of mealtime behavior problems) and ASD symptom severity were the primary and secondary contributors to inadequate dietary intake, respectively. ASD symptom severity and limited variety were the primary and secondary contributors to unbalanced dietary intake, respectively. Notably, unbalanced dietary intake was a significant independent factor associated with constipation/total GI symptoms, and autism-linked traits manifested no contributions.

CONCLUSIONS

ASD symptom severity and unbalanced diets were the most important contributors to unbalanced dietary intake and GI symptoms, respectively. Our findings highlight that ASD symptom severity and unbalanced diets could provide the largest benefits for the dietary and GI problems of ASD if they were targeted for early detection and optimal treatment.

Increased WIC Cash Value Benefit is Associated with Greater Amount and Diversity of Redeemed Fruits and Vegetables among Participating Households

Background

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) food packages for children ages 1 to 4 y include a cash value benefit (CVB) redeemable for fruits and vegetables (FVs) with participating vendors. The CVB value was increased beginning in June 2021.

Objectives

This study evaluated associations of the augmented CVB with the amount and diversity of redeemed FVs.

Methods

Price look-up codes (PLUs) in redemption data determined outcomes including any redemption (any, none), amount redeemed (United States dollars [USD]/mo), and percent of total CVB redemption (percent) in 54 FV commodity groups among a cohort of 1770 WIC-participating children in Southern California. Outcomes across all commodity groups for fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and all FVs were evaluated including dollar amount redeemed, percentage of redemption, and diversity of produce redeemed (variety and balance among items redeemed). Comparisons were made between augmented CVB periods (35 USD/mo in June-September 2021, 24 USD/mo October 2021-June 2022) and the preaugment period (9 USD/mo in June 2020-May 2021). Associations were tested in multivariable generalized estimating equation Poisson (any redemption) and linear (amount, percent, diversity) regression models.

Results

The augmented CVB was associated with higher any redemption prevalence and amount redeemed for 53 of 54 commodity groups at both 35 USD/mo and 24 USD/mo compared with 9 USD/mo. Redemption diversity increased for both fruits, vegetables, and all produce during both augment periods, and modestly greater increases in redeemed fruits relative to vegetables were observed at 35 USD/mo. The most commonly redeemed vegetables were tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, peppers, and avocados and the most commonly redeemed fruits were bananas, apples, grapes, limes, and melons.

Conclusions

The augmented CVB was associated with greater redeemed FV amount and greater redeemed FV diversity. Data on FV intake diversity among WIC-participating children are needed to understand dietary impacts of the CVB increase.

Zero fruits/vegetables consumption and associated factors among Children aged 6-23 months in Ethiopia: Mixed effect logistic regression analysis

BACKGROUND

The first two years of life is a vital period for promoting optimal growth, development and health. The lifelong nutritional habit and overall health of children is influenced by their early age feeding practice. Ethiopia is among the top five countries in Sub-Saharan Africa with the highest burden of zero fruits/vegetables consumption. This study aims to access factors associated with zero fruits/vegetables consumption among children aged 6-23 months in Ethiopia.

METHODS

The study analyzed Ethiopian Mini Demographic and Health Survey 2019 dataset with a total weighted sample of 1459 young children aged between 6-23 months and who were living with their mothers. Data cleaning, coding and labeling were done using STATA version 14 software. Multilevel mixed effect logistic regression model was employed to identify associated factors.

RESULTS

Exactly 69.3% of children aged 6-23 months in Ethiopia had zero fruits/vegetables consumption. In the multivariable multilevel binary logistic regression analysis a child from household with middle (AOR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.35, 0.86) and rich (AOR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.23, 0.60) wealth index, mothers who aged between 25-34 years old (AOR = 0.44; 95%CI = 0.29-0.69), mothers who were married/living with partner (AOR = 3.21; 95%CI: 1.58-6.52), children of mothers who follow Islamic religion (AOR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.19, 0.61), mothers who had more than four ANC visits during their most recent pregnancy (AOR = 0.57; 95%CI: 0.39-0.83), children in age group of 12-18 month(AOR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.28, 0.59), and 19-23 months (AOR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.17, 0.40), health facility delivery (AOR = 1.52, 95% CI; 1.00-2.30), and small peripheral regions (AOR = 4.40, 95% CI; 1.39-13.97) were found to be significant factors associated with children's zero fruits /vegetables consumption. The Interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) value in the null model was 0.34, which indicates that 34% of the variation in children's zero fruits /vegetables consumption was attributed to the variation between clusters.

CONCLUSION

This study found that zero fruits/vegetables consumption among children aged 6-23 months in Ethiopia is high. Therefore, efforts should be made by stakeholders who are concerned about optimal diet and health of children to improve fruits/vegetables consumption of children particularly those from poor households, young mothers (15-24), and peripheral regions of Ethiopia. This could be done during ANC follow up visits and during nutrition counseling.

A randomized, controlled trial of a Nordic, protein-reduced complementary diet in infants: effects on body composition, growth, biomarkers and dietary intake at 12 and 18 months

BACKGROUND

High intake of protein and low intake of plant-based foods during complementary feeding (CF) can contribute to negative long-term health effects.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effects of a protein-reduced, Nordic complementary diet on body composition, growth, biomarkers and dietary intake, compared to current Swedish dietary recommendations for infants at 12 and 18 months.

DESIGN

Healthy, term infants (n=250) were randomly allocated to either a Nordic group (NG) or a conventional group (CG). From 4-6 months, NG participants received repeated exposures of Nordic taste portions. From 6 months to 18 months, NG was supplied with Nordic homemade baby food recipes, protein-reduced baby food products and parental support. CG followed the current Swedish dietary recommendations. Measurements of body composition, anthropometry, biomarkers and dietary intake were collected from baseline and at 12 and 18 months.

RESULTS

Of the 250 infants, 82% (n=206) completed the study. There were no group differences in body composition or growth. In NG, protein intake, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and plasma insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) were lower compared to CG at 12 and 18 months. Infants in NG consumed 42-45% more fruits and vegetables compared to CG at 12 and 18 months, which was reflected in a higher plasma folate at 12 and 18 months. There were no between-group differences in energy intake (EI) or iron status.

CONCLUSIONS

Introduction of a predominantly plant-based, protein-reduced diet as part of complementary feeding is feasible and can increase fruit and vegetable intake.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY

OTIS; ClinicalTrials.gov registration number NCT02634749.

A Qualitative Study on the Motivators, Barriers and Supports to Participation in a Pediatric Produce Prescription Program in Hawai'i

Produce prescriptions that provide vouchers to individuals to purchase fresh FVs at a specified retail outlet have the potential to positively impact food security status, diet, and chronic disease risk. However, maximizing program participation is vital to ensuring program success. This research describes motivators, barriers, and support for participation in a child produce prescription program among a population of Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islanders, who are underrepresented in this field of research. This qualitative grounded theory study was nestled within a quasi-experimental pilot intervention trial and included semi-structured interviews with pediatric program participants. Twenty-five interviews were conducted, which represented one-third of program participants. The top support factors for program participation included: ease of voucher use, program convenience, health center/pediatrician endorsement and positive communications with farmers' market vendors. Key motivators for program participation were produce enjoyment, child support, financial support, and positive impacts on family. Three themes emerged consistently as barriers to participation amongst participants, (1) difficult use of vouchers, (2) conflicting schedules, and (3) online market concerns. (4) Conclusions: This research offers insight into policy implications as the number of produce prescription programs has grown. These findings suggest that key program design characteristics can enhance and support program participation.

