Developing Healthy Eating Habits Early in Life Helps Prevent Onset of Diseases

Encouraging the intake of a healthy diet right from infancy is crucial to ward off childhood obesity and the onset of chronic disease.

The latest study, led by Rebecca Byrne from the Queensland University Technology, described the quantity and diversity of food and drinks consumed by children aged between 12-16 months. The researchers noted that toddler years are critical for the development of long-term food preference. It is at this stage that the toddlers develop food fussiness, independence and autonomy. 

Over the past few decades, obesity in the United States has been cited as a major health issue. Between 1980 and 2000, there has been a two-fold increase in the rate of obesity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood obesity rates have more than doubled in the last 30 years.     

"Liking a nutrient-dense diet that incorporates all five food groups is important, as evidence suggests that food preferences develop at this early age and persist into adulthood," said Byrne.

In most of the developed and developing countries, iron deficiency continues to remain as a major issue for toddlers.

"Although most toddlers were consuming a diverse diet, the amount and type of meat or meat alternatives was poor. Almost all children were consuming foods we would consider completely unnecessary at this age, such as sweet biscuits," researchers said.

CDC reports that 2.4 million U.S. children suffer from iron deficiency. Toddlers, who are overweight and not in day care, are at a higher risk for iron deficiency.

The study was documented in the journal of Public Health.