Nutritional challenges and opportunities during the weaning period and in young childhood

Development and validation of the baby eating behaviour coding system (BEBECS) to assess eating behaviour during complementary feeding

Eating behaviour in children is a matter of study for which diverse tools have been designed. Coding systems for videotaped meals allow the extraction of detailed in vivo information; however, there is no tool available for infants following a Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) method. This study aimed to create and validate a new tool to assess eating behaviour in infants during weaning, applicable regardless of the complementary feeding method. The Baby Eating Behaviour Coding System (BEBECS) was developed comprising time variables, behaviours, feeder-led actions, and other meal-related variables. Sixty videos of infants aged 6-18 months following spoon-feeding (SF) or BLW methods were coded by two trained coders. These scores were analysed together with intake and maternal ratings of liking and calmness. Additionally, combined analysis and internal comparison assessed the possible differences in BEBECS variables between SF and BLW. Inter-rater and test-retest reliability had good to excellent agreement: Cohen's Kappa >0.75, Lin's CCC >0.70, and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient >0.75, for almost all variables. Infants' liking and intake of the offered food correlated positively with meal duration and total count of mouth approaches but negatively with having leftovers and time between mouth approaches. Infants' calmness and tiredness were negatively correlated. More food than initially offered was available during the meal in BLW but not in SF. There was a tendency towards more autonomous behaviour in BLW infants regarding changes observed in the time the food was in the mouth at each stage (6, 12, and 18 months). In conclusion, BEBECS has the potential to be a valid tool for application in the research of infant eating behaviour during weaning by trained coders.

A design thinking-led approach to develop a responsive feeding intervention for Australian families vulnerable to food insecurity: Eat, Learn, Grow

BACKGROUND

Design thinking is an iterative process that innovates solutions through a person-centric approach and is increasingly used across health contexts. The person-centric approach lends itself to working with groups with complex needs. One such group is families experiencing economic hardship, who are vulnerable to food insecurity and face challenges with child feeding.

OBJECTIVE

This study describes the application of a design thinking framework, utilizing mixed methods, including co-design, to develop a responsive child-feeding intervention for Australian families-'Eat, Learn, Grow'.

METHODS

Guided by the five stages of design thinking, which comprises empathizing, defining, ideating, prototyping, and testing. We engaged with parents/caregivers of a child aged 6 months to 3 years through co-design workshops (n = 13), direct observation of mealtimes (n = 10), a cross-sectional survey (n = 213) and semistructured interviews (n = 29). Findings across these methods were synthesized using affinity mapping to clarify the intervention parameters. Parent user testing (n = 12) was conducted online with intervention prototypes to determine acceptability and accessibility. A co-design workshop with child health experts (n = 9) was then undertaken to review and co-design content for the final intervention.

RESULTS

Through the design thinking process, an innovative digital child-feeding intervention was created. This intervention utilized a mobile-first design and consisted of a series of short and interactive modules that used a learning technology tool. The design is based on the concept of microlearning and responds to participants' preferences for visual, brief and plain language information accessed via a mobile phone. User testing sessions with parents and the expert co-design workshop indicated that the intervention was highly acceptable.

CONCLUSIONS

Design thinking encourages researchers to approach problems creatively and to design health interventions that align with participant needs. Applying mixed methods-including co-design- within this framework allows for a better understanding of user contexts, preferences and priorities, ensuring solutions are more acceptable and likely to be engaged.

Ultrasound, microwave and enzyme-assisted multiproduct biorefinery of Ascophyllum nodosum

This study investigated the multiproduct (fucoidans, β-glucans, proteins, carotenoids, fatty acids, amino acids and polyphenols) valorization of the invasive macroalgae Ascophyllum nodosum within a green biorefinery concept using ultrasound (US), microwave (MW) treatment followed by supercritical CO2 (SC-CO2) with co-solvent and enzymatic extraction. Water and 50% aqueous ethanol were used as green extraction solvents. The extraction methods using 50% ethanol as extraction solvent improved the yields of phenolic compounds and glucan and enhanced in vitro antioxidant activity. The characterization of SC-CO2 extracts revealed that pretreatment with US and MW improved the 2-fold yield of carotenoids, total phenolics and fatty acids. However, US/MW pretreatment and enzymatic extraction did not improve the yields of proteins and free amino acids. Overall, using concurrent green US/MW-assisted extraction methods enhanced the yields of the bioactive compounds in a short duration and provided extracts with a better antioxidant capacity in the field of food applications.

Unfavorable nutrient intakes in children up to school entry age: results from the nationwide German KiESEL study

Background

Nutrition in the first years of life is a cornerstone for child development and long-term health, yet there is a lack of current data on energy and nutrient intake among toddlers and preschoolers in Germany.

Objective

To analyze energy and nutrient intake in toddlers (1- to 2-year-olds) and preschoolers (3- to 5-year-olds) in Germany and compare the results with the Dietary Reference Values (DRVs) by the European Food Safety Authority.

Design

Dietary intake was assessed by weighed food record data (3 + 1 day) of 890 children from the representative cross-sectional Children's Nutrition Survey to Record Food Consumption (KiESEL), carried out in 2014-2017 as a module of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents Wave 2. For the calculation of energy and nutrient intake, the German Nutrient Database BLS 3.02, LEBTAB, and a supplement database were used.

Results

Median intakes of energy and most nutrients met or exceeded the DRVs in both toddlers and preschoolers. However, low intakes relative to DRVs were found for vitamin D (6-9% of DRV, including supplements) and iodine (57-65% of DRV). Age specific downward deviations were observed for iron intake in toddlers (75% of DRV) and for calcium intake in preschoolers (67-77% of DRV). In contrast, intakes were high for saturated fatty acids (SFA) (14-16 E%), mono-/disaccharides (60-87 g/day), and protein [2.1-2.6 g/(kg body weight*day)].

Conclusion

Nutrient imbalances in toddlers and preschoolers in Germany, which are partly age-related, give rise to concern. Research is needed to determine if routine vitamin D supplementation should be extended beyond infancy. Public health efforts to increase the rate of use of iodized salt and to reduce the intake of SFA and mono-/disaccharides in children's diets are to be strengthened.

Plasmalogen Profiling in Porcine Brain Tissues by LC-MS/MS

Plasmalogen, a functional glycerophospholipid, is known for its beneficial nutritional effects, such as anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation. As the porcine brain is a plasmalogen-rich resource, this study aimed to explore its potential for plasmalogen-based health food product development, with special attention on whether and how the industrial production processes influence the plasmalogen content and composition. In the present work, plasmalogens from different porcine brain products were investigated using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The results indicated that all the porcine brain products showed abundant total plasmalogens, of which more than 95% were ethanolamine plasmalogen species. Acetone precipitation, ethanol extraction, and drying did not significantly affect the plasmalogen content, whereas repeated freeze-thaw cycles in the production process led to noticeable loss. The chemometric investigation suggested that raw products and glycerophospholipid products exhibited different profiles; furthermore, the concentration step seemed to impact the plasmalogen composition. The nutritional assessment revealed that porcine brain products showed favorable values of multiple indexes, including PUFA/SFA ratio, n-6/n-3 ratio, thrombogenicity index, and unsaturation index, suggesting a health-beneficial value. The current study not only shows the feasibility of producing porcine brain-derived plasmalogens, but also provides possible strategies for developing and quality-controlling dietary plasmalogen supplements and healthcare products.

Extending the Together, We Inspire Smart Eating Curriculum to Intergenerational Nutrition Education: A Pilot Study

The COVID-19 pandemic has made accessing nutritious foods difficult for older adults and children living in low-income households. The evidence-based preschool nutrition education curriculum Together, We Inspire Smart Eating (WISE) can be used to encourage children to try healthy foods. Written as a single generation curriculum, inviting older adult community members to WISE programming for an intergenerational experience may provide further supports and mutual benefits as participants cooperate towards a common goal. While creators have evaluated implementation of WISE, research has yet to explore factors that influence WISE adoption within an intergenerational setting. We conducted a pilot study using the implementation evaluation framework to explore WISE implementation within single generation and intergenerational settings by measuring five implementation outcomes (fidelity, acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, and sustainability) through three methods: (1) direct assessment of program fidelity via video coding; (2) indirect assessment of stakeholders’ perceptions of WISE implementation, and (3) a directed qualitative content analysis on annual interview data. Fidelity scores were comparable between the two settings and stakeholder ratings of appropriateness, acceptability, and feasibility of WISE were high. Qualitative data revealed that aspects of WISE are less appropriate for older participants and reiterated known logistical barriers of intergenerational programming that may challenge program sustainability.

