Toddlers’ diets in the UK dominated by ultra-processed foods, new study finds
With ultra-processed foods making up nearly half the energy intake of British toddlers and more than half by age seven, a new study underscores the urgent need for dietary interventions and potential policy reforms.
TL;DR | Highlights from this story
● Study reveals British toddlers get nearly 50% of daily energy from ultra-processed foods.
● UPF consumption rises to 60% by age 7, elevating sugar, salt, and fat intake.
● Foods like commercial milk formulas and packaged snacks lack essential nutrients, posing long-term health risks.
● Experts advocate stricter food regulations to aid parents in making healthier dietary choices for children.
A concerning trend in young children’s dietary habits has emerged as researchers warn that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) make up an alarmingly high proportion of British toddlers’ diets.
Dietary Health Risks Increase with Age
According to recent findings published in the European Journal of Nutrition, toddlers as young as 21 months receive nearly half of their daily energy from ultra-processed foods. This study tracked dietary habits in children over several years, noting a sharp increase in UPF intake as children aged, with 7-year-olds consuming close to 60% of their daily calories from such foods.
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