Effectiveness of a kindergarten-based intervention to increase vegetable intake and reduce food neophobia amongst 1-year-old children: a cluster randomised controlled trial

Background

Children's first years of life are crucial to their future health. Studies show that a varied diet with a high intake of vegetables is positive in several domains of health. The present low vegetable intake amongst children is, therefore, a concern. Food neophobia is a common barrier to vegetable intake in children. As most Norwegian children attend kindergarten from an early age, kindergartens could contribute to the prevention of food neophobia and the promotion of vegetable intake.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a cluster randomised trial amongst 1-year-old children in kindergarten to reduce food neophobia and promote healthy eating.

Methods

Kindergartens were randomly allocated to either a control group or one of two intervention groups. Both intervention groups (diet and diet + Sapere-method) were served a warm lunch meal including three alternating intervention vegetables, whilst the intervention group 2 (diet + Sapere) in addition received tools for weekly sensory lessons. The intervention was digitally administered via information and recipes on a study website. The control group did not receive any information. Parents completed digitally distributed questionnaires addressing food neophobia and food habits at baseline and post-intervention.

Results

The parents of 144 1-year-old children in 46 kindergartens completed the questionnaires, which were included in the main analysis. The results suggested a higher intake of the intervention vegetables in group 2 (diet + Sapere) compared to the control group. The effect on total vegetable intake was inconclusive. No effect was observed on the level of food neophobia in either of the intervention group.

Conclusion

This digitally delivered dietary and sensory intervention promoted the intake of intervention-targeted vegetables with inconclusive effect on total vegetable intake due to large loss to follow-up. No effect on the level of food neophobia was detected.

Quantifying parent engagement in the randomized Fuel for Fun impact study identified design considerations and BMI relationships

BACKGROUND

Parent participation in children's health interventions is insufficiently defined and measured. This project quantified parent participation to enable future examination with outcomes in an intervention focused on 4th graders, aged 9-11 years, and their families living in northern Colorado.

METHODS

Indices were developed to measure type (Parent Participation Profile; PPP) and intensity (Parent Engagement Intensity; PEI) of engagement in Fuel for Fun (FFF), an asymmetric school-and family-based intervention for 4th graders. Study arm-specific participation opportunities were catalogued and summed to calculate the PPP. An algorithm considered frequency, effort, convenience, and invasiveness of each activity to calculate PEI. Indices were standardized (0-100%) using study arm-specific divisors to address asymmetric engagement opportunities. Parents who completed ≥75% of the PPP were defined as Positive Deviants. Youth height and weight were measured. Youth BMI percentile change was compared with parent Positive Deviant status using general linear modeling with repeated measures that included the participation indices.

RESULTS

Of 1435 youth, 777 (54%) had parent participation in at least one activity. Standardized means were 41.5 ± 25.4% for PPP and 27.6 ± 20.9% for PEI. Demographics, behaviors or baseline FFF outcomes did not differ between the Positive Deviant parent (n = 105) and non-Positive Deviant parents (n = 672); but more Positive Deviant parents followed an indulgent feeding style (p = 0.015). Standardized intensity was greater for Positive Deviant parents; 66.9 ± 20.6% vs 21.5 ± 12.7% (p < 0.001) and differences with non-Positive Deviant parents were related to activity type (p ≤0.01 for six of eight activities). Standardized participation intensity was associated with engagement in a greater number of standardized activity types. Among participating parents, standardized intensity and breadth of activity were inversely related to the youth BMI percentile (n = 739; PEI r = -0.39, p < 0.001; PPP r = -0.34, p < 0.001). Parent engagement was not associated with parent BMI change.

CONCLUSIONS

An activity-specific intensity schema operationalized measurement of parent engagement in a complex, unbalanced research design and can serve as a template for more sensitive assessment of parent engagement. Positive deviance in parent engagement was not a function of personal, but rather activity characteristics. PPP and PEI increased with fewer requirements and convenient, novel, and personalized activities. Parent engagement indices affirmed lower engagement by parents of overweight/obese youth and concerns about target reach.

Association of Nursery School-Level Promotion of Vegetable Eating with Caregiver-Reported Vegetable Consumption Behaviours among Preschool Children: A Multilevel Analysis of Japanese Children

Nursery schools can play an important role in children developing healthy eating behaviours, including vegetable consumption. However, the effect of school-level vegetable promotion on vegetable consumption and body mass index (BMI) remains unclear. This study examined the associations of nursery school-level promotion of eating vegetables first at meals with Japanese children’s vegetable consumption behaviours and BMI. We used cross-sectional data collected in 2015, 2016, and 2017 on 7402 children in classes of 3–5-year-olds in all 133 licensed nursery schools in Adachi, Tokyo, Japan. Caregivers were surveyed on their children’s eating behaviours (frequency of eating vegetables, willingness to eat vegetables and number of kinds of vegetables eaten), height and weight. Nursery school-level promotion of eating vegetables first at meals was assessed using individual responses, with the percentage of caregivers reporting that their children ate vegetables first at meals as a proxy for the school-level penetration of the promotion of vegetable eating. Multilevel analyses were conducted to investigate the associations of school-level vegetable-eating promotion with vegetable consumption behaviours and BMI. Children in schools that were 1 interquartile range higher on vegetable promotion ate vegetable dishes more often (β = 0.04; 95% CI: 0.004–0.07), and were more often willing to eat vegetables (adjusted odds ratio = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.07–1.28), as well as to eat more kinds of vegetables (adjusted odds ratio = 1.19 times; 95% CI: 1.06–1.34). School-level vegetable-eating promotion was not associated with BMI. The school-level health strategy of eating vegetables first may be effective in increasing children’s vegetable intake but not in preventing being overweight.

Effects of nutrition intervention strategies in the primary prevention of overweight and obesity in school settings: a protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Overweight and obesity in children and adolescents are major public health challenges affecting quality of life and representing important risk factors in the development of non-communicable diseases. School environments provide great possibilities for the primary prevention of overweight and obesity and different school-based nutrition interventions are available. However, existing research on school-based nutrition interventions has important limitations and no network meta-analysis (NMA) has been performed yet to compare all available interventions. Therefore, the present research project aims to investigate the impact of different nutrition interventions in the school setting by comparing and ranking them using NMA methodology.

METHODS/DESIGN

A systematic literature search will be performed in 11 electronic databases (PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ERIC, PsycINFO, CAB Abstracts, Campbell Library, BiblioMap EPPI, Australian Education Index, Joanna Briggs Institute Evidence-Based Practice Database and Practice-based Evidence in Nutrition Database). Parallel or cluster randomized controlled trials (RCTs) meeting the following criteria will be included: (1) generally healthy school students aged 4-18 years, (2) school-based intervention with ≥ 1 nutrition component, and (3) assessed anthropometric (overweight/obesity risk, body weight change, weight Z-score, [standardized] body mass index, body fat, waist circumference) and/or diet-quality measures (daily intake of fruits and vegetables, fat, and sugar-sweetened beverages). Random effects pairwise and NMA will be performed for these outcomes and surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) estimated (P-score). Where possible, component NMA (CNMA) will be used additionally. Subgroup analyses are carried out for intervention duration, gender, age of school students, socioeconomic status, and geographical location, and sensitivity analyses by excluding high risk of bias RCTs.

