Early childhood caries (ECC) is a challenging public health problem, both in the US and elsewhere. Unfortunately, data relating to very young children's risk factors are scarce. This study assessed baseline risk factors for 18-month caries prevalence, in conjunction with a longitudinal study of high-risk children. Results suggested that early colonization by mutans streptocci (MS) and consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages are significant predictors of ECC in high-risk populations.
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of breastfeeding and sugar-sweetened- beverage (SSB) consumption on the prevalence of overweight and obesity in Hispanic toddlers enrolled in the WIC Program. Results indicated that breastfeeding for 1 year or longer and low SSB consumption during the toddler years could significantly reduce prevalence of obesity in Hispanic toddlers.
The purposes of this study were to test (1) whether increased fruit juice intake and parental restriction of a child's eating were associated with increased adiposity and (2) whether nutrition counseling reduced adiposity gain in a population of WIC children ages 1 to 4 in New York State. Results indicated that children who were already overweight or at risk of becoming overweight who increased their fruit juice intake were associated with excess weight gain. These findings supported the Institute of Medicine recommendation to reduce juice intake in overweight and at-risk children.
The author explored the association between overweight low-income preschool children and sweet drink consumption. The results indicated that children at risk of overweight at baseline who consumed at least one sweet drink per day were more likely to become overweight.
This study investigated the association between beverage consumption and changes in body mass index and weight among preschool children participating in the North Dakota WIC Program. Results showed no association.
This study investigated dietary intake and obesity prevalence changes in WIC children after the implementation of the revised WIC food packages in 2009. Results showed increases in WIC mothers; breastfeeding initiation and in the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat/non-fat milk by young children. Weight for length and body mass index also decreased in young children.
The researchers evaluated the impact of the 2009 WIC food package changes on the availability of healthful food. After the introduction of the new food packages, the availability of healthful food increased significantly in stores, overall, with more substantial increases in WIC-authorized stores.
The authors analyzed the impact of the new WIC food packages on WIC participants; consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat milk. Changes in the WIC food packages produced the following results: Consumption of whole grains improved by 17.3 percentage points, from baseline; and consumption of whole milk decreased 60% to 63%, for caregivers and children, respectively. In addition, though small, there was a significant increase in the consumption of fruits and vegetables.
The study showed that the WIC food package revisions have improved access to healthy foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lower-fat milk for WIC participants, as well as the community at large.
The purpose of this study was to measure changes in WIC food package assignments, WIC infant formula amounts, and breastfeeding initiation after the implementation of the revised WIC food packages. Results revealed that the percentage of mothers who received the partial breastfeeding package fell from 24.7% to 13.8%; the percentage of mothers who received the full breastfeeding package rose from 9.8% to 17.1%; and the percentage of mothers who received the full formula package rose from 20.5% to 28.5%.
