An Intervention in Children Between 6 and 12 Years-Old Is Effective on Improving Diet Quality. The Alinfa Study

Abstract

Abstract PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy of a new nutritional intervention focused on improving the quality of the diet in children aged 6 to 12 years. METHODS A 2-month parallel, controlled randomized trial was conducted. Children were randomized to ALINFA nutritional intervention which consisted of a normocaloric diet that incorporates products, ready-to-eat meals and healthy recipes specifically designed for the study, or to a control group, who received usual advice on healthy eating. Primary outcome of this study was diet quality, that was assessed with the KIDMED index. Secondary outcomes were anthropometry, body composition and biochemistry variables, and changes in diet and lifestyle. RESULTS In total, 55 volunteers completed the intervention, 44 on the intervention group and 11 in the control group. Mean score in the KIDMED index increased in the intervention group. Besides, a decrease in the intake of calories, total, saturated and monounsaturated fat, together with cholesterol and an increase in fiber intake were observed in intervention group. Regarding food groups, we observed a higher intake of white fish, pulses, whole grains and nuts and a lower intake of fatty meat, refined grains, pastries, fast food, sugars, and sweetened foods. Moreover, a significant decrease in BMI, BMI z-score, waist circumference and fat mass were observed. In biochemical variables, a reduction in LDL-cholesterol and leptin were observed. Participants in the control group did not report significant changes in diet quality, although an increase in weight, lean and muscular mass and insulin were observed. CONCLUSION The ALINFA nutritional intervention was effective to increase diet quality in children, which was associated with improvements on anthropometry.