DISCUSSION

This systematic review and NMA will be the first to both directly and indirectly compare and rank different school-based nutrition interventions for the primary prevention of overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescence. Our analyses will provide important insights about the effects of the different interventions and show which are the most promising. The results of our study can help inform the design of new studies and will be of value to anyone interested in developing successful, evidence-based nutrition interventions in school settings.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO: CRD42020220451 .

Unraveling heterogeneity of consumers' food choice: Implications for nutrition interventions in eastern India

Understanding heterogeneity of consumers' food choice is critical in formulating tailored nutrition interventions. To illustrate this, we survey urban and rural consumers from low- and middle-income households in eastern India to unravel five sources of heterogeneity (5 Ws) in gastronomic systems that affect diets: (i) socioeconomic characteristics of the target population (who); (ii) food environments (where); (iii) eating occasions (when); (iv) consumed dishes (what); and (v) ingredient attributes and consumer attitudes towards food (why). Diets in eastern India are predominantly starch-based featuring infrequent intake of fruits and vegetables. Accounting for heterogeneity in gastronomic systems can help policy makers and nutritionists develop more targeted nutrition interventions, which can aid in the development of planetary health diets in various contexts around the world.

Economic evaluation of a web-based menu planning intervention to improve childcare service adherence with dietary guidelines

Background

Despite the known benefits of healthy eating in childhood, few Australian childcare services provide food that is consistent with dietary guidelines. The effectiveness of a web-based menu planning intervention to increase childcare service provision of healthy foods and decrease provision of discretionary foods in long day-care services in Australia was assessed in a randomised controlled trial. Here we consider the costs, consequences, cost-effectiveness and budget impact of the intervention using data collected within the trial.

Methods

The prospective trial-based economic evaluation involved 54 childcare services across New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Services were randomised to a 12-month intervention or usual care. The intervention involved access to a web-based menu planning and decision support tool and online resources. Effectiveness measures included mean number of food groups, overall menu and individual food group compliance with dietary guidelines, and mean servings of food groups at 12 months. Costs (reported in $AUD, 2017/18) were evaluated from both health sector and societal perspectives. The direct cost to support uptake of the intervention was calculated, as were costs to each childcare service. The incremental cost of the intervention was calculated as the net difference in the cost to undertake menu planning and review plus the direct cost of the intervention. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) including uncertainty intervals were estimated for differences in costs and effects between intervention and control groups. A relative value index was calculated to determine overall value for money.

Results

Over the 12 months of the trial, we calculated a difference in cost between usual practice and intervention groups of − $482 (95% UI − $859, − $56). While the measured increase in menu and food group compliance within the trial did not reach statistical significance, there were significant improvements in mean servings of fruit and discretionary food, represented in the cost-consequence analysis. The calculated relative value index of 1.1 suggests that the intervention returns acceptable value for money for the outcomes generated.

Conclusion

Compared to usual practice, web-based programmes may offer an efficient and sustainable alternative for childcare services to improve the provision of healthy foods to children in their care.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12616000974404

Measuring commissioners' willingness-to-pay for community based childhood obesity prevention programmes using a discrete choice experiment

Background

In the UK, rates of childhood obesity remain high. Community based programmes for child obesity prevention are available to be commissioned by local authorities. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding how programmes are commissioned and which attributes of programmes are valued most by commissioners. The aim of this study was to determine the factors that decision-makers prioritise when commissioning programmes that target childhood obesity prevention.

Methods

An online discrete choice experiment (DCE) was used to survey commissioners and decision makers in the UK to assess their willingness-to-pay for childhood obesity programmes.

Results

A total of 64 commissioners and other decision makers completed the DCE. The impact of programmes on behavioural outcomes was prioritised, with participants willing to pay an extra £16,600/year if average daily fruit and vegetable intake increased for each child by one additional portion. Participants also prioritised programmes that had greater number of parents fully completing them, and were willing to pay an extra £4810/year for every additional parent completing a programme. The number of parents enrolling in a programme (holding the number completing fixed) and hours of staff time required did not significantly influence choices.

Conclusions

Emphasis on high programme completion rates and success increasing children’s fruit and vegetable intake has potential to increase commissioning of community based obesity prevention programmes.

Garden-based interventions and early childhood health: an umbrella review

BACKGROUND

Garden-based interventions show promise for improving not only child nutrition, but other indicators of child health. Yet, existing systematic reviews of garden-based interventions often focus on one particular health outcome or setting, creating a need to holistically summarize review-level evidence on the role of garden-based interventions in early childhood. To fill this gap, we performed an umbrella review of garden-based interventions to examine their role in early childhood health promotion for children ages 6 years and younger, examining effective components of garden-based interventions and critically evaluating existing evidence.

METHODS

We searched the following databases: PubMed, PubMed, PsycINFO, ERIC, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, OVID-Agricola, and CAB Direct, limiting to reviews published from 1990 to August 2019. Of the 9457 references identified, we included a total of 16 unique reviews for analysis.

RESULTS

Across reviews, garden based-interventions were most effective at improving nutrition-related outcomes for children, including nutritional status and fruit and vegetable consumption. Few reviews examined child health outcomes of garden-based interventions that were not nutrition related, such as physical activity, or academic performance. Across settings, there was the most evidence in support of garden-based interventions conducted in home gardens, compared to evidence from early care and education or community settings. We were unable to report on most effective components of garden-based interventions due to limitations of included reviews.

CONCLUSIONS

Existing evidence is difficult to interpret due to methodological limitations at both the review and primary study level. Therefore, the lack of evidence for certain child health outcomes should not necessarily be interpreted as an absence of an effect of garden-based interventions for specific outcomes, but as a product of these limitations. Given the breadth of evidence for garden-based interventions to improve a number of dimensions of health with older children and adult populations, we highlight areas of future research to address evidence gaps identified in this umbrella review. Further research on the role of garden-based interventions, including their impact on non-nutrition early childhood health outcomes and how effectiveness differs by setting type is necessary to fully understand their role in early childhood health promotion.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION

CRD42019106848 .

A Snapshot of European Children's Eating Habits: Results from the Fourth Round of the WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI)

Consuming a healthy diet in childhood helps to protect against malnutrition and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). This cross-sectional study described the diets of 132,489 children aged six to nine years from 23 countries participating in round four (2015-2017) of the WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI). Children's parents or caregivers were asked to complete a questionnaire that contained indicators of energy-balance-related behaviors (including diet). For each country, we calculated the percentage of children who consumed breakfast, fruit, vegetables, sweet snacks or soft drinks "every day", "most days (four to six days per week)", "some days (one to three days per week)", or "never or less than once a week". We reported these results stratified by country, sex, and region. On a daily basis, most children (78.5%) consumed breakfast, fewer than half (42.5%) consumed fruit, fewer than a quarter (22.6%) consumed fresh vegetables, and around one in ten consumed sweet snacks or soft drinks (10.3% and 9.4%, respectively); however, there were large between-country differences. This paper highlights an urgent need to create healthier food and drink environments, reinforce health systems to promote healthy diets, and continue to support child nutrition and obesity surveillance.

