Bridging the Gap? The effect of Growing Up Milk ‘Lite’ (GUMLi) on iron and vitamin D intakes and status, dietary patterns and diet quality in 1- to 2-year-old children. The Growing Up Milk – Lite (GUMLi) Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: The second year of life represents a period of nutritional vulnerability, with rapidly changing dietary patterns and normal developmental milestones influencing dietary intake. During this period, milk remains a significant contributor to energy and protein intakes, with dietary guidelines recommending the inclusion of up to 500 mL of cow’s milk from 1-year-of-age. Growing Up Milks were formulated to assist children in meeting any nutrient requirements that may not be met during this period of dietary transition. Despite being widely available, their use to improve nutrient intake, nutritional status, dietary patterns or diet quality in the second year of life requires further evaluation. Objectives: This thesis evaluates the effect of a reduced energy and protein Growing Up Milk (GUMLi) compared to Cow’s milk (CM) consumed for one year as part of a whole diet, on dietary intakes, iron and vitamin D status, dietary patterns and diet quality in 1- to 2-year-old children. Conclusion and implications: Consuming GUMLi for 12-months as part of a whole diet improved iron and vitamin D intake and reduced VDD. No difference in dietary patterns were observed between groups, apart from breast milk after 12-months of the intervention and regular consumption of GUMLi was associated with higher nutritional adequacy and improved diet quality with higher PANDiet scores. Children in both groups were reported to meet recommended nutrient intakes for most macro- and micronutrients, with GUMLi children more likely to meet nutrient requirements for ‘at risk’ nutrients iron and vitamin D. Whether children can meet all recommended nutrient intakes in the second year of life through other strategies designed to optimise nutrient intakes such as use of fortified foods (other than milks), supplements or promoting a varied dietary intake requires further evaluation.