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The results of the Infant and Toddler Feeding Study (FITS) and Child Nutrition and Health Study (KIDS) indicate that children in the United Arab Emirates are not consuming enough micronutrients, namely vitamin D and calcium. In addition, a relatively low percentage of children get enough potassium, vitamin K, and fiber from their diet.
According to the study, which started in 2019 and was completed in 2020, it covers 1,215 babies and children in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi. These deficiencies are due to insufficient consumption of fruits, vegetables and dairy products by children.
Starting with the addition of complementary foods, the intake of sugary foods and beverages exceeded the guidelines, and the incidence of overweight and obesity among the studied children ranged from the smallest of about 7% to more than 40% of those over 9 years old. Approximately 18% of children under five years of age have also been found to be at risk of being overweight.
67% of the study participants (n=814) were UAE nationals, and the rest (n=401) were foreigners from Lebanon, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Syria, Palestine, Egypt, Iraq, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco and Sudan.
“As pediatricians, we regularly address the nutritional challenges of infants, toddlers and children facing the issues highlighted in these studies,” Said Dr. Khaled El-Atawi, consultant neonatologist and chairman of the Arab Neonatal Care Team and Conference.“This latest evidence will help us strengthen our collective efforts and support the government to formulate clear policies to encourage healthier diets and lifestyles from infancy.”
“Evidence from FITS and KIDS studies on the eating habits of children in the United Arab Emirates will help us and our partners hone our efforts and contribute to the promotion and guidance of healthy eating in childhood,”Dr. Emma Jacquier, Director of the Department of Nutritional Sciences, Nestlé Research Institute, Switzerland.“In addition, these valuable findings support product research and innovation, allowing us to better meet local and regional nutritional needs through our products, and shape the information we provide to parents and caregivers.”
Professor Ayesha Salem Al Dhaheri, Deputy Provost of Student Affairs, University of the United Arab Emirates,Emphasizing that such research is essential for understanding the nutrition and eating habits of infants and children, and added that the current research results will guide the UAE to further develop multi-sectoral cooperation, which will help formulate evidence-based interventions and nutrition-related policies for Tomorrow’s adults shape a healthier lifestyle.
FITS research, Covering infants and children under four years of age, reveals the high incidence of the triple burden of malnutrition, including stunting, weight loss, obesity and suboptimal eating habits, such as insufficient intake of fruits, vegetables, dietary fiber, vitamin A and D; Coupled with a large intake of added sugars, saturated fats and sodium.
Child Research, Covering children 4-13 years old, found that 24% (4-8 years old children) to more than 40% (42% of 9-13 years old children) in the UAE are overweight or obese. 35% of children exceed their intake of added sugars, about 50% of children exceed their sodium intake, and almost 90% of children consume saturated fatty acids (SFA). A wide range of deficiencies have also been detected, and they increase with age. These include calcium and vitamin D. A low percentage of children meet their fiber, vitamin K, and potassium needs. The deficiencies of children aged 9-12 are increasing, including vitamin A, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin B12. It was also found that the average intake of milk/dairy products, fruits and vegetables was much lower than the dietary recommendations.
At the Dubai International Pediatric Summit in 2021, the full results of these studies were announced for the first time during a specific FITS KIDS seminar entitled “Nutrition status and eating habits of UAE children (0-113 years old): Results of FITS/KIDS studies” . “Nestlé and local partners have recently conducted similar studies in many countries around the world, including China, Lebanon, Mexico, and the United States.
These studies were carried out by the University of the United Arab Emirates, the University of Sharjah, and Tathqeef Health Treatment Undertakings Services in cooperation with the American University of Beirut; and the Nestlé Research Department designed methods and covered financing.
An important commitment announced by Nestlé to the society is to further provide nutritionally complete products specifically designed for children. There are currently more than 40 products of this series in the Middle East and North Africa.
Feeding Infant and Toddler Research (FITS):
The Feeding Infant and Toddler Study (FITS) is a large cross-sectional survey of the dietary intake of parents or caregivers of infants, toddlers, and preschool children. The goal of FITS is to understand the nutritional intake and nutritional needs of infants, toddlers and young children, and to understand which foods are being consumed by different age groups in the context of rapid changes in the diet of young children.
Child Nutrition and Health Research (KIDS):
The Child Nutrition and Health Study (KIDS) is a large-scale study that provides a snapshot of the eating patterns, nutritional intake, lifestyle and behavior factors of children, and healthy weight indicators for children aged 4-13.
Suitable for children in the Middle East and North Africa:
In 2016, the Swiss Nestlé Research Institute and the American University of Beirut completed a micronutrient landscaping study to study key micronutrient deficiencies that affect children aged 0-13 in the region. * The review is for Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Lebanon and Jordan. Its findings provide insights on the gaps and challenges in nutrition and dietary intake, and demonstrate the triple burden of malnutrition, where overweight, undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies coexist.
As the Middle East and North Africa region needs a deeper understanding, Nestlé Research launched a large-scale nutrition study for the UAE in 2019, leading the required methods and investment.
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