Healthy Eating Policy Improves Children's Diet Quality in Early Care and Education in South Carolina

Policies to promote healthy foods in early care and education (ECE) in the United States exist, but few have been prospectively evaluated. In South Carolina, a statewide program serving low-income children in ECE enacted new policies promoting healthy foods. We conducted an evaluation to measure changes in dietary intake among children in ECE exposed and not exposed to the new policy. Using direct observation, we assessed dietary intake in 112 children from 34 ECE centers in South Carolina and 90 children from 30 ECE centers in North Carolina (a state with no policy). We calculated Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI) scores to measure diet quality consumed before and after the policy was enacted. We fit mixed-effects linear models to estimate differences in HEI scores by state from baseline to post-policy, adjusting for child race, number of children enrolled, director education, center years in operation, participation in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), and center profit status. The policy increased HEI scores for whole fruits, total fruits, and lean proteins, but decreased scores for dairy. Thus, the policy was associated with some enhancements in dietary intake, but additional support may help improve other components of diet.

Interventions for increasing fruit and vegetable consumption in children aged five years and under

BACKGROUND

Insufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables in childhood increases the risk of future non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease. Testing the effects of interventions to increase consumption of fruit and vegetables, including those focused on specific child-feeding strategies or broader multicomponent interventions targeting the home or childcare environment is required to assess the potential to reduce this disease burden.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness, cost effectiveness and associated adverse events of interventions designed to increase the consumption of fruit, vegetables or both amongst children aged five years and under.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and two clinical trials registries to identify eligible trials on 25 January 2020. We searched Proquest Dissertations and Theses in November 2019. We reviewed reference lists of included trials and handsearched three international nutrition journals. We contacted authors of included trials to identify further potentially relevant trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials, including cluster-randomised controlled trials and cross-over trials, of any intervention primarily targeting consumption of fruit, vegetables or both among children aged five years and under, and incorporating a dietary or biochemical assessment of fruit or vegetable consumption. Two review authors independently screened titles and abstracts of identified papers; a third review author resolved disagreements.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed the risks of bias of included trials; a third review author resolved disagreements. Due to unexplained heterogeneity, we used random-effects models in meta-analyses for the primary review outcomes where we identified sufficient trials. We calculated standardised mean differences (SMDs) to account for the heterogeneity of fruit and vegetable consumption measures. We conducted assessments of risks of bias and evaluated the quality of evidence (GRADE approach) using Cochrane procedures.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 80 trials with 218 trial arms and 12,965 participants. Fifty trials examined the impact of child-feeding practices (e.g. repeated food exposure) in increasing child vegetable intake. Fifteen trials examined the impact of parent nutrition education only in increasing child fruit and vegetable intake. Fourteen trials examined the impact of multicomponent interventions (e.g. parent nutrition education and preschool policy changes) in increasing child fruit and vegetable intake. Two trials examined the effect of a nutrition education intervention delivered to children in increasing child fruit and vegetable intake. One trial examined the impact of a child-focused mindfulness intervention in increasing vegetable intake. We judged 23 of the 80 included trials as free from high risks of bias across all domains. Performance, detection and attrition bias were the most common domains judged at high risk of bias for the remaining trials. There is low-quality evidence that child-feeding practices versus no intervention may have a small positive effect on child vegetable consumption, equivalent to an increase of 5.30 grams as-desired consumption of vegetables (SMD 0.50, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.71; 19 trials, 2140 participants; mean post-intervention follow-up = 8.3 weeks). Multicomponent interventions versus no intervention has a small effect on child consumption of fruit and vegetables (SMD 0.32, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.55; 9 trials, 2961 participants; moderate-quality evidence; mean post-intervention follow-up = 5.4 weeks), equivalent to an increase of 0.34 cups of fruit and vegetables a day. It is uncertain whether there are any short-term differences in child consumption of fruit and vegetables in meta-analyses of trials examining parent nutrition education versus no intervention (SMD 0.13, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.28; 11 trials, 3050 participants; very low-quality evidence; mean post-intervention follow-up = 13.2 weeks). We were unable to pool child nutrition education interventions in meta-analysis; both trials reported a positive intervention effect on child consumption of fruit and vegetables (low-quality evidence). Very few trials reported long-term effectiveness (6 trials), cost effectiveness (1 trial) or unintended adverse consequences of interventions (2 trials), limiting our ability to assess these outcomes. Trials reported receiving governmental or charitable funds, except for four trials reporting industry funding.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Despite identifying 80 eligible trials of various intervention approaches, the evidence for how to increase children's fruit and vegetable consumption remains limited in terms of quality of evidence and magnitude of effect. Of the types of interventions identified, there was moderate-quality evidence that multicomponent interventions probably lead to, and low-quality evidence that child-feeding practice may lead to, only small increases in fruit and vegetable consumption in children aged five years and under. It is uncertain whether parent nutrition education or child nutrition education interventions alone are effective in increasing fruit and vegetable consumption in children aged five years and under. Our confidence in effect estimates for all intervention approaches, with the exception of multicomponent interventions, is limited on the basis of the very low to low-quality evidence. Long-term follow-up of at least 12 months is required and future research should adopt more rigorous methods to advance the field. This is a living systematic review. Living systematic reviews offer a new approach to review updating, in which the review is continually updated, incorporating relevant new evidence as it becomes available. Please refer to the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for the current status of this review.

Keiki Produce Prescription (KPRx) Program Feasibility Study to Reduce Food Insecurity and Obesity Risk

One in 6 US children experience food insecurity, signifying that at some time during the last year their household did not have sufficient food, money, or resources to feed their family. These children experience little intake of fresh fruits and vegetables (FV), a risk factor for chronic disease, including obesity. Produce prescription programs provide vouchers to purchase fresh FV at participating retailers. The Keiki Produce Prescription (KPRx) Program feasibility study was conducted through a partnership between the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center's Pediatrics and Health Promotion Department's Farmers'Market and the University of Hawai'i nutrition faculty. Pediatricians provided patients with a prescription (Rx) to purchase FV from the Farmers' Market ($24 per month for three months). Of the 193 Rx distributed, 125 patients participated in part of the program, while 34 completed the full program. Parents, pediatricians, clinic staff, and community members expressed overwhelming support of the program. Parents of participating children completed an exit interview that identified themes surrounding motivation to participate, benefits to child and family, and future recommendations. It identified the need to improve program retention efforts. Participants reported lifestyle benefits for both the child and family and recommended educational resources. Aresearch protocol was developed to address the following objectives: (1) streamline referrals, (2) enhance retention, (3) quantify program impact, and (4) identify barriers to participation. Subsidies have the potential to increase FV consumption, improve overall health, reduce chronic diseases in adulthood, and result in substantial healthcare cost savings.

Optimisation: defining and exploring a concept to enhance the impact of public health initiatives

BACKGROUND

Repeated, data-driven optimisation processes have been applied in many fields to rapidly transform the performance of products, processes and interventions. While such processes may similarly be employed to enhance the impact of public health initiatives, optimisation has not been defined in the context of public health and there has been little exploration of its key concepts.

