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Research Says Fast Food Intake May Affect Children’s Nutrition

Fast food is nothing new – the concept dates back at least to ancient Rome. And fast-food meals can be a part of virtually any balanced diet. Especially for children’s diets, emphasis is on the word “balanced.”

A study published recently in the journal Pediatrics supports previous research showing lower nutritional dietary quality and increased calorie intake among children on days when they consume fast food.

The researchers found that children who ate fast foods on two consecutive days, compared with children who did not eat fast food meals on either day, consumed more calories, more total and saturated fat, more total carbohydrates, more added sugars and more sweetened beverages. And they consumed less milk, fiber, fruit and non-starchy vegetables.

As the national problem of childhood obesity only gets worse, studies like these reinforce the importance of helping children learn to make balanced food choices, especially when it comes to eating more fruits and vegetables.

Produced by ADA's Public Relations Team

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