Breakfast consumption tied to better diet quality scores in kids

Adolescents who usually skip breakfast register poorer dietary quality scores than those who don’t, according to a study.

Researchers analysed the associations between breakfast consumption and adherence to diet quality index (DQI) and Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) among European adolescents in this multinational cross-sectional study. A total of 1,804 adolescents aged 12.5‒17.5 years were included in the analysis.

The team ascertained breakfast consumption (consumers, occasional consumers, and skippers) using the Food Choices and Preferences questionnaire. They also estimated total daily intake and calculated the subsequent DQI and MDS using two nonconsecutive 24-h dietary recalls.

Finally, the association of breakfast consumption with DQI and MDS was examined using mixed linear regression models. Covariates included age, body mass index, maternal education, country, and total energy intake.

Significant differences were seen in both boys and girls among the breakfast consumption categories. Breakfast consumers in both sexes showed significantly higher DQI indices than those who regularly skipped breakfast (p<0.001).

Furthermore, both boys and girls who consumed breakfast regularly had higher total MDS than breakfast skippers (p<0.001). However, no associations were found between occasional breakfast consumers and both DQI indices and MDS.

“Breakfast consumption has been linked with better dietary quality scores compared with those children who usually skip breakfast,” the researchers said. “Promotion of regular breakfast consumption in adolescents could be an effective strategy to improve the overall diet quality.”