Published in:
Open Access
01-06-2015 | Original Contribution
European adolescent ready-to-eat-cereal (RTEC) consumers have a healthier dietary intake and body composition compared with non-RTEC consumers
Authors:
Nathalie Michels, Stefaan De Henauw, Christina Breidenassel, Laura Censi, Magdalena Cuenca-Garcí, Marcela Gonzalez-Gross, Frederic Gottrand, Lena Hallstrom, Anthony Kafatos, Mathilde Kersting, Yannis Manios, Ascension Marcos, Denes Molnar, Luis A. Moreno, Maria Plada, Michael Sjostrom, Béatrice Reye, Frank Thielecke, Jara Valtueña, Kurt Widhalm, Mandy Claessens
Published in:
European Journal of Nutrition
|
Issue 4/2015
Login to get access
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to analyse the association of European adolescents’ ready-to-eat-cereal (RTEC) consumption frequency with their dietary intake by applying the concept of diet quality index and nutritional status.
Methods
From the multi-centre European HELENA study, relevant data were available in 1,215 adolescents (12.5–17.5 years). RTEC consumption was identified from a food frequency questionnaire. A diet quality index, daily nutrient intakes and daily milk/yoghurt and fruit intake were calculated from two 24-h dietary recalls. BMI, waist and hip circumference and body fat were measured for body composition. Cross-sectional regression analyses were adjusted for sex, age, socio-economic status, city and breakfast skipping. Differences in sub-regions within Europe were explored.
Results
RTEC consumers showed a more favourable daily micronutrient intake (vitamin B2, B5, B7, D, calcium, phosphorus and potassium), a better diet quality index, more frequent fruit (57 vs. 51 %) and milk/yoghurt consumption (81.2 vs. 56 %) and less breakfast skipping (25.1 vs. 36.7 %). No differences in energy and macronutrient intake were observed. Daily RTEC consumers were 57 % less likely to be overweight than RTEC non-consumers but did not differ in glucose and lipid status (N = 387).
Conclusion
This is the first comprehensive pan-European survey elucidating socio-demographic determinants of European adolescents’ RTEC consumption and indicating better dietary habits in RTEC consumers. The improved dietary profile was reflected in a more beneficial body composition. Our results have also shown the advantage of using an all-integrating diet quality index by capturing the diet complexity.