The Growing Well Study Exploring Portion Sizes, Diet Types, and Their Impact on Growth and Dental Health in Children Aged 6 Months to 4 Years

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how eating habits, portion sizes, and different diet types affect the growth and dental health of children aged 6 months to 4 years. This research aims to fill gaps in current knowledge, providing clear guidance for parents on age-appropriate portion sizes and healthy eating to support development. It focuses on typical and special diets such as vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free patterns. Parents will provide information twice at the start and after one year. At each point, they will complete surveys about their childs diet and sociodemographic details, record food intake over three days using an online system, and attend an in-person session for measurements of height, weight, and waist circumference. The follow-up visit will also include a dental health assessment. The study includes children from Leeds, Doncaster, and East London with diverse backgrounds. Throughout the study, researchers will analyze growth measurements and dental health in relation to nutrient intakes, diet patterns, and portion sizes. They will look for factors affecting healthy growth and teeth, including commercial foods and sweet drinks. The goal is to develop recommendations for parents and policymakers on appropriate portion sizes and nutrition, considering social inequalities and special dietary needs. Participation lasts about one year with two main data collection points.

The Growing Well Study