Portion size can be used strategically to increase intake of vegetables and fruits in young children over multiple days: a cluster-randomized crossover trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although dietary guidelines recommend that vegetables and fruits make up half the diet, it is unclear whether serving vegetables and fruits in larger portions will have sustained effects on children's intake over multiple days.

Objectives

This study tested the effects on children's intake of 2 strategies for increasing the proportion of vegetables and fruits: either adding or substituting extra portions as side dishes at meals and snacks over 5 d.

Methods

In a cluster-randomized crossover design with 3 periods, we provided all meals and snacks for 5 d to 53 children aged 3-5 y in classrooms in their childcare centers. In the Control condition, we served typical portions for all food groups. In the Addition condition we increased portions of low-energy-dense

SUBMITTER: Roe LS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8755102 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature