Personalized and Sustainable Nutrition for Children and Adolescents

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Global evidence strongly indicates the need for a substantial shift from current diets to healthier, more sustainable ones. As such, diets for children and adolescents should maintain a balance of environmental sustainability and optimum health outcomes for them; however, to achieve the wide adoption of such diets, they must also be sociocultural and economically acceptable, and they should be accompanied by a physically active lifestyle. Some dietary patterns throughout the world fit better than others with a healthy and sustainable nutrition, and their application in a pediatric population deserves to be further investigated. The shift toward sustainable nutrition, facilitated by digital tools, might halt the epidemic of obesity, but this is yet to be extensively investigated. This Topic should encompass the latest research in children and adolescents to prevent or treat obesity, collecting evidence from nutritional interventions, cross-sectional and cohort studies, as well as RTC or systematic reviews. Additionally, reviews that complement recent clinical research are welcome. We invite researchers to contribute relevant original manuscripts that increase the knowledge of our audience and pave the way to future research in this field.

Prof. Dr. Amelia Martí
Dr. Valentina De Cosmi
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Children children	2.0	2.7	2014	14.4 Days	CHF 2400
Dietetics dietetics	-	-	2022	24.9 Days	CHF 1000
Foods foods	4.7	7.4	2012	14.3 Days	CHF 2900
Nutrients nutrients	4.8	9.2	2009	17.5 Days	CHF 2900
Obesities obesities	-	-	2021	11 Days	CHF 1000

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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All Children Dietetics Foods Nutrients Obesities

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13 pages, 1694 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable and Nutritional Recommendations for the Development of Menus by School Food Services in Spain

by María Asunción Martínez-Milán, María Carmen Davó-Blanes, Iris Comino, Pablo Caballero and Panmela Soares

Foods 2022, 11(24), 4081; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11244081 - 16 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2447

Abstract

Background: Recommendations for the development of school menus can promote healthier, more sustainable food systems. In Spain, these recommendations depend on regional governments (Autonomous Communities—CCAAs) that develop their own guides. The objective of this study was to explore the nutritional and sustainability recommendations [...] Read more.

Background: Recommendations for the development of school menus can promote healthier, more sustainable food systems. In Spain, these recommendations depend on regional governments (Autonomous Communities—CCAAs) that develop their own guides. The objective of this study was to explore the nutritional and sustainability recommendations for the development of menus by school food services in Spain. Methods: Guides were reviewed that were available on the official web pages of the councils of health and education. Twenty-four variables were studied and organized into three categories: characteristics, nutritional recommendations and sustainability. The number of recommendations included in each guide was counted. The weekly frequency of the suggested food provision for each food group was calculated, as was the average, median, standard deviation, confidence interval and interquartile index. Results: Overall, 13 guides were reviewed from different CCAAs. All of them included at least three of the nutritional recommendations, two suggested restrictions in the provision of foods with high quantities of salt and six suggested restrictions in foods with high levels of trans and saturated fats and sugars. All except one guide recommended the weekly provision of foods by food group: protein-rich foods (n = 8), cereals and root vegetables (n = 6), vegetables (n = 5.2) and fruit (n = 4.3). Of the eight criteria for sustainability studied, nine guides included one or none. Conclusions: Guides for the provision of meals at school in Spain promote the incorporation of healthy foods; however, they rarely restrict foods with high levels of fat, salt and sugar, and the promotion of food sustainability is only just beginning. These guides should be reviewed and updated to include recommendations that promote healthy and sustainable food systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Personalized and Sustainable Nutrition for Children and Adolescents)

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17 pages, 15217 KiB  

Open AccessSystematic Review

Diet and Nutrients Intakes during Infancy and Childhood in Relation to Early Puberty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Jingyi Tang, Peng Xue, Xiaoxia Huang, Cuilan Lin and Shijian Liu

Nutrients 2022, 14(23), 5004; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14235004 - 24 Nov 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4525

Abstract

The onset of puberty has become earlier over the decades, and nutrients and diet are related to the timing of puberty onset. Hence, we aimed to investigate the association between diet or nutrients in infancy, childhood and early puberty. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane [...] Read more.

The onset of puberty has become earlier over the decades, and nutrients and diet are related to the timing of puberty onset. Hence, we aimed to investigate the association between diet or nutrients in infancy, childhood and early puberty. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library were searched systematically up to 15 April 2022. The pooled relative risks (RRs) or regression coefficients (beta) were estimated using the random-effect model or fixed-effect model according to the heterogeneity between studies. Twenty-two articles on diet or nutrients in childhood and six about breastfeeding in infancy were included. The prolonged breastfeeding duration in infancy could reduce the risk of early menarche (beta 0.31, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.60, p = 0.045). The high intake of yogurt was associated with a 35% reduction in the risk of earlier menarche (RR 0.65, 95% CI: 0.47, 0.89, p = 0.008). Girls with severe food insecurity experienced later menarche (RR 0.81, 95% CI: 0.67, 0.98, p = 0.027). Conversely, due to the high intake of protein, the risk of early menarche increased by 8% (RR 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.16, p = 0.016). High intake of yogurt, longer duration of breastfeeding, and food insecurity decreased the possibility of earlier menarche, while high intake of protein increased that risk. As a modifiable factor, diet and nutrients in infancy and childhood provide new insights into the future prevention of early puberty. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Personalized and Sustainable Nutrition for Children and Adolescents)

