Experts issue fresh toddler health warning as study shows half their calories come from ultra-processed junk READ MORE: Expert warns of common embarrassing supplement mistake By Xantha Leatham Deputy Science Editor Published: 01:00 BST, 4 October 2024 | Updated: 01:00 BST, 4 October 2024 e-mail View comments Toddlers in the UK get nearly half their calories from ultra-processed foods (UPFs) including flavoured yoghurts and wholegrain breakfast cereals, according to a new study. The figure rises even further to 59 per cent of total calories by the time children reach the age of seven, researchers from University College London (UCL) found. Experts have warned that eating patterns in early years can start habits which continue into adulthood, adding that UPFs marketed for children often contain excessive amounts of salt and sugar.
And they said more needs to be done to reduce the amount of UPFs consumed by youngsters following their ‘concerning’ findings. The team analysed data from 2,591 children born in the UK in 2007 and 2008 whose parents recorded what they ate and drank over three days. Experts have warned that eating patterns in early years can start habits which continue into adulthood The Nova system, developed by scientists in Brazil more than a decade ago, splits food into four groups based on the amount of processing it has gone through.
Unprocessed foods include fruit, vegetables, nuts, eggs and meat. Processed culinary ingredients — which are usually not eate.
