Kathmandu, September 1

Children aged below two years who consumed junk food were found to be suffering from nutrition deficiency, according to a study.

A research conducted by Helen Keller International Nepal, along with the Ministry of Health and Population revealed that children consuming junk food and beverage, had low dietary adequacy.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a representative sample of 745 primary caregivers for children aged 12–23 months, in Kathmandu valley, from February to April 2017. The research was published on 31 May 2019, on The Journal of Nutrition.

For all children, junk food and beverage, were main source of energy. Junk food mostly consumed by children included biscuits with 10.8 per cent total energy intakes (TEI), candy/chocolates with 3.5 per cent TEI, savoury snacks with 3.4 per cent TEI, instant noodles with 2.2 percent TEI and bakery items with 2.0 per cent TEI.

Nutrient intakes, dietary adequacy, length-for-age, and iron status were compared based on the contribution of junk food and beverage, to total energy intake, in the research.

Over-consumption of energy-dense/nutrient-poor food and beverage by children could lead to micro-nutrient dilution during critical period of their growth and development. Caregivers for children should, therefore, provide children with healthy food rich in micro-nutrients, said AtulUpadhyay, principal investigator of the research project.

“Children should not be given junk food because it will have adverse impact on their growth and development. Instead, they should be given food cooked at home, eggs, fruits and other varieties rich in nutrition, said Upadhyay.

“We conducted the research in the capital city where people are educated. We assume that the caregivers and mothers of the children are well informed about dietary effects.

They should provide food items to children, that are rich in nutrition,” he said. There is a need to support caregivers in making healthy food choices. Poor nutritional value of junk food and beverage, should be included in school education, according to  Upadhyay.

Children need micro-nutrients such as iron, Vitamin B12 and zinc for their growth and development.

Such micro-nutrients also help to prevent anaemia and improve immune system of the children, said Kedar Raj Parajuli, chief of Nutrition Programme, Family Welfare Division, in the Department of Health.

Infant and young children should be given balanced diet to ensure their appropriate growth and development. Infants and young children are vulnerable to undernutrition and to morbidity and mortality, according to Parajuli.

World Health Organisation has recommended balanced diet for children and infants which include grains, roots, and tubers; legumes and nuts; dairy products (milk yogurt, cheese); flesh foods (meat, fish, poultry, and liver/organ meat); eggs; vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables; and fruits and vegetables.