Dietary Recommendations for Children and Adolescents

American Heart Association, Gidding SS, Barbara A, et al. Pediatrics 2006; 117: 544-559.

Contents:

The article summarises current information on cardiovascular nutrition in children and makes recommendations for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease beginning at a young age. It is based on growing evidence that that atherosclerotic process begins in childhood and that good nutrition in early life will help prevent cardiovascular disease and its risk factors (such as obesity) in childhood and beyond.

Purpose:

The purpose is to improve nutritional quality, amount and pattern of food consumption by children and their families. Although the article emphasizes nutrition to improve cardiovascular health, it is recognised that optimal nutrient for overall health and normal growth is the pre-eminent goal.

Significance:

Strengths of the statement are that it summaries the scientific support for dietary recommendations in children, what children eat (based on children in the USA), as well as considering the implementation of dietary recommendations by specific age groups (e.g. birth to age 2 years, 2 to 6 years, and over 6 years).

As well as being a very comprehensive scientific review, the article has tables which summarise dietary strategies for children, tips to implement recommendations and guidelines, parental and guardian`s responsibilities for children`s nutrition, and strategies for schools. Although the intended audience is medical practitioners, the practical component and public health strategies for improving the quality of children`s diets, makes it important reading for all healthcare professionals working in children`s nutrition.