Dietary patterns of children at 3.5 and 7 years of age: a New Zealand birth cohort study

Aim To describe the dietary patterns of children at 3.5 and 7 years born small for gestational age (SGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) and the association of dietary patterns with socio-demographic and obstetric factors. Methods Children from a New Zealand birth cohort study were followed up at 3.5 (n = 550) and 7 (n = 591) years. Dietary information was collected using a Food Frequency Questionnaire. Results Three dietary patterns were defined in these children (traditional, junk and healthy). Factors associated with dietary patterns were examined in multivariable analyses. At 3.5 years, junk was associated with maternal smoking in pregnancy, no attendance at antenatal classes, maternal BMI and a younger maternal age. At 3.5 years, healthy was associated with being married when pregnant. At 7 years, traditional was associated with being born SGA, smoking in pregnancy, a younger maternal age and being male. Conclusion Maternal socio-demographic, obstetric factors and birth size were associated with dietary patterns. The associations were not consistent with each dietary pattern across age groups. To examine the impact of diet in childhood on growth and health outcomes, factors influencing dietary patterns should be assessed at regular intervals throughout childhood.