Key Findings of the Report
As part of the research, SACN used the Diet and nutrition survey of infants and young children (DNSIYC) and the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) rolling programme. Some of the key findings include that:
- average total dietary energy intakes in infants were too high
- average intakes of free sugars in young children were too high
- average intakes of saturated fats were too high, and
- average intakes of protein were above the reference nutrient intake
Why is this concerning? The National Child Measurement Programme (and equivalents in Scotland and Wales) provides us with a snapshot of overweight an obese status of children in the UK at two age points – upon entering primary school (4 to 5 years old), and upon leaving it (10 to 11 years old). We see that the percentage of children with overweight or obesity is significantly greater at the end of primary school compared to the start, and so addressing this earlier could have a big, positive impact.
The findings provide a view on intakes compared to expected values and suggest a link to a continuation of higher prevalence of overweight and obesity in young children.
Recommendations from the SACN report
The report’s recommendations include:
- Following the Eatwell Guide: The Eatwell Guide is applicable from the age of 2, with some exceptions and adjustments for the early years age group including that limiting sugar intake is applicable from age 1, and children under 5 should not be given sugar sweetened beverages.
- Limit HFSS foods: Foods that are high in fat, salt and sugar, and typically energy dense and low in fibre should be avoided. This food category provides a lot of energy, but little in way of nutrients and fibre.
- Increasing Variety and Nutrient Density: Providing young children with a breadth of foods, flavours and textures will help their acceptance of a wider range of foods and will provide them with a more nutrient-dense diet. This should start gradually from age 1
- Encouraging Dietary Diversity: Early exposure to a wide range of foods is shown to foster healthy eating habits. The SACN report encourages parents to introduce a variety of foods, flavours and textures, as it will help their children accept a wider range of foods and will provide them with a more nutrient-dense diet. This should start gradually from age 1.
Practical recommendations for Parents and Caregivers
In general, the good practices to follow when feeding young children are fairly simple and straightforward. The Eatwell guide provides the breakdown of how much of each food type should comprise a daily intake of food. However, in the very young, ie in under 5s, portions are smaller and that makes it harder to adapt the guide to them. The British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) has helpfully adapted the guide for this age group, and name it the 5-5-3-2 portion guide. As well as providing pictorial representation of what a portion looks like, the BNF have simplified the Eatwell Guide into 5 portions of starchy foods, 5 of fruit and vegetables, 3 dairy foods and 2 protein foods. This approach helps to prevent overeating and fosters a balanced relationship with food.
The early years are an important time in a child’s life where opinions and habits are formed. Introducing novel foods will broaden the palate and will make children more accepting to trying new foods. The goal here is to incorporate a wide and diverse diet of healthy foods. SACN recommend introducing new foods such as vegetables 8 to 10 to help develop their acceptance and consumption.
It is clear that we should be minimising, or ideally excluding foods high in fat, salt and sugar that have few nutrients and little fibre. These foods have a significant overlap with ultra processed foods or UPFs, which are increasingly dominating the supermarket shelves. With aggressive marketing and profit-driven goals, it makes it hard to shield children from being exposed to them. Not having them in the house is a good starting point.
Finally, eating food is not purely a case of sustenance – it is also a social activity. With that in mind, mealtimes should be pleasant and pressure-free, and not rushed. Research underscores that pressuring children to eat specific foods can backfire, leading to picky eating or negative associations with food. Gentle encouragement and repeated exposures to new foods without pressure, can help children gradually accept a more diverse diet