The Impact of Young Children Formula on the Consumption of Six Food Groups, the Nutrients Intake, As Well as the Growth of Taiwanese Toddlers Aged 1 to 3

Objectives: Toddler stage is a critical period for growth and establishing healthy eating habits. Many caregivers would provide Young Children Formula (YCF) to ensure nutrition adequacy of toddlers. However, few study explore the impact of YCF on establishing healthy eating habits for toddlers. The aims of this study are investigating the impact of YCF on the consumption of six food groups, the nutrients intake and the growth of Taiwanese toddlers aged 1 to 3. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled toddlers aged 1 to 3 (n=567) from the Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT) 2017-2020. Toddlers were divided into Young Children Formula consumer (YCF group) and non-consumers (NYCF group). The consumption of six food groups and the nutrients intake were analyzed and compared with the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) (8th edition, 2022) and the Dietary Guideline of Taiwan. Results: There were 362 toddlers (63.8%) consumed Young Children Formula. NYCF group (n=205) significantly consumed more than YCF group in all food groups except for the fruit. However, compared with Dietary Guideline in Taiwan, the consumption of whole grains, dairy products, vegetables, fruits, oils, nuts and seeds in two groups did not reach the recommendation, while the consumption of refined grains exceeded the recommendations. In terms of the nutrient intake, YCF group had significantly higher intake of most vitamins and minerals, except for the vitamin B12 (p=0.5122) and potassium (p=0.2865), and lower intake of cholesterol, fiber, sodium (p < 0.0001). Compared with DRIs, neither group met the adequate intake (AI) for fiber and vitamin D. In NYCF group, the intake of calcium did not reach the AI and iron did not reach the 70% recommended daily allowance (RDA). Height and weight in three ages did not had significant difference between two groups. Conclusions: The diet of toddlers aged 1 to 3 in Taiwan still has room for improvement. Young Children Formula probably offer adequate nutrients to toddlers, but it could be the barrier to establishing healthy eating habits in this age group. Funding Sources: This work was funded by the Health Promotion Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare. The content of this research may not represent the opinion of the Health Promotion Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare.