October 4, 2024

expert reaction to study looking at UPF in toddler diets

A study published in the European Journal of Nutrition looks at Ultra-processed foods in toddler diets. 

Dr Nerys Astbury, Associate Professor – Diet & Obesity, Nuffield Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, University of Oxford, said:

“This study reports that children aged 21 months who were part of the Gemini cohort study consume almost half their energy intake from Ultra-processed foods (UPF) or those in the NOVA classification 4.  When surveyed again at aged 7 the children’s intake of UPFs had increased with UPF making up almost 60% of their energy intake.  Whilst this is alarming, these proportions of children in the Gemini study are less than the estimated national average consumption of UPF by children of the same age.

“The NOVA classification system classifies all foods into one of four groups.  One of these, groups (NOVA 4) or UPF as they have widely become known, includes foods such as pre-packed bread, crisps, cakes and ready meals, which tend to be energy dense and contain more sugar and salt than foods in other NOVA groups.

“Indeed, both the 21-month-olds and the 7-year-olds surveyed who consumed the most UPF consumed the most sugar and salt, and had highest intakes of low-fibre bread, processed meat, savoury snacks, confectionary and spreadable fats.

“It is interesting to note that the 21-month-olds who consumed the most UPFs were also those who consumed the most commercial milk formula, despite no evidence commercial formulas offers any benefits over cows’ milk, for infants and children over 12 months if they are not breastfed.

“The other group of foods which may require careful attention/consideration, as they are consumed most by 21-month-olds and 7-year-olds who consume the most UPF, are foods aimed specifically at infants and children.

“Whilst some of the foods that fall into NOVA 4 do have a high degree of processing – including packaged breads, flavoured yogurts, biscuits, confectionary and other convenience foods – other foods that fall into NOVA 4 and were consumed widely amongst the 21-month-olds and 7-year-olds included fortified foods (which have added vitamins or minerals) and margarines.

“This new work very much backs up previous research in adults showing a dietary pattern characterised by high intake of low-fibre bread, confectionary and spreadable fats and low intakes of fruits and vegetables is associated with highest risk of cardiovascular disease (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33882922/), and highlights the health risks if the patterns seen in these young children continue with them into adulthood.”

‘Ultra-processed food intake in toddlerhood and mid-childhood in the UK: cross sectional and longitudinal perspectives’ by Rana E. Conway et al. was published in the European Journal of Nutrition at 01:00 UK time on Friday 4 October 2024.

DOI: 10.1007/s00394-024-03496-7

Declared interests

Dr Nerys Astbury: “No conflicts.”