METHODS

We used a modified, three-round Delphi study with an international group of researchers, public health policy-makers and practitioners to (1) generate a consensus-based definition of optimisation in the context of public health and (2i) describe key considerations for optimisation in that context. A pre-workshop literature review and elicitation of participant views regarding optimisation in public health (round 1) were followed by a daylong workshop and facilitated face-to-face group discussions to refine the definition and generate key considerations (round 2); finally, post-workshop discussions were undertaken to refine and finalise the findings (round 3). A thematic analysis was performed at each round. Study findings reflect an iterative consultation process with study participants.

RESULTS

Thirty of 33 invited individuals (91%) participated in the study. Participants reached consensus on the following definition of optimisation in public health: "A deliberate, iterative and data-driven process to improve a health intervention and/or its implementation to meet stakeholder-defined public health impacts within resource constraints". A range of optimisation considerations were explored. Optimisation was considered most suitable when existing public health initiatives are not sufficiently effective, meaningful improvements from an optimisation process are anticipated, quality data to assess impacts are routinely available, and there are stable and ongoing resources to support it. Participants believed optimisation could be applied to improve the impacts of an intervention, an implementation strategy or both, on outcomes valued by stakeholders or end users. While optimisation processes were thought to be facilitated by an understanding of the mechanisms of an intervention or implementation strategy, no agreement was reached regarding the best approach to inform decisions about modifications to improve impact.

CONCLUSIONS

The study findings provide a strong basis for future research to explore the potential impact of optimisation in the field of public health.

The effectiveness of health professional-delivered interventions during the first 1000 days to prevent overweight/obesity in children: A systematic review

Childhood obesity is a global public health challenge. Early prevention, particularly during the first 1000 days, is advocated. Health professionals have a role to play in obesity prevention efforts, in part due to the multiple routine contacts they have with parents. We synthesized the evidence for the effectiveness of obesity prevention interventions delivered by health professionals during this time period, as reviews to date have not examined effectiveness by intervention provider. We also explored what behaviour change theories and/or techniques were associated with more effective intervention outcomes. Eleven electronic databases and three trial registers were searched from inception to 04 April 2019. A total of 180 studies, describing 39 trials involving 46 intervention arms, were included. While the number of interventions has grown considerably, we found some evidence for the effectiveness of health professional-delivered interventions during the first 1000 days. Only four interventions were effective on a primary (adiposity/weight) and secondary (behavioural) outcome measure. Twenty-two were effective on a behavioural outcome only. Several methodological limitations were noted, impacting on efforts to establish the active ingredients of interventions. Future work should focus on the conduct and reporting of interventions.

The effect of Public Health/Pediatric Obesity interventions on socioeconomic inequalities in childhood obesity: A scoping review

Childhood obesity has a strong social gradient. This scoping review aims to synthesize the evidence on the impact on inequalities of non-targeted interventions to reduce the prevalence of childhood and adolescent obesity in high-income countries. We updated a review by Hillier-Brown, searching up to 31 December 2017 on MEDLINE, Embase, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and PsycINFO, with no limitations on study design. Fifty-eight studies describing 51 interventions were included: 31 randomized clinical trials and 27 non-randomized trials, with sample sizes from 67 to 2,700,880 subjects. The majority were implemented in the school setting at a community level; the others were in health services or general population setting and targeting individuals or the system. Twenty-nine interventions proved to be effective overall; seven others had an effect only in a subgroup, while 15 proved not to be effective. All types of included interventions can increase inequalities. Moreover, some interventions had opposite effects based on the socioeconomic characteristics. Any kind of intervention can reduce equity. Consequences are difficult to predict based on intervention construct. Complex interventions acting on multiple targets, settings, and risk factors are more effective and have a lower risk of increasing inequalities.

Interventions for increasing fruit and vegetable consumption in children aged five years and under

BACKGROUND

Insufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables in childhood increases the risk of future non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease. Interventions to increase consumption of fruit and vegetables, such as those focused on specific child-feeding strategies and parent nutrition education interventions in early childhood may therefore be an effective strategy in reducing this disease burden.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness, cost effectiveness and associated adverse events of interventions designed to increase the consumption of fruit, vegetables or both amongst children aged five years and under.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and two clinical trials registries to identify eligible trials on 25 August 2019. We searched Proquest Dissertations and Theses in May 2019. We reviewed reference lists of included trials and handsearched three international nutrition journals. We contacted authors of included trials to identify further potentially relevant trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials, including cluster-randomised controlled trials and cross-over trials, of any intervention primarily targeting consumption of fruit, vegetables or both among children aged five years and under, and incorporating a dietary or biochemical assessment of fruit or vegetable consumption. Two review authors independently screened titles and abstracts of identified papers; a third review author resolved disagreements.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed the risks of bias of included trials; a third review author resolved disagreements. Due to unexplained heterogeneity, we used random-effects models in meta-analyses for the primary review outcomes where we identified sufficient trials. We calculated standardised mean differences (SMDs) to account for the heterogeneity of fruit and vegetable consumption measures. We conducted assessments of risks of bias and evaluated the quality of evidence (GRADE approach) using Cochrane procedures.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 78 trials with 214 trial arms and 13,746 participants. Forty-eight trials examined the impact of child-feeding practices (e.g. repeated food exposure) in increasing child vegetable intake. Fifteen trials examined the impact of parent nutrition education in increasing child fruit and vegetable intake. Fourteen trials examined the impact of multicomponent interventions (e.g. parent nutrition education and preschool policy changes) in increasing child fruit and vegetable intake. Two trials examined the effect of a nutrition education intervention delivered to children in increasing child fruit and vegetable intake. One trial examined the impact of a child-focused mindfulness intervention in increasing vegetable intake. We judged 20 of the 78 included trials as free from high risks of bias across all domains. Performance, detection and attrition bias were the most common domains judged at high risk of bias for the remaining trials. There is very low-quality evidence that child-feeding practices versus no intervention may have a small positive effect on child vegetable consumption equivalent to an increase of 4.45 g as-desired consumption of vegetables (SMD 0.42, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.60; 18 trials, 2004 participants; mean post-intervention follow-up = 8.2 weeks). Multicomponent interventions versus no intervention has a small effect on child consumption of fruit and vegetables (SMD 0.34, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.57; 9 trials, 3022 participants; moderate-quality evidence; mean post-intervention follow-up = 5.4 weeks), equivalent to an increase of 0.36 cups of fruit and vegetables per day. It is uncertain whether there are any short-term differences in child consumption of fruit and vegetables in meta-analyses of trials examining parent nutrition education versus no intervention (SMD 0.12, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.28; 11 trials, 3078 participants; very low-quality evidence; mean post-intervention follow-up = 13.2 weeks). We were unable to pool child nutrition education interventions in meta-analysis; both trials reported a positive intervention effect on child consumption of fruit and vegetables (low-quality evidence). Very few trials reported long-term effectiveness (6 trials), cost effectiveness (1 trial) and unintended adverse consequences of interventions (2 trials), limiting their assessment. Trials reported receiving governmental or charitable funds, except for four trials reporting industry funding.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Despite identifying 78 eligible trials of various intervention approaches, the evidence for how to increase children's fruit and vegetable consumption remains limited. There was very low-quality evidence that child-feeding practice may lead to, and moderate-quality evidence that multicomponent interventions probably lead to small increases in fruit and vegetable consumption in children aged five years and younger. It is uncertain whether parent nutrition education interventions are effective in increasing fruit and vegetable consumption in children aged five years and younger. Given that the quality of the evidence is very low or low, future research will likely change estimates and conclusions. Long-term follow-up of at least 12 months is required and future research should adopt more rigorous methods to advance the field. This is a living systematic review. Living systematic reviews offer a new approach to review updating, in which the review is continually updated, incorporating relevant new evidence as it becomes available. Please refer to the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for the current status of this review.

