Is consuming legumes linked to better nutrition intake in toddlers?
A recent study published in the journal Nutrients discussed improvements in diet quality associated with legume consumption in young children.
Early childhood nutrition impacts an individual's development and both acute and long-term disease risk. Legumes are widely known to be excellent sources of protein, carbohydrates, micronutrients, and phytochemicals. Few studies have assessed the benefits of legumes in early childhood diets. Current recommendations advise that toddlers and children consume 1.5 cups of cooked legumes each week
For the study, researchers analyzed legume intake and overall dietary intake from birth to 24 months using data from the Women, Infants, and Children Infant and Toddler Feeding Practices Study-2 (WIC ITFPS-2). They gathered data from approximately 3,000 mother-child pairs. The study aimed to quantify the consumption of dried beans, lima beans, chili, and yellow beans in grams and as a percentage of total dietary energy intake. Micronutrient intake was assessed at 11 and 24 months.
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