# ORIGINS: Nutritional Profile of Children Aged One Year in a Longitudinal Birth Cohort

## TL;DR

This study examines the diet of one-year-old children in Australia, finding gaps in nutrient intake and diet quality.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into dietary patterns of one-year-olds and their alignment with national guidelines.

## Key findings

- 41.5% of children were still breastfeeding at one year, while 58.0% continued to receive formula milk.
- Iodine intake was below requirements, and sodium intake exceeded recommendations.
- Diet quality was suboptimal, with overconsumption of fruit and discretionary foods and underconsumption of vegetables and grains.

## Abstract

Background: Dietary intake during the first year of life is a key determinant of a child’s growth and development. ORIGINS is a longitudinal birth cohort study investigating factors that contribute to a ‘healthy start to life’ and the prevention of non-communicable diseases. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study aims to describe the dietary intakes of one-year-old children participating in ORIGINS and compare these to the Australian Dietary Guidelines and Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs). Between 2020 and 2023, dietary intake data were collected on 779 one-year-old children using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). The analysis explored milk intake (breastmilk, infant formula, and cow’s milk), the introduction to solids, macronutrient, micronutrient, and food group intakes. Results: The results indicated that 41.5% were still being breastfed at one year of age, while 58.0% continued to receive formula milk. While the cohort met NRV cut-offs for most micronutrients, iodine intake fell below requirements, and sodium intake exceeded recommendations. Diet quality, based on the food group intake, did not meet recommendations, with children over-consuming fruit and discretionary foods, while under-consuming vegetables and cereals and grains foods. Conclusions: These findings highlight areas for improvement in the dietary intake of one-year-old children.