CHAMP: A cluster randomized-control trial to prevent obesity in child care centers

Foundational elements of lifelong health are formed during the preschool years. Child care attendance has nearly doubled in the past 5 years making child care centers an ideal setting to establish healthy habits that prevent pediatric obesity. Despite the promising evidence of efficacy of child care-based obesity prevention interventions, limited attention has been directed to criteria needed for implementation at scale. There is potential to improve children's dietary and physical activity behaviors in diverse communities through theory-based, culturally appropriate, manualized interventions, delivered by child care staff. CHAMP (Creating Healthy Habits Among Maryland Preschoolers) is a 3-arm cluster randomized controlled childhood obesity prevention trial, aiming to improve motor skills, physical activity and willingness to try new foods among 864 preschoolers (age 3-5 years) enrolled in 54 child care centers in 10 Maryland counties. CHAMP is informed by social-cognitive and bioecological theories and based on an evidence-based program, The Food Friends®. The two intervention arms include: 1) child care-center based lessons (18-week gross motor and 12-week nutrition) administered by trained child care staff, and 2) a web-based intervention for caregivers in addition to center-based lessons. Evaluations are conducted among children, caregivers, and child care staff at fall enrollment, midline, and spring, following intervention completion. Analyses include linear mixed-models, accounting for clustering and repeated measures, incorporating center-arms as moderators. CHAMP will provide evidence-based information to inform wellness guidelines and policies that can be disseminated broadly, to ensure that child care centers provide opportunities for children to develop healthy eating, and physical activity habits. Trial Registration: NCT03111264; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03111264.

A Multi-Year Examination of Gardening Experience and Fruit and Vegetable Intake During College

Gardening has been positively associated with fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption based on short-term studies among children, but long-term data among adolescents and young adults are lacking. This investigation sought to elucidate the association between gardening experience and FV intake among college students over a two-year period. Students (N = 593) from eight universities were assessed at the end of their freshman (Y1) and sophomore (Y2) years during the springs of 2016 and 2017, respectively. At each time point, participants completed the NCI FV Screener and questions related to gardening experience and FV-related attitudes and behaviors. Students were then categorized into four groups based on gardening experience: Gardened only during the first or second year (Y1 only and Y2 only gardeners), gardened both years (Y1+Y2 gardeners), and non-gardeners. While both Y1 only and Y1+Y2 gardeners reported significantly higher FV intake relative to non-gardeners at Y1 (2.3 ± 0.9 and 2.6 ± 0.7 versus 1.9 ± 0.6 cup equivalents (CE)/day, respectively; p < 0.01), only Y1+Y2 gardeners differed from non-gardeners at Y2 (2.4 ± 0.6 versus 1.8 ± 0.5 CE/day; p < 0.001). Additionally, Y1+Y2 gardeners reported more frequent engagement of several FV-related behaviors, including shopping at farmers’ markets, eating locally grown foods, and cooking from basic ingredients; and were five times more likely to have gardened during childhood (OR: 5.2, 95%, CI: 3.5–8.8; p < 0.001). Findings suggest that while isolated gardening experiences during college are associated with FV intake, reoccurring experience may be essential for sustained benefit.

Variety, Price, and Consumer Desirability of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables in 7 Cities around the World

Few studies have attempted to quantify the variety, price, and consumer desirability of fruits and vegetables (F&Vs) across a diversity of cities. We implemented a market basket survey of F&Vs from December 2018 to February 2019 in middle-income neighborhoods of the following cities: Visakhapatnam, India; Kathmandu, Nepal; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mexico City, Mexico; Bangkok, Thailand; and Brookline, United States. The total variety of fruits ranged from 4.1 in Visakhapatnam to 17.3 in Brookline, and of vegetables from 6.1 in Dar es Salaam to 20.3 in Brookline. Of the 3 fruits for which price data were collected, apples tended to be the most expensive, and bananas the least expensive. For vegetables, capsicum tended to be the most expensive and eggplants the least expensive. Tablet-based market basket surveys are a useful tool for evaluating food environments. These pilot data provide further evidence of the homogenization of global diets.

Effects of a cluster randomized controlled kindergarten-based intervention trial on vegetable consumption among Norwegian 3-5-year-olds: the BRA-study

Background

Early childhood represents a critical period for the establishment of long-lasting healthy dietary habits. Limited knowledge exists on how to successfully increase vegetable consumption among preschool children. The overall aim of the present study was to improve vegetable intake among preschool children in a kindergarten-based randomized controlled trial.

Methods

The target group was preschool children born in 2010 and 2011, attending public or private kindergartens in two counties in Norway. Data about child intake of vegetables were collected by three methods. First, parents filled in a web-based questionnaire of the child’s vegetable intake. Second, among a subsample, trained researchers observed children’s vegetable intake in the kindergarten. Thirdly, a parental web-based 24-h recall assessing the child’s vegetable intake was filled in. For allocation of kindergartens to intervention and control groups, a stratified block randomization was used. Multiple intervention components were implemented from September 2015 to February 2016 and components focused at influencing the four determinants availability, accessibility, encouragement and role modelling. The effect of the intervention from baseline (spring 2015) to follow-up 1 (spring 2016) was assessed by mixed-model analysis taking the clustering effect of kindergartens into account.

Results

Parental consent was obtained for 38.8% of the children (633 out of 1631 eligible children). Based on the observational data in the kindergarten setting (n 218 in the control group and n 217 in the intervention group), a tendency to a small positive effect was seen as a mean difference of 13.3 g vegetables/day (95% CI: − 0.2, 26.9) (P = 0.054) was observed.

No significant overall effects were found for the total daily vegetable intake or for the parental reported frequency or variety in vegetable intake.

Conclusions

Based on the observational data in the kindergarten setting, a tendency to a small positive effect was seen with a mean difference of about 13 g vegetables/day, while no other effects on child vegetable intake were found. Additionally, further research to understand the best strategies to involve parents in dietary interventions studies is warranted.

Trial registration

International Standard Randomised Controlled Trials ISRCTN51962956. Registered 21 June 2016 (retrospectively registered).

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-019-7436-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The Healthy Children, Strong Families 2 (HCSF2) Randomized Controlled Trial Improved Healthy Behaviors in American Indian Families with Young Children

BACKGROUND

American Indian (AI) families experience a disproportionate risk of obesity due to a number of complex reasons, including poverty, historic trauma, rural isolation or urban loss of community connections, lack of access to healthy foods and physical activity opportunities, and high stress. Home-based obesity prevention interventions are lacking for these families.

OBJECTIVE

Healthy Children, Strong Families 2 (HCSF2) was a randomized controlled trial of a healthy lifestyle promotion/obesity prevention intervention for AI families.

