Food Habits of Australian Toddlers

In the March 2007 issue of Heinz Sight Lets Talk To..., researcher Karen Webb spoke about her study reporting on the ‘extra foods’ consumed by toddlers aged 16-24 months.  A new paper, using the same sample of toddlers 16-24 months, has been released looking at the amounts of foods, nutrients and portions consumed. 

The study found:-

• Milk, milk products and non-milk drinks (such as water, no sugar apple juice, orange juice) were consumed in the largest amounts.
• Milk and milk products, cereals and cereal products, cereal based foods, non milk drinks and meats contributed most to energy ( kilojoule) intakes.
• Both girls and boys exceeded their Estimated Energy Requirements by about 10% which could affect their weight long term.
• Over 90% of toddlers met the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) for 1 to 3 year olds, for most nutrients. However, iron and vitamin C fell below the EAR in 23% and 14% of toddlers respectively.  
• Of concern was the high intake of sodium, with 62% exceeding the upper limit of 1000mg. Most sodium came from dairy foods (cheese), breads, cereals and cereals based foods. This raises concern about sodium and its later effects on blood pressure.
• Dietary fibre intakes were low, being half of the adequate intake of 14g daily. This low intake may affect bowel regularity and satiety.
• Portion sizes were relatively small.

Reference.

Webb K, Rutihauser I, Knezevic N. Foods, nutrients and portions consumed by a sample of Australian Children aged 16-24 months. Nutrition & Dietetics 2008;65(1):56-65.