Early Feeding Factors and Eating Behaviors among Children Aged 1–3: A Cross-Sectional Study

Early nutrition plays a crucial role not only in providing essential nutrients for proper child development, but may also be an important step in creating desirable eating behaviors, which can be transmitted into adulthood. The aim of this study was to assess possible links between early feeding factors, such as breastfeeding, complementary feeding (timing and method) as well as types of complementary foods and mealtime environment during the first three months of complementary feeding and eating behaviors in children aged 1–3 years old. This cross-sectional, online survey involved 467 mothers of toddlers aged 1–3 years old from the whole of Poland. The questionnaire consisted of questions about early feeding and the Children’s Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ). The adjusted linear regression model revealed that longer duration of any breastfeeding was negatively related to enjoyment of food (EF), desire to drink (DD) and positively related to satiety responsiveness (SR) and slowness in eating (SE) subscales. Moreover, offering homemade complementary foods more often than commercial may be related to higher SR. Eating meals during distraction seems to be negatively associated with EF, and positively with DD and SE subscales. Our study highlights possible links between early feeding factors and toddlers’ eating behaviors, so further investigation, also including dietary factors, is needed.

An Environmental Scan of Existing Canadian Childcare Resources Targeting Improvements in Health Behaviours

The objective was to conduct an environmental scan of existing Canadian childcare resources targeting nutrition, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and/or sleep. A comprehensive search plan was conducted that involved four search strategies: (1) grey literature databases, (2) customized Google search engines, (3) targeted websites, and (4) consultation with content experts. A resource (i.e., information, materials) must have been created by government or an organization/agency within Canada, available in English, intended for childcare educators or directors working with children ≤ 5 years of age, and focused on targeting improvements in nutrition, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and/or sleep. The quality of each included resource was assessed using a modified version of the Authority, Accuracy, Coverage, Objectivity, Date, Significance checklist. A total of 192 eligible resources were included. Most resources targeted only nutrition (n = 101) or physical activity (n = 60), and few resources targeted only sedentary behaviour (n = 2) or sleep (n = 1). The remaining 28 resources targeted more than one health behaviour. The 4 most common topics of resources were menu/meal planning (n = 55), healthy nutrition practices/environment (n = 37), physical activities/games (n = 33), and nutrition/food literacy (n = 20). Only 52 included resources cited evidence. One-third of the included resources (n = 64) were rated as high quality, including 55 that received a point for the significance criterion. Therefore, numerous high quality Canadian childcare resources exist for nutrition and physical activity. Future resource development is needed for sedentary behaviour and sleep. Findings can assist future intervention work and the database of resources can be utilized by relevant stakeholders to support other childcare initiatives.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10643-021-01266-2.

Dietary Habits and Choices of 4-to-6-Year-Olds: Do Children Have a Preference for Sweet Taste?

Children develop food preferences by coming into direct contact with various food products through the senses of taste, touch, sight and smell. The aim of this study was to analyze the food preferences of children aged 4 to 6 years and to determine whether age and gender influence children’s food preferences and whether the preference for sweet taste changes with age. The study involved a paper questionnaire containing images of 115 different food products and dishes. The respondents expressed their preferences by choosing the appropriate emoji (happy, sad or neutral face). The study was conducted between 2018 and 2020, and it involved 684 children from 10 kindergartens. Girls chose a significantly higher number of foods and dishes they liked than boys (p = 0.002), and 4-year-olds gave a higher number of “neutral” responses than 5- and 6-year-olds (p = 0.001). Dietary diversity increased with age, and younger children were familiar with fewer foods than 6-year-olds (p = 0.002). Children had a clear preference for sweet taste, regardless of age and gender. Young children (4-year-olds) were more likely to accept healthy foods despite the fact that they were familiar with fewer products and dishes.

Dietary intake of Indigenous Australian infants and young children in the Gomeroi gaaynggal cohort

AIM

The nutritional quality of foods consumed by infants and young children to complement breastfeeding or formula feeding influences growth and development. The aim of this study was to identify the dietary intake of Indigenous infants and young children in the Gomeroi gaaynggal cohort, and evaluate the nutritional adequacy of their intake compared with Australian recommendations.

METHODS

Dietary intake was assessed using diet recalls at approximately 9-, 12- and 24-month visits. Nutrient values of foods were obtained from AUSNUT 2011-13 and nutrient intake compared to the Australian Nutrient Reference Values. Foods were categorised into food groups and intakes compared to the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating.

RESULTS

A total of 206 infants and young children were included in the study. Of these, 95 individual children had dietary data collected between 7.6 and 24.7 months. Infant formula and breastfeeding rates were highest among infants (70% and 20%, respectively). Cow's milk intake was highest among young children (75%). Infants and young children in the cohort met most macro- and micronutrient intake recommendations. Few young children met recommendation for iron (42%), no infant met recommendation for omega-3 fatty acids and almost all exceeded recommendation for sodium. Most young children met daily dairy and fruit recommendations although intake of discretionary foods was high.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that diets of Indigenous infants and young children met most key nutrient reference targets. Potential target areas that require dietary optimisation have been identified and will be the focus of community-led strategies in adequate infant nutrition promotion.

