Evidence summaries to increase healthy eating for children

The Prevention and Population Branch of the Victorian Department of Health has produced two papers which provide a summary of the available evidence to support and encourage more healthy eating for children aged 4-6 months to 4 years and to encourage children aged 5 to 12 years to eat more fruits and vegetables.

The Australian National Children's Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey undertaken in 2007 showed that healthy eating for children aged 4 years and under and fruit and vegetable consumption for children aged 5-12 years needed to be addressed.  It found that children aged 4 years and under were not meeting their recommended intakes for core foods, with 80% of 2-3 year olds consuming inadequate vegetables and cereals and too much saturated fat and sugar. Vegetable intake was inadequate in all children aged over 4 years and over, with fruit intake declining with age.

The evidence summaries list the current interventions that have successfully increased healthy eating and fruit and vegetable consumption, provide examples of case studies and highlight research gaps. Implications for policy and practice are also discussed.

The summaries can be downloaded from:- http://www.health.vic.gov.au/healthpromotion/downloads/healthy_eating_6months.pdf

http://www.health.vic.gov.au/healthpromotion/downloads/increasing_fruit_vege5-12years.pdf