Early introduction of salty foods increases a liking for salt

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has shown that infants introduced to starchy table foods before age 6 months are more likely to have a taste preference for salt and salty foods than those infants not introduced to starchy table foods before age 6 months.

Children with overweight fathers at greater risk of obesity

A recent Australian study, published in the International Journal of Obesity has found that children with overweight or obese fathers but healthy weight mothers are at greater risk of overweight and obesity than those children with healthy weight fathers and overweight or obese mothers.

Children like more colour and variety in meals than adults

A US and British study has shown that adults and children have different preferences in the way food should be presented on plates and this can have implications in getting children to try new foods and to eat healthier. While children preferred at least 7 different food items on their plate with at least 6 different colours, adults preferred only 3 items and 3 colours.

Birth weight predicts weight status of Australian children

A study  presented at the recent joint Australian and New Zealand Nutrition Society Meeting in New Zealand has shown that birth weight is a significant predictor of the current weight of Australian children and adolescents. The increasing birth weight of Australian babies may therefore be predictive of future overweight and obesity.

Preventing Childhood Obesity

Overweight and obesity is an increasing problem amongst  children. A recent Cochrane review has looked at the various interventions in published studies to determine which ones are effective in preventing childhood obesity using change in Body Mass Index (BMI) as the assessment tool. It also looked at why they were effective and their cost.

Supplementation of breast fed babies in hospital with infant formula

An Australian study has found that 23% of breast feeding mums supplemented their babies with infant formula while in hospital, despite the fact that this may impact negatively  on breast feeding duration and exclusivity.

Bottle feeding mums need more support and education after giving birth

A Queensland study has found that mothers who decided to bottle feed rather than breast feed while in hospital wanted to be supported in their decision, treated the same as breast feeding mothers and  given access to information and education about formula feeding.

Supplementation of DHA during pregnancy may boost baby's immune system

A  study published in Pediatrics has shown that supplementing pregnant women with 400mg of DHA reduced the incidence of colds in their infants and reduced the duration of symptoms.

Hiding vegetables increases young children's vegetable intake

Research has shown that by manipulating recipes to include more vegetables, young children increase their vegetable consumption and reduce their daily energy intake. The children in the study were unaware that extra vegetables had been added as the meals taste, texture and appearance was similar to the standard recipe.

Australian children are not getting enough long chain omega 3 fats

A new study has found that Australian children aged between 2 years and 16 years are not consuming enough long chain omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC omega- 3 PUFA) for optimal health.