Toddlers needed for nutrition study - Auckland

Toddlers needed for nutrition study - Auckland

Families living in Auckland who have toddlers turning one year of age between now and 1 September 2015are invited to take part in a new nutrition study at the University of Auckland.

“Good nutrition early in life is one of the key determinants of later good health, and we know that it may be difficult sometimes for pre-school children to eat a varied diet,” says the study’s Principle Investigator, Associate Professor Clare Wall.

The Growing Up Milk (GUMLi) study was developed to get a better understanding of the overall growth and development, dietary changes, and important nutritional developments that occur between infancy and toddlerhood.

“As milk is still a commonly consumed food item throughout toddlerhood, the research team is also interested in the use of milk and toddler milks during this period,” says Dr Wall.

“There is much debate about the advantages or otherwise of toddler milks, and the team hopes to determine if they have an impact on growth, diet, brain development, and the general health of toddlers when compared with normal cows’ milk.”

Once enrolled in the study, toddlers will either randomly receive ‘growing up milk’ or standard cows’ milk for 12 months at no expense to the participant.

The product complies with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards and food safety requirements.

“Parents taking part in the study may gain an understanding of how their child’s eating habits and nutrition can influence their later development – physically, mentally and emotionally,” says the study’s PhD Candidate, Amy Lovell.

“Participation in the study is greatly valued and provides researchers with the opportunity to determine whether cow’s milk or toddler milk is of most benefit in the growth and development of children,” she says.

The study is being conducted in collaboration with Australia’s University of Queensland as part of a broader three-year research programme focussing on nutrition in toddlers aged from 12 to 24 months.

To participate in this study, Auckland-based parents should contact Amy Lovell on 027 807 5919;gumli@auckland.ac.nz or visit our website to register your interest: www.gumli.auckland.ac.nz

ENDS

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