Micronutrient study could help prevent childhood obesity in Pacific region

Children ages two to eight years across the US-affiliated Pacific (USAP) region are not meeting daily recommended intakes for key micronutrients, and are either consuming too much or too little. These findings emerged in a study taking place across Alaska, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Hawaii, Marshall Islands, and Palau.

Scientists at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa led the study. The researchers also found links between children’s micronutrient intake, obesity, and acanthosis nigricans, a skin condition linked to insulin resistance.

“Nutritional intake during childhood can shape health and well-being throughout life,” stresses Lucia Seale, co-lead of the study and associate professor at the Pacific Biosciences Research Center in the UH Mānoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology.

“Although excess intake of macronutrients, such as carbohydrates and fats, is considered the main driver of obesity development, micronutrients, such as minerals and vitamins, can positively or negatively affect the processes that lead to obesity. So, understanding the micronutrient intake relationship to childhood obesity can guide precision interventions to address nutritional needs throughout the USAP region.”

On average, the children consumed excess sodium, folate (vitamin B9), vitamin A, and niacin (vitamin B3).Breaking down deficiencies and excess

Previous studies have investigated the micronutrient intake of adults living in the USAP countries. However, the link between micronutrient intake and nutritional status markers like obesity among children of this region have not previously been evaluated.

The investigation uncovered a low calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and vitamin E intake among the children. Meanwhile, on average, they consumed excess sodium, folate (vitamin B9), vitamin A, and niacin (vitamin B3).

“Our analysis revealed that Pacific children with obesity had higher intake of thiamin (vitamin B1) and lower intake of selenium compared to children without obesity, however, their selenium intake was high compared to daily intake recommendations from the dietary reference intakes for the US,” shares Seale.

“Additionally, Pacific children with acanthosis nigricans had lower intake of calcium, copper, iron, phosphorus, potassium, riboflavin, vitamin B6, vitamin D, and vitamin E, while consuming higher amounts of selenium and pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) compared to children without the skin condition.”

Micronutrient intake linked to economic status

Analyzing nutrient intake data along with jurisdictional World Bank income levels, the researchers also examined children’s micronutrient intake across the different Pacific jurisdictions based on their economies.

Seale expected selenium intake to be high in Hawaii, due to the high consumption of seafood and derived products and the selenium in the soil where vegetables grow in the islands.

The study confirmed that 13% of the children living in high-income areas of the Pacific, which includes Hawai‘i, consumed excessive amounts of selenium, which could be harmful.

Moreover, 95% of the children in the high-income areas of the Pacific consumed excessive amounts of sodium, and 97% consumed lower amounts of vitamin D.Moreover, 95% of the children in the high-income areas of the Pacific consumed excessive amounts of sodium, and 97% consumed lower amounts of vitamin D than are needed for their health.

“This breakdown provides a foundation for more tailored micronutrient recommendations, which can serve as a starting point for future program and policy discussions such as those related to school meal programs and trade priorities,” urges Seale.

Concerns requiring targeted intervention

The study findings also underscore specific concerns that require targeted intervention. For example, excessive sodium intake is a widespread issue across the USAP region, posing risks to cardiovascular health.

While previous studies on salt consumption have primarily focused on adults, the new research emphasizes the need to include children in sodium reduction efforts through education and policy initiatives.

“To advance nutritional programs and policies and improve children’s health in Hawaii and the USAP, we need data-driven strategies that are socio-economically and culturally relevant,” says Seale.

“This study plays a crucial role in generating scientific evidence necessary to inform these targeted approaches. It represents an essential first step in shaping policies and interventions that reflect the unique needs of our communities, reinforcing UH’s commitment to serving the people of Hawaii and the USAP through research that drives meaningful change.”

In other childhood nutrition research, a recent population-based study found that children who are obese at the time of being diagnosed with cancer may face an increased mortality risk. The retrospective study evaluated cases of cancer in children aged two to 18 years across Canada from 2001 to 2020.

Meanwhile, a UK report by Action on Sugar found children may be at risk of regularly maxing out their daily allotted sugar limits by being allowed cakes and biscuits in and out of school. The evaluation reveals that a typical children’s snack combination — such as a cake, chocolate bar, and one or two biscuits consumed over the course of a day — can pack 1,326 calories and 92.5 grams of sugar.