150 nutritionists, from Ireland and the rest of the world, will attend
The Nutrition Society's annual meeting, hosted by UCC, from 14-16 June
to discuss and debate the latest research developments in nutrition and
health in children and young people.
In Ireland, the recent National Children's Food Survey has clearly
shown that children are at risk of health problems later in life
because of poor diets and low levels of physical activity during their
early years. This is evidenced by large increases in overweight and
obesity in children, which are now estimated to affect 25% of our
children. In addition, many children have low intakes of essential
vitamins and minerals, high fat intakes, low fruit and vegetable
intakes and low physical activity levels.
“Given the recent focus on childhood nutrition in Ireland and
elsewhere, it's both apt and timely that we should host a conference
with this theme” said Dr Mairead Kiely, lecturer in nutrition at UCC
and the organiser of the conference. “We are joined by researchers from
all over the world, who will present the latest science on the most
pertinent issues in children's nutrition today. These include diet and
optimal bone growth; whether children need a separate set of nutrition
recommendations, rather that the one size fits all approach we have
now; the metabolic syndrome and eating behaviour in childhood; obesity;
diet and cognitive development; body image in teenagers and finally,
allergies and how the diet may affect these.”
The research presented at this meeting will contribute to better
understanding of the complex influence that diet and lifestyle can have
on the health of children as they grow older. It will ultimately help
policy makers, health professionals, the food industries and families
to better protect children's health.
242MMcS
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