Social and Economic Patterning in Ultra-Processed Food Intake in Toddlerhood and Middle Childhood: Longitudinal Data From the Gemini Cohort in the United Kingdom - 19/06/25
, Rana E. Conway, PhD, Harry Tattan-Birch, PhD, Lisa Heggie, MSc, Clare H. Llewellyn, PhDAbstract |
Background |
Children’s consumption of ultra-processed food (UPF) may contribute to inequalities in obesity and wider health. Socioeconomic patterning in younger UK children’s UPF intake is unknown.
Objective |
The aim of this study was to investigate socioeconomic patterning of UK toddlers’ (aged 21 months) and children’s (aged 7 years) UPF intake across several household and neighborhood indicators.
Design |
Secondary analysis of data from a prospective longitudinal cohort study using parent-reported sociodemographic data and 3-day diet diaries.
Participants/setting |
Participants were children from the UK Gemini study of 4804 twins born in 2007. At ages 21 months and 7 years, 2591 and 592 children, respectively, had at least 2 days of dietary data.
Main outcome measures |
This study measured percentage energy from UPF at 21 months and 7 years of age, classified using the NOVA system.
Statistical analyses performed |
Unadjusted linear regression models were run for household socioeconomic position (SEP) composite score; index of multiple deprivation decile; income; occupation level; mother’s age; education of mother and partner; and child’s ethnicity, sex, and age. Adjusted multivariable linear regression models were adjusted for ethnicity and all SEP indicators except SEP composite score (adjusted 1), in addition to child sex and age (adjusted 2). Missing data were addressed with multiple imputation and inverse probability weighting. CIs and P values were adjusted to account for clustering within families.
Results |
Children of lower SEP had higher UPF intake across several indicators. Mother’s education was the strongest predictor; postgraduate education was associated with 8.64% (95% CI –12.08% to –5.20%; P < .001) and 10.12% (95% CI, –15.68% to –4.56%; P < .001) less energy from UPF at 21 months and 7 years, respectively, compared with no educational qualifications in adjusted model 2.
Conclusions |
UK children from more disadvantaged backgrounds consumed a greater proportion of their energy from UPF. Mother's education seemed to be the most influential factor. Socioeconomic inequalities, particularly in maternal education, may drive disparities in diet quality and associated health outcomes. Addressing these gaps is essential to reduce childhood obesity and improve long-term health in socioeconomically disadvantaged populations.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Keywords : Ultra-processed food, Child nutrition, Socioeconomic position, Inequalities, Western diets
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| Supplementary materials: Table 2, Table 3, Table 4, Table 5, Table 8, Table 9, Table 10, Table 11 are available at www.jandonline.org/ |
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| STATEMENT OF POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors. |
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| FUNDING/SUPPORT This work forms part of Gabriella Heuchan’s PhD, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council. This project was also supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre. The Gemini study was funded by a grant from Cancer Research UK (C1418/A7974) awarded to Professor Jane Wardle. Cancer Research UK had no role in the design and conduct of the study; collection management, analysis and interpretation of the data and preparation, review or the approval of the manuscript. |
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| ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors thank the Gemini families for participating in the study. |
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| AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS All authors conceptualized the design of the study. G. N Heuchan and L. Heggie completed data cleaning. G. N Heuchan and H. Tattan-Birch completed the data analysis and interpretation. G. N Heuchan drafted the manuscript. All authors reviewed the manuscript and edited multiple iterations. All authors read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. |
Vol 125 - N° 7
P. 922 - juillet 2025 Retour au numéro
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