Abstract Comment by Tim Cameron: Will you be adding the title page before this? Comment by Tim Cameron: Introduction Children require different types of diets as they grow up. Every stage of development requires a specific type of diet to enhances growth and general well-being. This is why the federal government has set up rules and regulations and governs to school lunches in the United States. The government introduces updated National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs (NSLP) in 2012 to cut down sugar, sodium and fat intake in the schools. The program included introduction of fruits, whole grains and vegetables every day. Statistics shows that nearly one third of children and adolescents in the country are obese and overweight. Poor nutrition in school lunches also increases chances of developing chronic diseases such as kidney stones, heart diseases and diabetes (Schuna, 2017). Healthy nutrition among children and adolescents enhances memory development, social skills and fine motor skills. Nutritionally sound diets in children and preadolescents plays very important roles in preparing them to (for) a healthier future. It is therefore the responsibility of the government to ensure school lunches are free of excess sugar, salt and fats. There a strong relationship between nutrition and brain development. High intake of poor diet during the earlier years in children leads to anxiety and depression in later years. It also increases emotional and behavioral problems. However, healthy diets such as vegetables, whole grains and fruits prevent children’s risk to for depression in later years. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA, 2018), whole grains contains vitamins B, fiber and minerals that helps kids in school to concentrate in class. The government through the USDA started offering whole-grain rich food in school lunches after the enactment of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act in 2012. The problem now is that these rules have been relaxed and children and adolescents are back consuming sugary foods. Also most schools do not adhere to NLSP program expectations. You need a Population Concerns section Methods This should be Nutrition Relation Topics – what areas of your research are related to nutrition? Next should be Nutrition Interventions – what studies were conducted? The research methodology used in this nutrition research paper involved systematic reviews of various sources involving children, preadolescents and nutrition. Most of these studies were obtained from government agency databases such as United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), NHANES and other nutrition databases. The research studies reviewed were majorly conducted through Cross-sectional surveys, surveillance surveys and experimental designs. Data were obtained through admission of questionnaires and interviews. Statistical tools such as regression analysis were used in analyzing the data. Research Findings This should be Nutrition.

1. Abstract Comment by Tim Cameron: Will you be adding the
title page before this? Comment by Tim Cameron:
Introduction
Children require different types of diets as they grow up. Every
stage of development requires a specific type of diet to
enhances growth and general well-being. This is why the federal
government has set up rules and regulations and governs to
school lunches in the United States. The government introduces
updated National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs
(NSLP) in 2012 to cut down sugar, sodium and fat intake in the
schools. The program included introduction of fruits, whole
grains and vegetables every day. Statistics shows that nearly
one third of children and adolescents in the country are obese
and overweight. Poor nutrition in school lunches also increases
chances of developing chronic diseases such as kidney stones,
heart diseases and diabetes (Schuna, 2017). Healthy nutrition
among children and adolescents enhances memory development,
social skills and fine motor skills. Nutritionally sound diets in
children and preadolescents plays very important roles in
preparing them to (for) a healthier future. It is therefore the
responsibility of the government to ensure school lunches are
free of excess sugar, salt and fats.
There a strong relationship between nutrition and brain
development. High intake of poor diet during the earlier years
in children leads to anxiety and depression in later years. It also
increases emotional and behavioral problems. However, healthy
diets such as vegetables, whole grains and fruits prevent
children’s risk to for depression in later years. According to the
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA, 2018), whole grains
contains vitamins B, fiber and minerals that helps kids in school
to concentrate in class. The government through the USDA
started offering whole-grain rich food in school lunches after
the enactment of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act in 2012.
The problem now is that these rules have been relaxed and

