Other adverse effects of an inappropriate diet and lifestyle

Background for OPUS

An inappropriate diet, in combination with a lack of physical activity, is believed to be a main element in the development of childhood obesity. It also plays a major role in several other disorders that are established early in life, such as calcium and vitamin D deficiency, both of which are key for dental development and prevention of osteoporosis, or iron deficiency, resulting in anaemia and retarded psychosocial development.

 

An excessive intake of saturated fat and sugar, and an inadequate intake of fibre and whole grain, plays a role in the development of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and constipation, a risk that is independent of body weight, and worsened by a lack of physical activity.

 

The long-term risk of cancers is also determined, at least in part, by diet and physical activity.

 

Although evidence of the role of nutrients in cognition, learning and behaviour is sparser, there are examples from the literature indicating that specific nutrients may be important.

 

One example is impaired cognition, learning skills, and reaction time in children who have skipped breakfast (Benton 2008).

 

Another example is the need for omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA). These fatty acids are nutrients that lower the risk of premature death among adults with cardiovascular disease (Gissi-investigators 1999, Gissi-Hf Investigators 2008), and DHA is has been proven to be essential for pre- and postnatal brain development, whereas EPA seems more influential on behaviour and mood (Eilander et al. 2007).

 

There is evidence to support that DHA/EPA may improve cognitive and other behavioural functions in preterm children, whereas to date there is little evidence of a beneficial influence of fatty acids when they are given to full-term infants or older children.

 

Our hypothesis is that an optimal diet composition based on healthy, palatable meals may not only contribute to prevent excessive fat gain and obesity, and other health disorders, but also improve quality of life, learning behaviour, and mental and physical performance.

 

The role of diet composition in childhood overweight, obesity and health

 

(Published on foodoflife.dk)