Ethnic differences in dietary intake at age 12 and 18 months: the born in Bradford 1000 Study

Objective: To compare the intake of key indicator foods at age 12 months and 18 months between infants of Pakistani and White British origin. Design: Logistic regression was used to model associations between ethnicity and consumption of key indicator foods defined by high or low energy density using a Food Frequency questionnaire at age 12 and 18 months. Setting: Born in Bradford 1000 study, Bradford, UK Subjects: 1,259 infants (38% White British; 49% Pakistani) mean age (sd) 12.7 (1.0) months; 1,257 toddlers (37% White British; 49% Pakistani) mean age (sd) 18.7 (1.0) months Results: At 12 months, Pakistani infants consumed more commercial sweet baby meals than White British infants, with greater odds for being above average consumers, adjusted Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.90 (95% CI 1.40, 2.56); more chips/roast potatoes (2.75 (2.09, 3.62); less processed meat products 0.11 (0.08, 0.15); more fruit 2.20 (1.70, 2.85) and more sugar-sweetened drinks 1.68 (1.29, 2.18). By 18 months these differences persisted with Pakistani infants consuming more commercial sweet baby meals 4.57 (2.49, 8.39); more chips/roast potato shapes 2.26 (1.50, 3.43); more fruit 1.40 (1.08, 1.81); more sugar-sweetened drinks 2.03 (1.53, 2.70); more pure fruit juice 1.82 (1.40, 2.35); more water 3.24(2.46, 4.25) and less processed meat 0.10 (0.06, 0.15) than White British infants. Conclusion: Dietary intake during infancy and the early toddlerhood period is associated with ethnicity suggesting the importance of early and culturally-adapted interventions aimed at establishing healthy eating behaviours.