1. Courtney Goodwin
FCS365
Professor Swann
29 October 2013
Journal Abstract
Article:
Cowin I, Emmett P. Diet in a group of 18-month-old children in South West England, and
comparison with the results of a national survey. J Of Human Nutrition and Dietetics.
2007;20(3):254-267.
The early childhood stage of life is a crucial time for development, which cannot
occur without proper nutrition. Furthermore, some of the health conditions that develop in
adulthood could have been prevented if a healthy diet had been implemented from
childhood. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the nutrient intakes of a
sample of 18-month-old children from the Children In Focus (CIF) research cohort in
southwest England with the dietary reference values and the results of England’s National
Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS). For this study a three-day dietary record was completed
by care-givers/guardians of the children, which were coded using the computer program
DIDO (Data-In, Diet-Out) in conjunction with the nutrient analysis program BRIGADE
(Bristol General Analysis of Dietary Experiments). The primary statistical method
employed for the study was the paired t-test. The results of the study found that intakes of
nearly all nutrients were higher in boys than in girls and that for most nutrients the mean
and median intakes were well above the Reference Nutrient Intakes (RNIs), with vitamin D,
iron, and zinc being the exceptions. Furthermore, nutrient intakes for the CIF children were
similar to those of the NDNS. They differed in that carotene, calcium, vitamin D, and iodine
were significantly higher and sugar intake was significantly lower in the CIF group.
Consumption of yogurt, milk products, and fruits and vegetables were higher in the CIF
group, while intakes of savory snacks and sugar were lower. The conclusion was that the
subjects are only at risk for deficiency of vitamin D, iron, and zinc. Therefore, use of dietary
supplements and consumption of foods rich in these nutrients should be particularly
emphasized as a result of this study, in order to prevent deficiency in the future.