Evaluation of Nutrient Intake and Food Consumption among Dutch Toddlers

Improving dietary habits at a young age could prevent adverse health outcomes. The aim was to gain insight into the adequacy of the dietary intake of Dutch toddlers, which may provide valuable information for preventive measures. Data obtained from the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey 2012–2016 were used, which included 672 children aged one to three years. Habitual intakes of nutrients were evaluated according to recommendations set by the Dutch Health Council. Specific food groups were evaluated according to the Dutch food-based dietary guidelines. For most nutrients, intakes were estimated to be adequate. High intakes were found for saturated fatty acids, retinol, iodine, copper, zinc, and sodium. No statement could be provided on the adequacy of intakes of alpha-linoleic acids, N-3 fish fatty acids, fiber, and iron. 74% of the toddlers used dietary supplements, and 59% used vitamin D supplements specifically. Total median intakes of vegetables, bread, and milk products were sufficient. Consumption of bread, potatoes and cereals, milk products, fats, and drinks consisted largely of unhealthy products. Consumption of unfavorable products may have been the cause of the observed high and low intakes of several nutrients. Shifting towards a healthier diet that is more in line with the guidelines may positively affect the dietary intake of Dutch toddlers and prevent negative health impacts, also later in life.

Association of Protein Intake during the Second Year of Life with Weight Gain-Related Outcomes in Childhood: A Systematic Review

There is accumulating evidence that early protein intake is related with weight gain in childhood. However, the evidence is mostly limited to the first year of life, whereas the high-weight-gain-velocity period extends up to about 2 years of age. We aimed to investigate whether protein intake during the second year of life is associated with higher weight gain and obesity risk later in childhood. We conducted a systematic review with searches in both PubMed®/MEDLINE® and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Ten studies that assessed a total of 46,170 children were identified. We found moderate-quality evidence of an association of protein intake during the second year of life with fat mass at 2 years and at 7 years. Effects on other outcomes such as body mass index (BMI), obesity risk, or adiposity rebound onset were inconclusive due to both heterogeneity and low evidence. We conclude that higher protein intakes during the second year of life are likely to increase fatness in childhood, but there is limited evidence regarding the association with other outcomes such as body mass index or change in adiposity rebound onset. Further well-designed and adequately powered clinical trials are needed since this issue has considerable public health relevance.

Quantitative and Comparative Investigation of Plasmalogen Species in Daily Foodstuffs

Plasmalogens are an animal-derived functional phospholipid increasingly known as a safe and effective nutritional ingredient, however, the quantitation and comparison of plasmalogen species in foods is limited. In the present work, determination methods for dietary plasmalogens using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy under positive and negative ionization modes were compared. The negative-mode method, which showed better selectivity, sensitivity, and accuracy, was then applied in 14 kinds of livestock, poultry, and seafood samples. Livestock and poultry showed abundant total plasmalogen (530.83-944.94 nmol/g), higher than fish (46.08-399.75 nmol/g) and mollusk (10.00-384.76 nmol/g). While fish and mollusk samples expressed healthier fatty acyl composition, with higher eicosapentaenoyl and more beneficial n-6/n-3 ratio than the land animal meats, especially for squid and octopus, with eicosapentaenoyl of 98.4% and 94.5%, respectively. The correlations among plasmalogen species varied in different foodstuffs with distinguishing patterns, suggesting the customizable strategies for achieving targeted plasmalogen species. These findings not only provided fundamental comparison of plasmalogen among daily foodstuffs, but also contributed to extend the dietary plasmalogen sources for health food development.

How bitter taste influences nutrition and health in primary care

Sensitivity to bitter tastes has a genetic basis which is partly mediated by the TAS2R3 gene. Existing research on how this gene influences dietary habits and successful strategies for encouraging the incorporation of additional fruits and vegetables into individuals’ diets is discussed. We propose that knowledge of a patient's status TAS2R3 genotype could help physicians develop personalized nutritional strategies using exposure and associative conditioning techniques to encourage optimal nutrition.

Nutrient Composition of Foods Marketed to Children or Adolescents Sold in the Spanish Market: Are They Any Better?

