Factors Correlated With Ultra-Processed Food (UPF) Intake in Preschool-Aged Children and Association With Weight

Objective: Understand the correlates of ultra -processed food (UPF) intake and examine the association of UPF on body mass index in children aged 3 - 5 years. Design: Secondary analysis of a prospective cohort of 3 - 5-year-olds/parent, followed 1 -year between March 2014 and October 2016. Usual UPF intake from 2 3 -day food records completed 1 year apart, a standardized nutrient database customized with child -specific foods, and a NOVA food classification system was used. Child/parent characteristics and media use were measured via parent -reported surveys. Child weight/height objectively measured. Setting: New Hampshire community. Participants: Six hundred and sixty-seven parent -child dyads were screened, and 624 were enrolled with 90% follow-up. Main Outcome Measure(s): Primary outcome: identify correlates of UPF intake. Secondary outcome: determine if UPF intake is associated with body mass index change. Analysis: Adjusted b linear regression, linear regression, P < 0.05. Results: Ultra -processed food accounted for 67.6% of total caloric intake. In adjusted models, children's UPF intake was positively associated with increasing child age, greater hours watching television, and more frequent parent soda/fast-food intake. Ultra -processed food intake was negatively associated with higher parent education and reported race/ethnicity other than non -Hispanic White. There was no association between UPF intake and weight. Conclusions and Implications: There are several predictors of UPF intake in young children. Familylevel interventions could be implemented to encourage the intake of minimally processed foods before and during preschool years.