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16 pages, 765 KiB  

Open AccessReview

The Mediterranean Diet and the Western Diet in Adolescent Depression-Current Reports

by Magdalena Zielińska, Edyta Łuszczki, Izabela Michońska and Katarzyna Dereń

Nutrients 2022, 14(20), 4390; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14204390 - 19 Oct 2022

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 10574

Abstract

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the world and a current and growing social and health problem. The growing scale of the problem not only concerns adults, but now it particularly affects children and adolescents. Prevention, early diagnosis and [...] Read more.

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the world and a current and growing social and health problem. The growing scale of the problem not only concerns adults, but now it particularly affects children and adolescents. Prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of mood disorders in adolescence is crucial because adolescent depression is a risk factor for recurrence of depression later in life, as well as many other mental health disorders in adulthood. The purpose of this study was to analyze data on the dietary patterns and composition of the Mediterranean diet as a modifiable risk factor for depression, which would be a viable prevention strategy and a good target for early intervention and supportive treatment of depression. Research shows that the Mediterranean diet pattern can reduce the risk and symptoms of depression, while western eating styles can increase the risk and severity of depression in adolescents. The number of studies in adolescent populations continues to increase, but most longitudinal and clinical studies are still insufficient. Modification of the diet can be a helpful strategy for the prevention and treatment of depression in adolescents; therefore, the diet of young people should be considered a key and modifiable goal in the prevention of mental disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Personalized and Sustainable Nutrition for Children and Adolescents)

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15 pages, 3135 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Energy Expenditure Estimation in Children, Adolescents and Adults by Using a Respiratory Magnetometer Plethysmography System and a Deep Learning Model

by Fenfen Zhou, Xiaojian Yin, Rui Hu, Aya Houssein, Steven Gastinger, Brice Martin, Shanshan Li and Jacques Prioux

Nutrients 2022, 14(19), 4190; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14194190 - 8 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2084

Abstract

Purpose: Energy expenditure is a key parameter in quantifying physical activity. Traditional methods are limited because they are expensive and cumbersome. Additional portable and cheaper devices are developed to estimate energy expenditure to overcome this problem. It is essential to verify the accuracy [...] Read more.

Purpose: Energy expenditure is a key parameter in quantifying physical activity. Traditional methods are limited because they are expensive and cumbersome. Additional portable and cheaper devices are developed to estimate energy expenditure to overcome this problem. It is essential to verify the accuracy of these devices. This study aims to validate the accuracy of energy expenditure estimation by a respiratory magnetometer plethysmography system in children, adolescents and adults using a deep learning model. Methods: Twenty-three healthy subjects in three groups (nine adults (A), eight post-pubertal (PP) males and six pubertal (P) females) first sat or stood for six minutes and then performed a maximal graded test on a bicycle ergometer until exhaustion. We measured energy expenditure, oxygen uptake, ventilatory thresholds 1 and 2 and maximal oxygen uptake. The respiratory magnetometer plethysmography system measured four chest and abdomen distances using magnetometers sensors. We trained the models to predict energy expenditure based on the temporal convolutional networks model. Results: The respiratory magnetometer plethysmography system provided accurate energy expenditure estimation in groups A (R² = 0.98), PP (R² = 0.98) and P (R² = 0.97). The temporal convolutional networks model efficiently estimates energy expenditure under sitting, standing and high levels of exercise intensities. Conclusion: Our results proved the respiratory magnetometer plethysmography system’s effectiveness in estimating energy expenditure for different age populations across various intensities of physical activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Personalized and Sustainable Nutrition for Children and Adolescents)

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8 pages, 487 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Can Infant Dyschezia Be a Suspect of Rectosigmoid Redundancy?

by Carmine Noviello, Stefano Nobile, Mercedes Romano, Letizia Trotta and Alfonso Papparella

Children 2022, 9(7), 1097; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9071097 - 21 Jul 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 7279

Abstract

Infant dyschezia is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that occurs in children less than nine months of age. This disorder causes much anxiety among parents who consult different physicians when suspecting major intestinal problems. The aim of this study is to verify whether infant [...] Read more.