Healthy eating is essential for the growth and development of children and adolescents. Eating habits established in childhood continue into adulthood. In Spain, the frequent promotion of foods with low nutritional value is already considered a threat to the health of the population, particularly to children and adolescents. In this work, we analyse 3209 foods from the Food Database, BADALI. Foods were classified as marketed to children or adolescents according to the advertising on the packaging, television or internet. We found that 17.5% of foods in the database were marketed to this population and 97% of those were considered unhealthy following the Pan American Health Organization Nutrient Profile Model (PAHO-NPM). In the total of foods for children or adolescents, 61.5% were high in fat, 58.5% in free-sugar, 45.4% in saturated fat and 45% in sodium. Foods marketed to them presented higher amounts of carbohydrates and sugar, while lower protein and fibre content than the rest. There was also considerable variability in levels of the other nutrients found in these products, which depended largely on the food group. According to our findings, there is a tendency for products marketed to children or adolescents to be unhealthy and of a poorer nutritional quality than those not targeted at them.

Investigating the Maternal Factors Associated with Preschool Children's Food Preferences; A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Dietary patterns of children are determined by their food preferences, and mothers have important implications for these preferences. This study was aimed to investigate the maternal factors associated with children's food preferences.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 576 healthy children aged 3-6 years participated from nursery schools through simple cluster sampling method and maternal factors associated with children's food preferences were determined using a researcher designed, validated tool through face-to-face interview with mothers. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 16 using General Linear Model to assess the correlations between different variables.

RESULTS

The children with diploma-educated mothers had fewer preferences in consuming nuts, vegetables, and fruits, and children with academic-educated mothers had fewer preferences in consuming nuts, beans, vegetables, fruits, drinks, condiments, and snacks (P<0.05). Children with employed mothers had fewer preferences for beans and drinks (P<0.02). Drinks preferences were lower among children whose mothers had good nutritional knowledge score (P<0.03). Proteins, beans, fruits, condiments, and snacks preferences were higher among children whose mothers had good nutritional attitude score (P<0.05). A positive correlation was found between the food preferences of children and mothers (0.377

CONCLUSION

The results of the study showed that mothers̓ educational level and their high nutritional knowledge and attitude could not guarantee the healthy dietary patterns of children. To promote children's dietary patterns, it is imperative to improve the food preferences of mothers through specialized training.

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Key Words

• Attitude
• Children
• Food Preferences
• Knowledge
• Mothers

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MESH Headings Collapse

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Affiliation(s)

Nayyereh Farajzadeh-Moghanjoughi Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
Sorayya Kheirouri Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
Mohammad Alizadeh Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
Alireza Farsad-Naeimi Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran

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Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Interferes FATP4-Dependent Long-Chain Fatty Acid Uptake of Intestinal Epithelial Enterocytes via Phosphorylation of ERK1/2-PPARγ Pathway

Sufficient fatty acid (FA) uptake from jejunal lumen is closely associated with pediatric growth. Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), which poses a big threat to young mammals’ health, is also targeted on the jejunum, however, the effects on FA uptake is not understood yet. To explore the impacts of ETEC on the FA uptake ability of jejunum epithelial enterocytes during early life, we orally gavaged weaning piglets with ETEC K88 and found intestinal inflammation combined with compromised uptake of LCFA (C16:0, C18:0, C20:3, C20:4) except for C14:0 whose chain length is similar to medium chain fatty acid (MCFA). Furthermore, we observed reduced protein expression of TJs, fatty acid transport protein 4 (FATP4), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2), and upregulated expression of p-PPARγ. In the in vitro study, we challenged polarized porcine intestine jejunum cell line IPEC-J2 with ETEC K88 and discovered similar results on intestinal barrier and expression of associated genes combined with morphological changes. Based on the constructed cellular model, we then determined lower uptake of BODIPY-labeled C16:0 without any difference in the uptake of BODIPY-labeled C12:0. The content of intracellular triglyceride which was mainly synthesized by LCFA concomitantly lowered down. Using gene knock down and overexpression, FATP4 was confirmed to be responsible for LCFA uptake. Moreover, ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126 and PPARγ antagonist T0070907 revealed ETEC could initiate cascaded phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and PPARγ resulting in hindered expression of FATP4. These results indicate ETEC challenge will cause dysfunction in FATP4-dependent LCFA uptake by phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and PPARγ. Furthermore, intestinal uptake of MCFA is in a FATP4-independent manner which is not easily disturbed by ETEC.

How Does Feeding Development and Progression onto Solid Foods in PKU Compare with Non-PKU Children During Weaning?