2. children and adolescents are back consuming sugary foods. Also
most schools do not adhere to NLSP program expectations.
You need a Population Concerns section
Methods This should be Nutrition Relation Topics – what areas
of your research are related to nutrition?
Next should be Nutrition Interventions – what studies were
conducted?
The research methodology used in this nutrition research paper
involved systematic reviews of various sources involving
children, preadolescents and nutrition. Most of these studies
were obtained from government agency databases such as
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), NHANES and
other nutrition databases. The research studies reviewed were
majorly conducted through Cross-sectional surveys,
surveillance surveys and experimental designs. Data were
obtained through admission of questionnaires and interviews.
Statistical tools such as regression analysis were used in
analyzing the data.
Research Findings This should be Nutrition Outcomes – results
from the studies discussed in nutrition interventions
A study conducted by Edward, Mauch&Winkelman, (2011)
indicated that there was a strong relationship between physical
fitness, nutrition and improved academic behavior. The
experimental design used in the study required students to
undergo risk behavior survey where their fitness was assessed.
The results showed that physical fitness positively linked
students to academic success?. Therefore, the study supported
the move by the U.S. government to introduce regulated sodium,
sugar and fat intake in schools.
It was also found that children and preadolescents consumed
salt and sugar that exceeded the required limit. The results from
the study conducted by O’Neil et al. (2011) indicated that
children aged 2-5 years were the highest consumers of 100%
fruit juice at 71.1 percent followed with those in 6-12 years
bracket at 57 percent. The adolescents (13-18) were the lowest
consumers of 100% Fruit juice. High consumption of the fruit

3. juice has been associated with improved nutrition. 100% fruit
juices contains vital nutrients such as vitamin C, folate, Mg and
K(16) that are key in children dietary.
The results from the research review also indicated that
carbonated beverages contained sugars that increased likelihood
of children developing obesity and other lifestyle disease. In the
study by Collins et al. (2010), 5033 boys and 4400 girls
participated in the study. The waist circumference of the
participants was measured intake of carbonated beverages. The
findings indicated 12.7% boys and 27% girls were obese.
Therefore, the study confirmed the fact that sugary foods are
not fit for school going children since it increased causes
obesity and overweight.
Parents and other concerned parties have the mandate to
regulate and carefully select what their children consume every
day. This is because most industry products that contain
nutrition symbols do not actually (regulate what a child eats?)do
so. A study conducted by Colby et al. (2010) on 56900 items
showed that 48% of products has were marketing nutrition that
were was highly saturated with salts and sugars. Therefore, it is
not guaranteed that industry symbols of nutrition would help in
choosing the most appropriate diet. To alleviate from this
problem, parents and authorities should stick to unprocessed
food such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains for a healthy
diet in children and preadolescents.
Systematic review indicates that overconsumption of sugars, fat
and salt among preadolescents and children leads to adverse
health conditions in later years. Intake of food with high fat
content has been strongly associated with increased
cardiovascular diseases, obesity and overweight.
Overconsumption of salt; more than 6g a day causes high blood
pressure which raises the likelihood of one developing heart
related diseases and stroke. High sugar on the other hand causes
metabolic abnormalities, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and
diabetes. A cross-sectional study conducted by Kim & Chang,
(2011) linked high sugar consumption to Attention Deficit

4. Hyperactivity Disorder in school going children. Results from
the study showed that children with hyperactive disorder were
impulsive and inattentive in class. The condition was 9 times
more adverse in boys than girls. This proves that sugar in
school lunches were inappropriate and should be regulated.
Conclusion
As discussed, healthy diet in children and preadolescents is
crucial to mental development and physical well-being. Healthy
diet such as vegetables, fruits and whole grain are instrumental
in having children evade evading children from complications in
later years. The program initiated by the U.S. government to
regulate intake of sugar, salt and fat in schools is one of the
best strategies toward ensuring that young populations have
obesity and overweight free lives. There are strong evidences
that link sugar to health problems such as obesity, diabetes,
cardiovascular diseases and stroke among other chronic
ailments.
References
Colby, S. E., Johnson, L., Scheett, A., &Hoverson, B. (2010).
Nutrition marketing on food labels. Journal of nutrition
education and behavior, 42(2), 92-98.
Collison, K. S., Zaidi, M. Z., Subhani, S. N., Al-Rubeaan, K.,
Shoukri, M., & Al-Mohanna, F. A. (2010). Sugar-sweetened
carbonated beverage consumption correlates with BMI, waist
circumference, and poor dietary choices in school
children. BMC public health, 10(1), 234.
Edwards, J. U., Mauch, L., &Winkelman, M. R. (2011).
Relationship of nutrition and physical activity behaviors and
fitness measures to academic performance for sixth graders in a

