Children, Adolescents Not Getting Enough Grain-Based Nutrients, Study Concludes

A new U.S. study based on data from 6,100 U.S. children and adolescents ranging from two to eighteen years old finds that this age group would benefit from grains that provide fiber, dietary folate, iron, B vitamins and vitamin A. Unfortunately, grains account for only 5.18 percent of the total diet in children and adolescents. But these foods account for a quarter of the daily requirement for dietary fiber, 40 percent of dietary folate, 34.8 percent of iron, 16.4 percent of vitamin A and 13.7 percent of magnesium in their diets. “Not meeting nutrient recommendations can stall childhood development, ranging from stunting growth to cognitive delays," one researcher said. [ Image credit: © GirlsHealth.gov  ]