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As per a study, 20% two-year-olds have never had vegetables
Alarming as it may sound, one in almost five two-year-old kids has never had vegetable even once, says a new study.
Is it a daily struggle for you to make your two-year-old have vegetables? Well then, you are not alone. According to a new study in the UK, almost one in five two-year-olds has never even tried a vegetable.
The survey, commissioned by British baby food firm Ella’s Kitchen, revealed that some parents get tired of the daily battle and stop trying all together. As a result, it is estimated that more than 30,000 toddlers in the UK are not getting any of their five a day.
Studies have shown if a child’s problem is short-term, it is unlikely to do any harm, but long term refusal to eat a diet containing calcium, protein, vitamins, minerals and fibre could stunt development.
The study suggests introducing a variety of vegetables during the early stages of weaning as this is associated with increased acceptance of foods then and later in childhood.
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Experts encourage parents to persist, even when it looks like they don’t like a certain food.
Dr Lucy Chambers, British Nutrition Foundation, said: “This review highlights that familiarising infants with a wide variety of vegetables during the early weaning period is positively associated with increased acceptance and intake of these foods in later childhood.”
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Mark Cuddigan, managing director of Ella’s Kitchen, said: “We know that introducing a variety of vegetables during weaning helps steer little ones towards a taste for vegetables which stays with them throughout childhood and beyond, with all the associated health benefits.”
The study is published in Nutrition Bulletin.
