Total Usual Nutrient Intakes and Nutritional Status of United Arab Emirates Children (<4 Years): Findings from the Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study (FITS) 2021

Abstract

Background The transition from a predominant milk-based diet to a diverse family diet is a window of opportunity for optimal child growth and development. Objectives The study aims to examine the nutritional status and food consumption patterns of children under 4 years of age in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and their adherence to nutrient and dietary recommendations. Methods A population-based cross-sectional survey of 525 children aged 0–47.9m was conducted in three major Emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. Anthropometric measurements were obtained, and dietary assessment was conducted using the 24-h dietary recall approach. Usual intakes of energy, macronutrient, and micronutrients, including from supplements, were assessed using the PC-SIDE software. Adherence to food groups’ recommendations was evaluated based on the American Heart Association/American Academy of Pediatrics dietary guidelines. Results Among 0–4 years old children, 10% were stunted, 6% wasted, 17% at risk of overweight, 5% overweight, and 3% obese. The contribution of sweets and sugar sweetened beverages to energy intake increased from 5% in 6–11.9m children to 17% in 36–47.9 m children. Compared to dietary guidelines, the lowest adherence was for fruit (13–18%) and vegetables (7–12%). While protein was within the recommendations, 92% and 89% of children (aged 24 to 35.9m and 36 to 47.9m, respectively) had high intakes of saturated fat. Almost all toddlers failed to meet the adequate intake (AI) for fiber. The proportions of children exceeding the free sugar upper limit increased from 10.6% in infants (0–5.9m) to 56.7% in toddlers (12– 23.9m). Micronutrient inadequacies were observed, particularly for calcium, zinc, folate, and vitamins A and D. Conclusions This study suggests a triple burden of malnutrition amongst infants and young children in the UAE. Results call for national nutrition intervention strategies aimed at improving dietary quality in the pediatric population.

Food Sources of Fiber and Micronutrients of Concern in Infants and Children in the United Arab Emirates: Findings from the Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study (FITS) and the Kids Nutrition and Health Survey (KNHS) 2020

“…The socioeconomic characteristics, distribution of nutrient intakes, and food sources of energy among children under the age of 4 years are published elsewhere [ 19 ], while a manuscript containing this information for children over the age of 4 years is pending publication. Compliance with the nutrient intake recommendations in terms of percentage above the EAR is shown to provide context.…”

“…For details on the prevalence of nutrient adequacy among children under 4 years of age, including both foods and supplements, please refer to Nasreddine et. al., [ 19 ]. Among school-age children, the prevalence of supplementation was low, and information on brands was insufficient to estimate the quantities of micronutrients therein.…”

“…The UAE FITS and KNHS studies are cross-sectional dietary surveys of a representative sample of infants and children residing in the United Arab Emirates. The detailed study design has previously been published [ 19 ]. The study protocol, along with the screening form, written consent form for caregivers, recruitment form, and the questionnaire were reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the American University of Beirut (AUB), by the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Dubai Health Authority (DHA), UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), and the University of Sharjah (UOS).…”

“…Sample recruitment was performed using a stratified random cluster sampling framework. The details of how the framework was applied in this study, as well as the sample size calculation, are published elsewhere [ 19 , 20 ].…”

Feeding Infants and Toddlers Studies (FITS) Provide Valuable Information for Setting Dietary Guidelines

“…The first FITS began in the United States in 2002 as a large and comprehensive dietary intake study of infants, toddlers and preschoolers aged 24 to 48 months [ 12 ]. Since that time, as will be described below, more FITS have been completed that include many countries worldwide [ 5 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ].…”