5. midwest city school district. Journal of School Health, 81(2),
65-73.
Kim, Y., & Chang, H. (2011). Correlation between attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder and sugar consumption, quality of
diet, and dietary behavior in school children. Nutrition research
and practice, 5(3), 236-245.
O'Neil, C. E., Nicklas, T. A., Zanovec, M., &Fulgoni, V. L.
(2011). Diet quality is positively associated with 100% fruit
juice consumption in children and adults in the United States:
NHANES 2003-2006. Nutrition journal, 10(1), 17.
Schuna, C. (2017). The Effects of Children Eating Unhealthy
School Lunches. Retrieved from:
https://www.livestrong.com/article/351827-the-effects-of-
children-eating-unhealthy-school-lunches/
USDA. (2018). School Meals. U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Retrieved from:
https://www.fns.usda.gov/healthierschoolday/tools-schools-
serving-whole-grain-rich
Research topic: Child and Preadolescent Nutrition --- Sugar in
School Lunches
Collison, K. S., Zaidi, M. Z., Subhani, S. N., Al-Rubeaan, K.,
Shoukri, M., & Al-Mohanna, F. A. (2010). Sugar-sweetened
carbonated beverage consumption correlates with BMI, waist
circumference, and poor dietary choices in school
children. BMC public health, 10(1), 234.
The research hypothesis was that the consumption of carbonated
beverages that were sugar-sweetened increased the
circumference of the waist and lead to poor choices in dietary in
on boys than on girls. The study used a cross-sectional survey
design whereby food frequency questionnaire was used. There
were 5033 boys and 4400 girls who were within the age of 10 to
19 years participated in the study. Afterward, the circumference
of the waist was measured and was tested against the intake of

6. the dietary (Collison et al., 2010). If was found that the obesity
prevalence among boys to the girl was 12.2% and 27.0%
respectively. Thus the circumference of the waist was positively
correlated with the carbonated beverages that were sugar-
sweetened beverages on the intake of boys only and the results
were valid. Therefore, the study is suitable for my research to in
that it contributes to development of literature and background
regarding dietary choices among children.
Colby, S. E., Johnson, L., Scheett, A., & Hoverson, B. (2010).
Nutrition marketing on food labels. Journal of nutrition
education and behavior, 42(2), 92-98.
The hypothesis of the study was food labels may help customers
when selecting foods that contain low saturation of fats and
sugars. A ross-sectional survey was conducted where all items
were packed in selected food stores were evaluated. These items
were labels up to 56900 and the nutrition was surveyed. Colby
et al., (2010) explained that 49% of the products had marketing
nutrition and the other 48% contained both the marketing
nutrition that was highly saturated with fats and sugars. Study
findings were valid and verifiable. It was concluded that
industry symbols were not helpful in ensuring that customers
could easily choose low fats and low sugar foods. This is
significant to my research in that it contributes to the
explanation of what influences decision making in regard to
choice of foods among children.
Kim, Y., & Chang, H. (2011). Correlation between attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder and sugar consumption, quality of
diet, and dietary behavior in school children. Nutrition research
and practice, 5(3), 236-245.
The hypothesis was that there was a relationship between
consumed sugars and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
of hyperactivity among school children. A cross-sectional

