Dietary intake temporal patterns during early childhood in relation to diet quality in middle childhood and the role of family characteristics: the GECKO Drenthe cohort | Synapse
March 12, 2026Open Access
Dietary intake temporal patterns during early childhood in relation to diet quality in middle childhood and the role of family characteristics: the GECKO Drenthe cohort
Key Points
To examine how dietary intake patterns in early childhood relate to diet quality later in childhood and the impact of family characteristics.
Analyzed food group intakes from infancy to age 3
Assessed diet quality at middle childhood
Evaluated the role of family characteristics in dietary patterns
Identified significant association between early food intakes and later diet quality
Highlighted importance of family characteristics in promoting healthy eating habits
Abstract
Food group intakes from infancy to age 3 were associated with subsequent diet quality. Promoting healthy eating in early life is essential for long-term dietary health.