Weaning is complex for children with phenylketonuria (PKU). Breastmilk/infant formula and phenylalanine (Phe)-free infant protein-substitute (PS) are gradually replaced with equivalent amounts of Phe-containing food, a semi-solid/spoonable weaning PS and special low-protein foods. In PKU, feeding patterns/practices during weaning in PKU have not been formally evaluated. In this longitudinal, prospective, case-control study (n = 20) infants with PKU transitioning to a second-stage PS, were recruited at weaning (4–6 months) for a comparison of feeding practices and development with non-PKU infants. Subjects were monitored monthly to 12 months and at age 15 months, 18 months and 24 months for: feeding progression; food textures; motor skill development and self-feeding; feeding environment; gastrointestinal symptoms; and negative feeding behaviours. Children with PKU had comparable weaning progression to non-PKU infants including texture acceptance, infant formula volume and self-feeding skills. However, children with PKU had more prolonged Phe-free infant formula bottle-feeding and parental spoon feeding than controls; fewer meals/snacks per day; and experienced more flatulence (p = 0.0005), burping (p = 0.001), retching (p = 0.03); and less regurgitation (p = 0.003). Negative behaviours associated with PS at age 10–18 months, coincided with the age of teething. Use of semi-solid PS in PKU supports normal weaning development/progression but parents require support to manage the complexity of feeding and to normalise the social inclusivity of their child’s family food environment. Further study regarding parental anxiety associated with mealtimes is required.

Metabolites Unravel Nutraceutical Potential of Edible Seaweeds: An Emerging Source of Functional Food

Functional foods are nutritional compounds which also provide health and medicinal benefits. Daily food intake has much impact on the quality of life, and therefore inclusion of functional foods is now essential to our diet. Nutraceuticals are neither food nor drug but are added to food to provide extra nutritional and physiological properties. Though nutraceutical compounds provide minimal actions, their regular involvement in the diet can provide major and long-term health benefits. Global demand for additional and sustainable biomass for the production of important metabolites with nutraceutical potential has resulted in renewed interest in seaweeds. Seaweeds have been consumed from ancient times in Asian areas, and in recent times they have been demonstrated to possess many medicinal effects. Seaweeds are considered a rich source of various nutritional ingredients and metabolites that have pharmaceutical properties. It has been observed that total protein, from terrestrial plants such as soybean and wheat, produces an allergic response on consumption. Therefore, seaweed proteins can be considered a promising source for food industries. Overall, seaweeds are a rich source of PUFAs, metabolites, proteins, sulfated polysaccharides, vitamins, and minerals, which are all responsible for different bioactivities; they are therefore considered a promising functional food (nutraceutical). In this review we discuss the nutraceutical potential of seaweeds regarding different metabolites (primary and secondary), variation in composition, probable biological applications, limitations, research gaps, and future prospects.

Healthy and sustainable diets for future generations

Global food systems will face unprecedented challenges in the coming years. They will need to meet the nutritional needs of a growing population and feed an expanding demand for proteins. This is against a backdrop of increasing environmental challenges (water resources, climate change, soil health) and the need to improve farming livelihoods. Collaborative efforts by a variety of stakeholders are needed to ensure that future generations have access to healthy and sustainable diets. Food will play an increasingly important role in the global discourse on health. These topics were explored during Nestlé's second international conference on 'Planting Seeds for the Future of Food: The Agriculture, Nutrition and Sustainability Nexus', which took place in July 2017. This article discusses some of the key issues from the perspective of three major stakeholder groups, namely farming/agriculture, the food industry and consumers. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Implementation of Dietary Reference Intake Standards in Preschool Menus in Poland

Although the nutritional value of preschool menus largely determines the proper nutrition of attending children, their nutrient composition often does not meet the standards. The purpose of the study was to assess the nutritional value of menus served in preschools throughout Poland. We analyzed a sample of 10 daily menus and inventory reports reflecting foods and beverages served in 270 full-board government-sponsored preschools. Nutrient content was calculated per child per day, and compared with 70% of dietary reference intake (DRI) for children aged 1–3 and 4–6. The content of energy, protein, fat, and carbohydrates generally exceeded 70% of DRI. The amount of vitamins was correct, with the exception of vitamin D (100% of daycare centers (DCCs) were below the recommendations); in ≤3% of preschools vitamin E, folate, and niacin were below DRI. Calcium was too low in 63% of preschools for children aged 1–3 years and in 99% for 4–6-year-olds. A shortage of iodine, iron, and potassium (especially for 4–6-year-olds) was observed in a small number of preschools. Our study highlights the need for uniform legal standards of nutrition in childcare centers, based on the current recommendations for the age group.

