Effectiveness of Health Education module versus Food Label Training in Reducing pre-school childrens’ Sugar and Salt Intake: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Excessive consumption of added sugars and salt among children significantly contributes to childhood obesity and related non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including hypertension, insulin resistance, and poor growth. This study aims to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of two interventions—health education alone versus health education combined with food label training—in reducing added sugar and salt intake in preschool children.

The study is an open label randomized controlled trial conducted in urban Anganwadi centers in Mangalore, Karnataka. Mothers of children aged 3–6 years will be the primary participants. The study consists of three arms: (1) Health Education Module, (2) Health Education + Food Label Training, and (3) Control group receiving standard care. A total of 21 Anganwadi centers will be randomly allocated into these groups.

The health education module will focus on the risks of high sugar and salt intake, identifying food sources, and promoting healthier alternatives. The food label training will equip mothers with skills to interpret nutritional labels and make informed food choices for their children. Data on sugar and salt intake will be collected using a culturally adapted Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) at baseline and three months post-intervention.

The primary outcome is a reduction in the consumption of added sugars and salt. Data analysis will be done using SPSS, with ANCOVA used to compare outcomes across groups. The results will help determine the most effective strategy for improving children’s dietary behavior and can guide community-based nutrition interventions. Ethical approval has been obtained, and the study will adhere to all ethical standards, including informed consent and participant confidentiality.

This intervention, if effective, has the potential to be scaled through Anganwadi services to improve child nutrition and reduce long-term NCD risk in vulnerable populations.