7. survey involving 112 students where 58 were boys while 54
were girls was conducted (Kim & Chang, 2011). Data was
collected using a questionnaire that was administered
individually. It was found that the children who had the disorder
of hyperactivity were always inattentive and impulsive. The
disorder was around 9 time’s common in boys than in girls. I
find that the content of the study arguments was validated and
the sample size was adequate. Therefore, it is helpful in my
research to ensure in that it helps in clarification of the possible
correlation between high fat and sugar meals with some of the
medical conditions among children.
O'Neil, C. E., Nicklas, T. A., Zanovec, M., & Fulgoni, V. L.
(2011). Diet quality is positively associated with 100% fruit
juice consumption in children and adults in the United States:
NHANES 2003-2006. Nutrition journal, 10(1), 17.
The hypothesis of the study was consumption of fruit juice
increases the quality of diet in children and adults. The study
used the descriptive analysis of 2003-2006 survey of National
Health and Nutrition Examination to evaluate the relationship
consumption of fruit juice with the quality of diet (O'Neil et al.,
2011). The results were analyzed using the regression analyses
and the standard errors method to determine the weights of the
participants. It was found that the there was a high association
between the energy intake and the saturation of fats. It was also
established that children consumed high salt and sugar food
beyond the allowed limits. The study is beneficial in my
research in that it points out that there is a problem to be
addressed concerning preadolescent nutrition.
Edwards, J. U., Mauch, L., & Winkelman, M. R. (2011).

8. Relationship of nutrition and
physical behaviors and fitness measures to academic
performance for sixth graders in a midwest city school
district. Journal of School Health, 81(2), 65-73.
The hypothesis of the study was that aspects such as physical
fitness, nutrition and fitness measures lead to improved
academic performance. The research used an experimental
design where the students were required to complete a youth
risk behavior surveillance survey that assessed the fitness. The
results were in turn matched with the standardized scores thus
were valid. In addition, the difference in the mean scores was
put into comparison with the categories that were selected in
order to analyze the variance. Edward, Mauch & Winkelman,
(2011) illustrated that there were many positive behaviors and
measures for fitness that were highly associated with the
academic scores thus supporting the schools to focus on the
lifestyles that were healthy. The study did not have any loss to
follow up although participants were not randomized. The
research contributes to my research in that it makes my case on
the value of good nutrition practices on school going children.
References
Colby, S. E., Johnson, L., Scheett, A., & Hoverson, B. (2010).
Nutrition marketing on food labels. Journal of nutrition
education and behavior, 42(2), 92-98.
Collison, K. S., Zaidi, M. Z., Subhani, S. N., Al-Rubeaan, K.,
Shoukri, M., & Al-Mohanna, F. A. (2010). Sugar-sweetened
carbonated beverage consumption correlates with BMI, waist
circumference, and poor dietary choices in school
children. BMC public health, 10(1), 234.
Edwards, J. U., Mauch, L., & Winkelman, M. R. (2011).
Relationship of nutrition and physical activity behaviors and
fitness measures to academic performance for sixth graders in a
midwest city school district. Journal of School Health, 81(2),
65-73.

9. Kim, Y., & Chang, H. (2011). Correlation between attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder and sugar consumption, quality of
diet, and dietary behavior in school children. Nutrition research
and practice, 5(3), 236-245.
O'Neil, C. E., Nicklas, T. A., Zanovec, M., & Fulgoni, V. L.
(2011). Diet quality is positively associated with 100% fruit
juice consumption in children and adults in the United States:
NHANES 2003-2006. Nutrition journal, 10(1), 17.
Paper Format:
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Nutrition Research Paper
Nutrition Research Paper
Criteria
Ratings
Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAbstract includes
all components and follows APA requirements
6.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIntro and
population topic concerns accurate
6.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeNutrition related
concerns encompasses all sources

11. 9.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeNutrition
intervention pertains to topic
9.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOutcome
measures and conclusion is comprehensive
5.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWriting clarity
and fluency
4.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeQuantity and
reliability of sources (minimum of 5)
3.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIn-text citations
in APA style
3.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeBibliography
included in APA style
3.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeFormatting:
double spaced, 1 inch margins, Times New Roman, 12 point
font
2.0 pts
Total Points: 50.0