Infant dyschezia is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that occurs in children less than nine months of age. This disorder causes much anxiety among parents who consult different physicians when suspecting major intestinal problems. The aim of this study is to verify whether infant dyschezia involves an anatomic abnormality (redundancy) of the colon. In this retrospective study (48 months) we analyzed all the children younger than 9 months who came to our attention through the suspicion of gastrointestinal abnormality (Hirschsprung’s disease, anorectal malformations, colonic disorders or constipation). They all had a complete medical history, clinical examination and diagnostic tests, such as blood samples, suction rectal biopsy, a study of stool characteristics and, finally, a contrast enema. In cases with infant dyschezia, different colonic sizes and rectosigmoid length were measured, which created a ratio with the diameter of the second lumbar vertebra. These values were compared with those reported in the literature as normal for the age of one year. Of the 24 patients evaluated (mean age 4 months), 9 were excluded for different diagnoses (aganglionic megacolon, hypothyroidism, constipation). The comparison of the ratios obtained in the remaining 15 cases showed a significantly higher rectosigmoid length (redundancy) in children with dyschezia, 18.47 vs. 9.75 (p < 0.001). The rectosigmoid redundancy, a congenital anomaly already reported as a cause of refractory constipation, may be present in children with infant dyschezia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Personalized and Sustainable Nutrition for Children and Adolescents)

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9 pages, 575 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Infant-Feeding Patterns and the Effects of Early Introduction to Formula and Solid Foods on Childhood Overweight or Obesity among 10-Years-Olds in a Low Socioeconomic Area of Lebanon: An Exploratory Analysis

by Haider Mannan, Yonna Sacre, Randa Attieh and Dany Farah

Children 2022, 9(7), 1030; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9071030 - 11 Jul 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2239

Abstract

In Lebanon, there has been an alarming increase in childhood overweight and obesity. In addition, most mothers do not meet the WHO recommendation that infants should be introduced to formula or solids only during the second half of their first year. Because the [...] Read more.

In Lebanon, there has been an alarming increase in childhood overweight and obesity. In addition, most mothers do not meet the WHO recommendation that infants should be introduced to formula or solids only during the second half of their first year. Because the study population, Burj Hammoud, which is a low socioeconomic district, is small, we performed an exploratory analysis of infant feeding patterns and the effects of introducing formula and solids within six months, respectively, on childhood overweight/obesity among 10-year-old children. A total of 101 mothers were recruited from seven intercommunity dispensaries located across the district. Descriptive, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. There were 86.1% infants initiating breastfeeding, 18% exclusively breastfeeding at 6 months of age, 67.1% and 52.6% starting formula and solids by 6 months, respectively, and 53.5% becoming overweight/obese by the age of 10 years. Working mothers were significantly less likely to introduce formula but not solids within the first six months of infancy. Based on two case-control studies, after controlling for maternal employment, there were 2.278- and 1.511-fold significantly higher odds of introducing solids and formula before the age of 6 months compared with after the age of 6 months, respectively, for the overweight/obese individuals among 10-year-olds. Future research should focus on conducting a larger study by incorporating other low socioeconomic regions to confirm these relationships. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Personalized and Sustainable Nutrition for Children and Adolescents)

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15 pages, 325 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Use of the Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) Method in Complementary Feeding of the Infant—A Cross-Sectional Study of Mothers Using and Not Using the BLW Method

by Agnieszka Białek-Dratwa, Monika Soczewka, Mateusz Grajek, Elżbieta Szczepańska and Oskar Kowalski

Nutrients 2022, 14(12), 2372; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14122372 - 8 Jun 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 7755

Abstract

Baby-led weaning (BLW) is an increasingly popular way of expanding a baby’s diet. It is based on the baby becoming physically ready to feed himself, effectively supplementing his diet, which until now has been based on breast milk or modified milk. The aim [...] Read more.

Baby-led weaning (BLW) is an increasingly popular way of expanding a baby’s diet. It is based on the baby becoming physically ready to feed himself, effectively supplementing his diet, which until now has been based on breast milk or modified milk. The aim of the study was to assess mothers’ knowledge about the use of the BLW method to expand the diet of a young child. The essence of the study assumed the analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of using this method indicated by mothers. Materials and Methods: A total of 320 mothers participated in the study. Data for the study were collected anonymously using the CAWI method. The research tool was the original questionnaire relating to the knowledge about the BLW method and the application of the BLW method in practice. Results: The BLW method was used by 240 (75%) women. The reasons for not using the BLW method were: the child did not cooperate n = 30 (37.5%) and was not ready to use the BLW method n = 20 (25%). In total, 182 (75.8%) mothers using BLW and 63 (78.8%) mothers not using BLW started extending the diet before the child was 6 months old. According to 270 (84.4%) mothers, including 205 (85.4%) using BLW, stable sitting in a highchair/on the lap is a decisive factor for starting the dietary expansion with the BLW method. Conclusions: Mothers’ knowledge of the BLW method as a way of expanding a young child’s diet was insufficient. It seems important to implement appropriate educational activities on the methods of expanding children’s diets to broaden parents’ knowledge of the influence of nutrition on infant development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Personalized and Sustainable Nutrition for Children and Adolescents)

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