Plating up appropriate portion sizes for children: a systematic review of parental food and beverage portioning practices

Abstract

Consumption of larger portion sizes is associated with higher energy intake and weight status in children. As parents play a pivotal role in child feeding, we synthesized literature on 'parental portioning practices' using a mixed methods systematic design to inform future strategies addressing portion sizes served to children. Electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, PsycINFO and CINAHL Plus were searched. Two reviewers independently screened 385 abstracts and assessed 71 full-text articles against eligibility criteria: studies assessing portioning of foods or beverages by parent(s) with ≥1 child aged 2-12 years. Narrative synthesis of 14 quantitative studies found that portion sizes parents serve vary substantially and are influenced by amounts parents serve themselves, perceived child hunger and parent and child body size. Thematic synthesis of 14 qualitative studies found that parents serve the portion sizes they learn to be appropriate for their child to be fed. Portioning is influenced by parents' desires for a healthy child with a balanced diet. Future guidance on appropriate portion sizes for children would ideally present recommended portion sizes for first serving, incremental with age. Future research is however needed to assess the adoption and efficacy of providing such guidance to families.

What guidance is there on portion size for feeding preschool‐aged children (1 to 5 years) in the United Kingdom and Ireland? A systematic grey literature review

“…Previous research suggests that parents are unaware of existing portion size guidance 18 . This review can help identify suitable portion size guidance for different target audiences, as well as explore improvements to ensure resources support caregivers in translating advice into practice, to avoid excessive weight gain and nutritional insufficiency in children.…”

“…In addition, an earlier published nongovernmental childhood obesity strategy also proposed making more portion size guidance available to parents and health professionals, as well as early years settings 17 . Despite this, recent qualitative evidence suggests that some parents in the United Kingdom are still unaware of any existing guidance but do want guidance on appropriate portion sizes for their preschool‐aged children 18 …”

Factors that potentially influence successful weight loss for adults with intellectual disabilities: A qualitative comparison

“…Wansink et al (2005) discovered that larger portions lead to the consumption of more food. Portion sizes appear to be growing and exceeding recommendations both at home and in the food industry (Condrasky et al, 2012;Kairey et al, 2018). As larger portion sizes become the norm, the quantification of how much should be eaten becomes more difficult for all of us and particularly for adults with intellectual disabilities.…”

Snack Portion Sizes for Preschool Children Are Predicted by Caregiver Portion Size, Caregiver Feeding Practices and Children′s Eating Traits

“…A recent systematic review [37] revealed that parental portioning practices at meals are influenced by caregiver portion size, perceived child hunger, child body size and caregiver employment status. However, to date, little is known about the associations between children s snack intake, portion sizes and parental feeding practices.…”

“…However, to date, little is known about the associations between children s snack intake, portion sizes and parental feeding practices. Furthermore, the review by Kairey et al [37] comprised only three studies from the UK, of which none focused primarily on snack foods [38][39][40].…”