Early Taste Experiences and Later Food Choices

Background. Nutrition in early life is increasingly considered to be an important factor influencing later health. Food preferences are formed in infancy, are tracked into childhood and beyond, and complementary feeding practices are crucial to prevent obesity later in life. Methods. Through a literature search strategy, we have investigated the role of breastfeeding, of complementary feeding, and the parental and sociocultural factors which contribute to set food preferences early in life. Results. Children are predisposed to prefer high-energy, -sugar, and -salt foods, and in pre-school age to reject new foods (food neophobia). While genetically determined individual differences exist, repeated offering of foods can modify innate preferences. Conclusions. Starting in the prenatal period, a varied exposure through amniotic fluid and repeated experiences with novel flavors during breastfeeding and complementary feeding increase children’s willingness to try new foods within a positive social environment.

"English Disease": Historical Notes on Rickets, the Bone-Lung Link and Child Neglect Issues

Nutritional or classical rickets (here labeled as "rickets") is a worldwide disease involving mostly infants and young children having inadequate sunlight exposure, often associated with a low dietary intake of Vitamin D. Rickets targets all layers of society independently of economic status with historical information spanning more than two millennia. Vitamin D is critical for the absorption of calcium and prevention of rickets in children as well as osteomalacia in adults. The initial and misleading paradigm of the 19th and 20th centuries that rickets may have been the consequence of infection has been, indeed, reversed following the identification of the Vitamin D molecule's important role in the function of the immune system. Although traditionally considered limited to osteopathology, Vitamin D deficiency is now known to be linked to infection, inflammation, and carcinogenesis. In this review, we consider the key historical (Whistler, pre-Whistler and post-Whistler descriptors) and social facts around rickets; highlight the osteo-pathological features of rickets and the pathology of the upper and lower respiratory tract, stressing the fact that lungs remain the main secondary organ affected by Vitamin D deficiency; and emphasize the public health role in identifying the cases of child neglect or abuse based on the evaluation of the costochondral region.

Dietary Intake of Protein in Early Childhood Is Associated with Growth Trajectories between 1 and 9 Years of Age

BACKGROUND

High protein intake in infancy might lead to a higher body mass index (BMI) in childhood. However, whether these associations differ between different sources of protein is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated associations between the intake of total protein, protein from different sources, and individual amino acids in early childhood and repeatedly measured height, weight, and BMI up to the age of 9 y.

METHODS

This study was performed in 3564 children participating in the Generation R Study, a population-based prospective cohort study in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Intakes of total protein, animal protein, vegetable protein, and individual amino acids (including methionine, arginine, lysine, threonine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, histidine, cysteine, tyrosine, alanine, asparagine, glutamine, glycine, proline, and serine) at 1 y were assessed by using a food-frequency questionnaire. Height and weight were measured at the approximate ages of 14, 18, 24, 30, 36, and 45 mo and at 6 and 9 y, and BMI was calculated.

RESULTS

After adjustment for confounders, linear mixed models showed that a 10-g higher total protein intake/d at 1 y was significantly associated with a 0.03-SD greater height (95% CI: 0.00, 0.06), a 0.06-SD higher weight (95% CI: 0.03, 0.09), and a 0.05-SD higher BMI (95% CI: 0.03, 0.08) up to the age of 9 y. Associations were stronger for animal than for vegetable protein intake but did not differ between dairy and nondairy animal protein or between specific amino acids.

CONCLUSIONS

A higher intake of protein, especially animal protein, at 1 y of age was associated with a greater height, weight, and BMI in childhood up to 9 y of age. Future studies should explore the role of growth hormones and investigate whether protein intake in early childhood affects health later in life.

Protein intakes and their nutritional sources during the first 2 years of life: secondary data evaluation from the European Childhood Obesity Project

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

High protein intake in infancy affects future obesity risk and other health outcomes. We aim to describe total protein intake and its sources in a birth cohort in five European countries over the first 2 years of life.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

A total of 746 formula-fed infants were included. Three-day weighed dietary records at 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months of age were used. Kruskal-Wallis, ANOVA and Friedman's tests were used to assess possible differences in nutritional intake among countries and over time.

RESULTS

Dairy products were the main components of the infants' diets. Cow's milk was rarely introduced before 12 months of age, whereas infants' formula was the main contributor of protein intake. Food choices and protein intake differed among countries (P<0.001). Protein intake often exceeded European recommendations from 9 months onwards, partly because of the substitution of dairy protein (mainly infant formula) by meat protein. Two nutritional patterns were identified that were characterised by differences in energy, fat, protein and animal protein intake. Finally, food consumption was not always in line with protein intakes, and thus infants from some countries showed high consumption of specific food groups but relatively low protein intakes.

