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.
CONTINUE READING...
Enjoy unlimited access now.
To get full access to this article,
simply become a member of PUBLIC SQUARE now.
By doing so, you will be supporting
our independent journalism.
MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS:
£3/month ∙ £5/month ∙ £7/month
You can cancel anytime.
BECOME A MEMBER
Already a member? Sign in here!
BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP:
✅ Read exclusive member-only articles
✅ Read our daily review of the UK front pages
✅ Receive every new article by email
✅ Access all our articles
✅ Get Special Discounts with our partners
✅ Join the conversation: Comment our articles
✅ Access our archives
✅ More importantly: Support independent journalism and keep the magazine going
Read more
— The UK government’s £22 billion investment in carbon capture could hinder net zero goals by 2050, risking fossil fuel dependency and undercutting renewable energy alternatives.
— Your daily roundup of the front pages of the main newspapers and magazines today in the UK... and beyond.
— Michael Gove, ex-Tory MP, will soon edit The Spectator, reinforcing its right-wing conservative stance under new owner Sir Paul Marshall. This move underscores enduring press-politics links in British media.
— Your daily roundup of the front pages of the main newspapers and magazines today in the UK... and beyond.
|
|
