Nutrition, health and schoolchildren: an update

A new briefing paper recently published in the Nutrition Bulletin by the British Nutrition Foundation has carried out a detailed and comprehensive review of various aspects of the nutrition, lifestyle and health of schoolchildren from ages 5-to-18 years. The paper emphasises healthy eating and being physically active as particularly important for children and adolescents. 


The paper also comments on nutritional requirements and dietary intakes of children and adolescents in different age groups. These are investigated with an emphasis on nutrients of particular concern such as vitamin D and iron.


Concern is raised about the consequences of overweight and obesity being observed in children. Risk factors for related metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as well as oral and bone health, psychological problems and allergies are also discussed by the paper.


Food provided in schools has been identified as one way to improve the dietary habits of schoolchildren. Standards for food and drinks provided in schools are in place across all UK countries, with major improvements being achieved in many places. However, the factors affecting a child’s food choice are complex and encompass a range of influences such as advertising peer pressure; these are reviewed together with food provision in schools.


The position of food in the UK school curriculum and a range of health promotion initiatives directed towards improving children’s eating habits and lifestyles were also explored.


A summary of the Briefing Paper can be viewed for free here.
Online access to the article for approximately £27.00 can be obtained here.

Weichselbaum E and Buttriss J (2011) Nutrition, health and schoolchildren Nutrition Bulletin 36:295-355