CONCLUSIONS

During weaning, over-limited substitution of dairy products with other sources (especially meat) resulted in relatively high protein intakes in formula-fed infants. Differences in preferences of specific protein sources from complementary foods existed among European countries. Great opportunities in improving early nutrition were revealed, although cultural and geographical differences should always be considered.

Commercial complementary food consumption is prospectively associated with added sugar intake in childhood

Given that commercial complementary food (CF) can contain high levels of added sugar, a high consumption may predispose to a preference for sweet taste later in life. This study examined cross-sectional associations between commercial CF consumption and added sugar intake in infancy as well as its prospective relation to added sugar intake in pre-school and primary-school age children. In all, 288 children of the Dortmund Nutritional and Anthropometric Longitudinally Designed Study with 3-d weighed dietary records at 0·5 and 0·75 (infancy), 3 and 4 (pre-school age) and 6 and 7 years of age (primary-school age) were included in this analysis. Individual commercial CF consumption as percentage of total commercial CF (%cCF) was averaged at 0·5 and 0·75 years. Individual total added sugar intake (g/d, energy percentage/d) was averaged for all three age groups. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were used to analyse associations between %cCF and added sugar intake. In infancy, a higher %cCF was associated with odds for high added sugar intake from CF and for high total added sugar intake (>75th percentile, P<0·033). Prospectively, a higher %cCF was related to higher added sugar intake in both pre-school (P<0·041) and primary-school age children (P<0·039), although these associations were attenuated in models adjusting for added sugar intake in infancy. A higher %cCF in infancy may predispose to higher added sugar intake in later childhood by virtue of its added sugar content. Therefore, offering home-made CF or carefully chosen commercial CF without added sugar might be one strategy to reduce sugar intake in infancy and later on.

Comparative Studies on the Characteristic Fatty Acid Profiles of Four Different Chinese Medicinal Sargassum Seaweeds by GC-MS and Chemometrics

Sargassum seaweeds produce abundant biomass in China and have long been used as herbal medicine and food. Their characteristic fatty acid (FA) profiles and related potential function in promoting cardiovascular health (CVH) have not been systematically investigated. In this study, FA profiles of four medicinal Sargassum were characterized using GC-MS. Principal component analysis was used to discriminate the four medicinal Sargassum, and orthogonal projection to latent structures discriminant analysis was carried out between the two official species HAI ZAO and between the two folk medicine species HAI QIAN. In all of the algae investigated, the major SFA and MUFA were palmitic and stearic acid, respectively, while the major PUFAs were linoleic, arachidonic, and eicosapentaenoic acid. S. fusiforme and S. horneri had higher concentrations of PUFAs. With respect to CVH, all of the studied species, particularly S. fusiforme, exhibited satisfactory levels such as PUFA/SFA ratio and n-6/n-3 ratio. Each species possesses a unique FA profile and is discriminated clearly. Potential key FA markers (between the two Chinese official species, and between the two folk species) are assessed. The study provides characteristic fatty acid profiles of four Chinese medicinal Sargassum and their related potential function in promoting CVH.

Biological Properties of Fucoxanthin in Oil Recovered from Two Brown Seaweeds Using Supercritical CO2 Extraction

The bioactive materials in brown seaweeds hold great interest for developing new drugs and healthy foods. The oil content in brown seaweeds (Saccharina japonica and Sargassum horneri) was extracted by using environmentally friendly supercritical CO2 (SC-CO2) with ethanol as a co-solvent in a semi-batch flow extraction process and compared the results with a conventional extraction process using hexane, ethanol, and acetone mixed with methanol (1:1, v/v). The SC-CO2 method was used at a temperature of 45 °C and pressure of 250 bar. The flow rate of CO2 (27 g/min) was constant for the entire extraction period of 2 h. The obtained oil from the brown seaweeds was analyzed to determine their valuable compounds such as fatty acids, phenolic compounds, fucoxanthin and biological properties including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antihypertension effects. The amounts of fucoxanthin extracted from the SC-CO2 oils of S. japonica and S. horneri were 0.41 ± 0.05 and 0.77 ± 0.07 mg/g, respectively. High antihypertensive activity was detected when using mixed acetone and methanol, whereas the phenolic content and antioxidant property were higher in the oil extracted by SC-CO2. The acetone-methanol mix extracts exhibited better antimicrobial activities than those obtained by other means. Thus, the SC-CO2 extraction process appears to be a good method for obtaining valuable compounds from both brown seaweeds, and showed stronger biological activity than that obtained by the conventional extraction process.