Roundtable Proceedings: The Role of Innate Sweet Taste Perception in Supporting a Nutrient-Dense Diet for Toddlers, 12 to 24 Months Old

The US Agricultural Act of 2014 stipulates that the age range for 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans expands to include from birth to 24 months. A group of pediatric nutrition researchers and practitioners met to discuss recent data and research gaps, as well as to generate research and potential public-private partnership ideas for future guidance on the feeding of young children, with a focus on 12 to 24 months old. Specific to this age range, the meeting participants analyzed cross-sectional dietary intake data and reviewed dietary guidance history, developmental feeding, policy considerations, and principles of public-private partnership. The group generated a number of research questions, emphasizing the need to investigate ways to improve acceptance of nutrient-dense foods, including vegetables. Research is needed to understand whether an innate preference for sweetness can be used strategically to help caregivers persevere in feeding less accepted nutrient-dense foods to toddlers.