METHODS

Four hundred and fifty dyads consisting of an adult primary caregiver and a child ages 2 to 5 y from 5 AI communities were randomly assigned to a monthly mailed healthy lifestyle intervention toolkit (Wellness Journey) with social support or to a child safety control toolkit (Safety Journey) for 1 y. The Wellness Journey toolkit targeted increased fruit/vegetable (F/V) intake and physical activity, improved sleep, decreased added sugar intake and screen time, and improved stress management (adults only). Anthropometrics were collected, and health behaviors were assessed via survey at baseline and at the end of Year 1. Adults completed surveys for themselves and the participating child. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to assess change over the intervention period.

RESULTS

Significant improvements to adult and child healthy diet patterns, adult F/V intake, adult moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, home nutrition environment, and adult self-efficacy for health behavior change were observed in Wellness Journey compared with Safety Journey families. No changes were observed in adult body mass index (BMI), child BMI z-score, adult stress measures, adult/child sleep and screen time, or child physical activity. Qualitative feedback suggests the intervention was extremely well-received by both the families and our community partners across the 5 participating sites.

CONCLUSIONS

This multi-site community-engaged intervention addressed key gaps regarding family home-based approaches for early obesity prevention in AI communities and showed several significant improvements in health behaviors. Multiple communities are working to sustain intervention efforts. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01776255.

Nature's bountiful gift to humankind: Vegetables & fruits & their role in cardiovascular disease & diabetes

Fruits and vegetables (FVs) are recognized as healthy constituents of diet and a sustainable solution to the existing twin burden of micronutrient deficiencies and non-communicable diseases in developing and developed countries. In general, FVs are nutrient dense foods low in energy, containing varying amounts of vitamins and minerals including carotenoids, B vitamins, vitamin C, iron, zinc, potassium, calcium, magnesium and fibre. These are abundantly rich in phytochemicals that function as antioxidants, anti-atherosclerotic and anti-inflammatory agents. This review summarizes some epidemiological, prospective cohort and intervention studies on the health benefits of FVs in relation to cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes. The rich varieties of FVs available, their composition, production scenario in India, dietary intake and trends over time, barriers to sufficient intake mainly sociocultural, economic and horticulture environment, policies for promotion and prevention of diseases are considered.

A longitudinal intervention to improve young children's liking and consumption of new foods: findings from the Colorado LEAP study

BACKGROUND

Many interventions have been conducted to improve young children's liking and consumption of new foods however their impacts on children's consumption have been limited. Consistent evidence supports the use of repeated exposure to improve liking for new foods however longitudinal effects lasting greater than 6 months often have not been demonstrated. Here we report the eating-related findings of the Colorado Longitudinal Eating And Physical Activity (LEAP) Study, a multi-component intervention, delivered primarily in the school setting, which aimed to improve children's liking and consumption of a target food via repeated exposure and positive experiential learning.

METHODS

Four sites in rural Colorado, each housing Head Start preschool programs, matched on state vital statistics for childhood obesity rates, (2 intervention and 2 control sites) took part in a quasi-experimental study design which included 4 time points (baseline, post-intervention, one-year [Y1] and two- year [Y2] follow ups). A total of 250 children and families were enrolled (n = 143 intervention and n = 107 control; 41% Hispanic and 69% low-income). A 12-week intervention, Food Friends - Fun With New Foods®, delivered by trained preschool teachers and which focuses on positive and repeated experiences with new foods, and a 5-month (1 unit/month) social marketing "booster program" was delivered in kindergarten (one-year follow up) and 1st grade (two-year follow up). Main outcome measures included change in children's liking for new foods, analyzed by ordinal regression using generalized estimating equations, and change in weighed consumption of new foods over time, analyzed using a hierarchical mixed effects model.

RESULTS

The intervention was delivered with good fidelity (87%). Both intervention and control groups demonstrated an increase in liking for the target food over time (p = 0.0001). The pattern of consumption of the target food was different, over time, for intervention and control groups (p < 0.005). In particular the change in intake between baseline and post-intervention was significantly greater in the intervention compared to the control group (p < 0.0001) though this pattern of change did not hold between baseline and Y2 follow up (p = 0.1144). Children in the intervention group who liked the target food consumed nearly double their baseline consumption at post-intervention (p < 0.0001;) and maintained this increase at Y2 follow up (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The Food Friends intervention, which utilized positive, repeated experiences with new foods, and was delivered with good fidelity by trained preschool teachers, found that larger improvements were observed in children's eating behaviors than would be expected with developmentally-based changes in eating behaviors.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov : NCT01937481. Date registered: 09/09/2013; Retrospectively registered. Date first participant registered: 09/15/2010.

Protein-Reduced Complementary Foods Based on Nordic Ingredients Combined with Systematic Introduction of Taste Portions Increase Intake of Fruits and Vegetables in 9 Month Old Infants: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract: Fruits and vegetables are healthy foods but under-consumed among infants and children. Approaches to increase their intake are urgently needed. This study investigated the effects of a systematic introduction of taste portions and a novel protein-reduced complementary diet based on Nordic foods on fruit and vegetable intake, growth and iron status to 9 months of age. Healthy, term infants (n = 250) were recruited and randomly allocated to either a Nordic diet group (NG) or a conventional diet group (CG). Infants were solely breast- or formula-fed at study start. From 4 to 6 months of age, the NG followed a systematic taste portions schedule consisting of home-made purées of Nordic produce for 24 days. Subsequently, the NG was supplied with baby food products and recipes of homemade baby foods based on Nordic ingredients but with reduced protein content compared to the CG. The CG was advised to follow current Swedish recommendations on complementary foods. A total of 232 participants (93%) completed the study. The NG had significantly higher intake of fruits and vegetables than the CG at 9 months of age; 225 ± 109 g/day vs. 156 ± 77 g/day (p < 0.001), respectively. Energy intake was similar, but protein intake was significantly lower in the NG (-26%, p < 0.001) compared to the CG. This lower protein intake was compensated for by higher intake of carbohydrate from fruits and vegetables. No significant group differences in growth or iron status were observed. The intervention resulted in significantly higher consumption of fruits and vegetables in infants introduced to complementary foods based on Nordic ingredients.

Mothers' Vegetable Consumption Behaviors and Preferences as Factors Limiting the Possibility of Increasing Vegetable Consumption in Children in a National Sample of Polish and Romanian Respondents

Increasing the insufficient intake of vegetables in children may be difficult, due to the influence of parents and at-home accessibility. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between self-reported vegetable consumption behaviors and preferences of mothers and the behaviors and preferences of their children, as declared by them. The nationally representative Polish (n = 1200) and Romanian (n = 1157) samples of mothers of children aged 3-10 were obtained using the random quota sampling method, and interviewed for their and their children's general frequency of consumption and preferences of vegetables in years 2012-2014. A 24 h dietary recall of vegetable consumption was conducted for mothers and their children. Associations were observed for general number of servings consumed per day by mother-child pairs (p < 0.0001; R = 0.6522, R = 0.6573 for Polish and Romanian samples, respectively) and number of types indicated as preferred (p < 0.0001; R = 0.5418, R = 0.5433). The share of children consuming specific vegetables was 33.1-75.3% and 42.6-75.7% while their mothers also consumed, but 0.1-43.2% and 1.2-22.9% while their mothers did not. The share of children preferring specific vegetables was 16.7-74.1% and 15.2-100% when their mother shared the preference, but 1.3-46.9% and 0-38.3% when their mother did not. The mothers' vegetable consumption behaviors and preferences may be a factor limiting the possibility of increasing vegetable consumption in their children.

