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

Abstract

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.

Keywords: DHA and ARA intake; cow’s milk; diet quality; early childhood; iron intake; nutrient intake; nutritional adequacy; protein intake; sodium intake; young child; young child formula.

Conflict of interest statement

JPC received honoraria from the CREDOC, as a medical and scientific consultant, and from Biostime, Mead-Johnson Nestlé, and Nutricia, as a temporary consultant and/or for presentations. GT is employed by the CREDOC and funded by the SFAE. CF received an honorarium from the SFAE. CD received honoraria for participating in the scientific advisory board of Nestlé and Nutricia, and for presentations for Nestlé and Novalac. DT reports no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1

Flowchart of the study sampling to select children consuming young child formula (YCF-C) vs. children who did not consume any formula (YCF-NC).

Figure 2

Mean (± SD) daily intake (g) of YCF, foods intended specifically for babies (FSB), CM and common foods in YCF-C (n = 241) and YCF-NC (n = 206) according to age group.

Figure 3

Mean contribution of YCF consumption to energy and outstanding nutrient intakes, according to age group and volume of YCF consumption: (a) age group 12–23 months. For each nutrient the vertical bars concern, in order, the total population of the age group, infants consuming 240–360 mL/d, infants consuming 360–480 mL/d, and those consuming 480 mL/d or more; (b) age group 24–35 months. For each nutrient the vertical bars concern, in order, the total population of the age group, infants consuming 240–360 mL/d, and those consuming 360 mL/d or more. Sugars: monosaccharides and disaccharides; ALA: α-linolenic acid; DHA: docosahexaenoic acid; LA: linoleic acid; TEI: Total Energy Intake.