Examination of dietary intake of UK preschool children by varying carers: Evidence from the 2008-2016 UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey

Abstract

Abstract Early years caregivers can play a key role in young children’s eating and the prevention of childhood obesity. The UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) is a large representative survey collecting detailed food and nutrition consumption data. Using these data, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between dietary intake of preschool children in the UK aged two to four years old and accompanying adult/s. Nutrition consumption data from 1,218 preschool children from years one to eight of the NDNS (2008 to 2016) were accessed. Dietary data was captured using three or four day estimated food diaries. Regression analyses were performed to explore the association between dietary intake and accompanying adult. There were significant differences in consumption when children were not accompanied by their parents. Compared to when children were with parents, children consumed significantly more energy (15kcal, 95% CI 7-23kcal) sodium (−19mg, 95% CI 6-32mg), added sugars (0.6g, 95% CI 0.1-1.1g), vegetables (3g, 95% CI 1-4g), total grams (12g, 95% CI 3-21g) and saturated fat (0.2g, 95% CI 0.1-0.4g) per eating occasion when accompanied by wider family. When children were accompanied by a formal carer they consumed significantly less added sugars (−1.6g, 95% CI −2.4-0.8g) and more fruit (12g, 95% CI 3-21g) per eating occasion than when they were with their parents. The results demonstrate that non-parental caregivers might be an important target to promote healthy eating in young children. Further research is needed to establish which caregivers would benefit most.