The Food4toddlers study - study protocol for a web-based intervention to promote healthy diets for toddlers: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Eating habits are established during childhood and track into adolescence and later in life. Given that these habits have a large public health impact and influence the increasing rates of childhood obesity worldwide, there is a need for effective, evidence-based prevention trials promoting healthy eating habits in the first 2 years of life. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the effect of an eHealth intervention called Food4toddlers, aiming to promote healthy dietary habits in toddlers by targeting parents' awareness of their child's food environment (i.e., how food is provided or presented) and eating environment (e.g., feeding practices and social interaction). This paper describes the rationale, development, and evaluation design of this project.

METHODS/DESIGN

We developed a 6-month eHealth intervention, with the extensive user involvement of health care nurses and parents of toddlers. This intervention is in line with the social cognitive theory, targeting the interwoven relationship between the person, behavior, and environment, with an emphasis on environmental factors. The intervention website includes recipes, information, activities, and collaboration opportunities. The Food4toddlers website can be used as a mobile application. To evaluate the intervention, a two-armed pre-post-follow-up randomized controlled trial is presently being conducted in Norway. Parents of toddlers (n = 404) were recruited via social media (Facebook) and 298 provided baseline data of their toddlers at age 12 months. After baseline measurements, participants were randomly allocated to an intervention group or control group. Primary outcomes are the child's diet quality and food variety. All participants will be followed up at age 18 months, 2 years, and 4 years.

DISCUSSION

The results of this trial will provide evidence to increase knowledge about the effectiveness of an eHealth intervention targeting parents and their toddler's dietary habits.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN92980420 . Registered 13 September 2017. Retrospectively registered.

Study protocol: optimized complementary feeding study (OTIS): a randomized controlled trial of the impact of a protein-reduced complementary diet based on Nordic foods

Background

What we eat as infants and children carries long-term consequences. Apart from breastfeeding, the composition of the complementary diet, i.e. the foods given to the infant during the transition from breast milk/infant formula to regular family foods affects the child’s future health. A high intake of protein, a low intake of fruits, vegetables and fish and an unfavorable distribution between polyunsaturated and saturated fats are considered to be associate with health risks, e.g. obesity, type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia later in life.

Methods

In a randomized, controlled study from 6 to 18 months of age we will compare the currently recommended, Swedish complementary diet to one based on Nordic foods, i.e. an increased intake of fruits, berries, vegetables, tubers, whole-grain and game, and a lower intake of sweets, dairy, meat and poultry, with lower protein content (30% decrease), a higher intake of vegetable fats and fish and a systematic introduction of fruits and greens. The main outcomes are body composition (fat and fat-free mass measured with deuterium), metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers (associated with the amount of body fat) in blood and urine, gut microbiota (thought to be the link between early diet, metabolism and diseases such as obesity and insulin resistance) and blood pressure.

We will also measure the participants’ energy and nutrient intake, eating behavior and temperament through validated questionnaires, acceptance of new and unfamiliar foods through video-taped test meals and assessment of cognitive development, which we believe can be influenced through an increased intake of fish and milk fats, notably milk fat globule membranes (MFGM).

Discussion

If the results are what we expect, i.e. improved body composition and a less obesogenic, diabetogenic and inflammatory metabolism and gut microbiota composition, a more sustainable nutrient intake for future health and an increased acceptance of healthy foods, they will have a profound impact on the dietary recommendations to infants in Sweden and elsewhere, their eating habits later in life and subsequently their long-term health.

Trial registration

NCT02634749. Registration date 18 December 2015.

Dietary intake and eating patterns of young children with type 1 diabetes achieving glycemic targets

INTRODUCTION

Young children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) consume more saturated fat and less fruit and vegetables than recommended. A common challenge in this age group is unpredictable appetite potentially impacting the way parents manage diabetes cares at mealtimes. This small study aimed to assess nutritional intake and mealtime routines of young children with T1D in a clinic where the majority of children were achieving glycemic targets. A secondary aim was to explore association of eating pattern with HbA1c.

METHODS

A retrospective, cross-sectional review of children aged less than 7.0 years with T1D attending a pediatric diabetes service in Australia was performed (n=24). Baseline characteristics, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), a 3-day weighed food diary and a mealtime management survey were collected.

RESULTS

Twenty-two children (55% male) were included aged 4.9±1.3 years (mean±SD), HbA1c 47±10 mmol/mol (6.4%±0.9%), body mass index Z-score 0.8±0.9 and diabetes duration 1.7±1.1 years. Preprandial insulin use was reported in 95% of children. Macronutrient distribution (% energy intake) was carbohydrate (48%±4%), protein (16%±2%) and fat (33%±5%) with saturated fat (15%±3%). The majority of children did not meet vegetable and lean meat/protein intake recommendations (0% and 28%, respectively). HbA1c was not correlated with daily total carbohydrate, protein or fat intake (p>0.05). HbA1c was significantly higher in children offered food in a grazing pattern compared with those offered regular meals (mean 61 mmol/mol vs 43 mmol/mol (7.7% vs 6.1%), p=0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Dietary quality is a concern in young children with T1D with excessive saturated fat and inadequate vegetable intake. Our results suggest that young children meeting glycemic targets give insulin before meals and follow a routine eating pattern.

Perspective: The Evidence-Based Framework in Nutrition and Dietetics: Implementation, Challenges, and Future Directions

Decision making in nutrition is based on current available scientific evidence. However, we are currently living in a time of highly accessible information, and with the increase in accessibility has come a concomitant increase in misinformation and pseudoscience relating to nutrition. This presents a challenge to the nutrition research community, practitioners, and consumers, and highlights a need to critically examine the current evidence-based framework in nutrition, and identify strategies for future improvements. This narrative review outlines the current evidence-based framework and approaches to evidence-based practice in the nutrition field, focusing on policy and guideline development. Within the framework, systematic reviews are an important tool for evidence-based practice, underpinning translation guidelines and other implementation documents. Recommendations for consumption of nutrients, foods, and whole diets are required to guide consumers and practitioners; however, these resources must be updated regularly to remain timely and accurate. In turn, clinical practice guidelines guide practitioners in how to implement the evidence base for patients and clients, supporting practitioners to be positioned as a key conduit between scientific evidence and the public. In contrast, health claims may support marketing of food products, but require consideration of the strength and quality of the evidence to support health claims, with external oversight required to ensure claims are appropriate. Collecting, synthesizing, and translating the evidence base in nutrition remains an ongoing challenge, particularly in the current context of increased information availability. To address growing challenges in combating pseudoscience, nutrition researchers, policy makers, and practitioners must work together, and the role of practitioners in translating the evidence base and personalizing it to individual patients must be emphasized. Continuing to address current challenges, including increasing the timeliness and consistency of the approach to the evidence base, is required to ensure informed and robust nutrition policy, research, and practice into the future.