Food, water, energy, and macronutrient intake of non-breastfed infants and young children (0-3 years).

PURPOSE: The French Nutri-Bébé 2013 study aimed to assess the nutritional intake of infants and young children in comparison with the recommendations of the 2013 European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled a random sample of families selected according to the Quota sampling method. A 3-day dietary record was conducted and supervised by two face-to-face interviews. All foods and beverages consumed were qualitatively and quantitatively reported in a diary, and their composition calculated using a food composition database. RESULTS: A total of 1035 non-breastfed children were included. Formula was abandoned early, amounting to approximately 50% of the total food intake at 7 months in 50% of infants and 22% at 1 year. A similar trend was observed for specific complementary foods. After 1 year, 50% of children consumed cow's milk, which was semi-skimmed in 88% of cases. Drinking water intake was low. Protein intake reached 1.4 times the average requirements before 3 months, 2 times at 8-9 months, and > 4 times at 30-35 months. Fat intake was below the EFSA adequate intake (AI) in > 90% of children. Alpha-linolenic acid intake was equal to or greater than the AI in all infants < 3 months, 85% of children at 6 months, 34% at 12-17 months, and 8% >24 months. Regardless of age, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intake was less than the AI. CONCLUSION: Strong discrepancies are observed between the actual and recommended intake in young, non-breastfed children namely, a high-protein intake, and a low fat intake, especially DHA.

Mineral and vitamin intake of infants and young children: the Nutri-Bébé 2013 survey.

PURPOSE: Minerals and vitamins are essential for optimal growth and development, particularly during the first years of life. Therefore, regularly evaluating their intake makes sense. For this purpose, we report the data from the Nutri-Bébé 2013 survey in comparison with the European Food Safety Authority Adequate Intake (AI), or Average Requirement, (AR) according to age. METHODS: This observational, nationally representative, cross-sectional survey was conducted in 1035 non-breastfed French children aged 0.5-35 months. Dietary intake was recorded using a food diary on three non-consecutive days, framed by two face-to-face interviews. RESULTS: The intake of zinc, magnesium and water-soluble vitamins most of the time met the recommendations. From the first weeks of life, sodium intake exceeded the AI, with a maximum median intake of 1137 mg/day after the age of 30 months. However, it has decreased since 2005. Calcium median intake often exceeded the AI or AR, reaching a maximum of 780 mg/day between 18 and 23 months. Median vitamin A intake always exceeded the AI or AR but exceeded the recommended upper limit in only a few cases. After 2 years, median iron intake was clearly below the AR, i.e. lower than 6.0 mg/day. Dietary vitamin D intake was below the AI, thereby justifying adequate supplementation. Vitamin E intake was below the AI in 50-75% of toddlers. CONCLUSION: This survey highlights excessive sodium intake as well as a shortfall of iron, vitamin D, and vitamin E intakes. The potential consequences of these discrepancies with respect to health outcomes remain to be assessed.

The Role of Young Child Formula in Ensuring a Balanced Diet in Young Children (1-3 Years Old).

During the nutritional vulnerable period of 1-3 years of age, nutrient intake is often inadequate due to an unbalanced diet. Young child formula (YCF) has been proposed as a means of improving nutrition in this age group. We compared the food consumption and nutrient intake of 241 YCF consumers (YCF-C) to those of 206 non-consumers (YCF-NC), selected from among the children enrolled in the Nutri-Bébé survey, an observational cross-sectional survey, conducted from 3 January to 21 April 2013. Food consumption and nutrient intake were analyzed from a three-day dietary record. The YCF-C < 2 years group had a protein (-8 g/d; p < 0.0001) and sodium (-18%; p = 0.0003) intake that was lower than that of YCF-NC, but still above the respective EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) Average Requirement (AR) or Adequate Intake (AI). At all ages, the YCF-C group had higher intakes of essential fatty acids (p < 0.0001), vitamins C (p < 0.0001), A, D, and E (p < 0.0001), all B vitamins (p < 0.001) except B12, iron (9 vs. 5 mg/d, p < 0.0001), reaching the Dietary Reference Values (DRVs, AR or AI), but similar DHA and ARA intakes. Getting closer to the reference values proposed by EFSA required at least 360 mL/d of YCF. The consumption of YCF may help infants and children at risk of nutrient deficiencies to meet their nutritional requirements. However, protein, sodium, and vitamin A intakes remained above the EFSA DRVs, and DHA, ARA, and vitamin D remained below.