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Effect of Varying Proportions of Low and High Energy Dense Foods Over 5 Days in Preschool Children

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Feeding Behavior
Interventions
Other: Food proportionality
Registration Number
NCT03242863
Lead Sponsor
Penn State University
Brief Summary

In this study, the investigators will vary the proportions of high- and low-energy-dense foods served to preschool children at all meals and snacks during three 5-day periods. In the three experimental conditions, the same foods will be served; only the amounts and proportions of foods will be varied. In the Baseline condition, typical proportions of age-appropriate foods will be served. In the Addition condition, the portion sizes of low-energy-dense foods will be increased, and in the Substitution condition, the portions of low-energy-dense foods will be increased by replacing an equivalent amount of foods higher in energy density. The primary aim is to determine the effect on children's energy intake of varying the proportion of low- and high-energy-dense foods served, either by addition or substitution, over 5 days. It is hypothesized that children will consume less energy when they are served meals in which low-energy-dense foods are substituted for foods higher in energy density over 5 days and that children will consume more energy when served meals to which low-energy-dense foods are added. Additionally, we will test the hypothesis that daily energy intake in the three conditions will begin to converge across the 5-day period.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
57
Inclusion Criteria
  • Attending one of the designated daycare centers
Exclusion Criteria
  • Food Allergies
  • Food restrictions
  • Health Issues that Preclude Participation
  • Not available for duration of the study

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
CROSSOVER
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
SubstitutionFood proportionalityIncreased portion of low energy dense foods substituted for equal portion of foods higher in energy density.
ControlFood proportionalityBaseline proportions of high and low energy dense foods.
AdditionFood proportionalityIncreased portion of low energy dense foods.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Differences in Food and Beverage Intake by EnergyDay 1-5 in weeks 1, 2, and 3

Differences in daily energy consumed of food and beverages, in kilocalories

Differences in Food and Beverage Intake by WeightDay 1-5 in weeks 1, 2, and 3

Differences in daily weight consumed of vegetables and fruit, in grams

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Differences in Food and Beverage Intake by Energy DensityDay 1-5 in weeks 1, 2, and 3

Differences in daily energy density consumed of food and beverages, in kilocalories/gram

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Laboratory for the Study of Human Ingestive Behavior

🇺🇸

University Park, Pennsylvania, United States

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