Nutrient Intakes and Associations with Socioeconomic Deprivation in Young Children Living in New Zealand

Optimal nutrition during early childhood is essential to support physiological and cognitive development. However, data on nutrient intakes and associations with socioeconomic deprivation are lacking in young children living in New Zealand (NZ). As a component of Young Foods NZ, a multi-centre cross-sectional study, this research aims to determine nutrient intakes and their associations with socioeconomic deprivation in young NZ children aged 1–3.9 years. Dietary intake data (two 24 h diet recalls) and socioeconomic deprivation (NZDep2018) were collected from 289 children living in Auckland, Wellington, and Dunedin. The multiple source method was utilised to determine the usual dietary intake. All participants exceeded the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) for protein (12 g/day), with a mean (SD) intake of 45.5 (10.4) g/day. Using the full probability approach, the prevalence of inadequate intake for iron was 38.2%, with an overall mean (SD) intake of 6.6 (2.2) mg/day. The prevalence of inadequate intake for fibre (<14 g/day) was 54.3%, with a mean (SD) intake of 14.0 (4.4) g/day. Saturated fat contributed 14%, and total sugars contributed 23% of the total energy intake. Living in a neighbourhood of low deprivation (NZDep1–3) is a significant predictor of higher dietary fibre and iron intakes and lower fat intake for young children compared with those living in deprivation (NZDep4–10). In this cohort, a high proportion of children do not have the best start in life due to the suboptimal intake of iron and dietary-fibre-containing foods, and the disproportionate consumption of saturated fat and sugar-rich foods. Children living in areas of deprivation are particularly at risk. Effective policies are needed to reduce these disparities and ensure that all children have equitable access to healthy and nutritious foods.