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Breakfast is commonly referred to as the ‘best meal of the day’. Now, scientists have studied whether skipping breakfast, or the type of breakfast eaten, affects daily nutrient intakes and body weight in children.

 

Dietary and anthropometric data were analysed from over 4000 children (4-18yrs) taking part in the 1999-2006 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Results showed that 20% children and 32% teenagers skipped breakfast on a regular basis. Those eating ready-to-eat cereals tended to have lower fat and cholesterol intakes, and significantly higher intakes of fibre and some vitamins/minerals compared with non-consumers of breakfast. Body mass index and waist circumference were higher in children who skipped breakfast.

 

Overall, this study shows that eating breakfast regularly, particularly a ready-to-eat cereal, can help improve diet quality in children and support the maintenance of a healthy body weight.

 

For more information see: Deshmukh-Taskar PR et al. (2010) Journal of the American Dietetic Association, Vol 110, pp 869-78.