GrowwW’s Foundational Research: Empowering Children’s Development

Our Research Guiding the GrowwW Approach

1. Cognitive Function and Diet: 
   • Study: Cohen et al. (2016) – The effect of healthy dietary consumption on executive cognitive functioning in children and adolescents
   • Summary: This study highlights the crucial role of a healthy diet in enhancing cognitive functions like memory, attention, and problem-solving in children and adolescents.
   • Reference: British Journal of Nutrition, 116(6), 989-1000. Link
2. Early Eating Patterns and School Performance: 
   • Study: Feinstein et al. (2008) – Dietary patterns related to attainment in school: the importance of early eating patterns
   • Summary: This research establishes a connection between early dietary habits and academic performance, suggesting that nutritious eating patterns set in childhood impact future school success.
   • Reference: Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, 62, 734-739. Link
3. Diet Quality and Adolescent Mental Health: 
   • Study: Jacka et al. (2011) – A prospective study of diet quality and mental health in adolescents
   • Summary: Demonstrating a link between diet quality and mental health, this study found that high-quality diets are associated with better emotional well-being in adolescents.
   • Reference: PloS one, 6(9), e24805. Link
4. Eating and Physical Activity Patterns in German Youth: 
   • Study: Krug et al. (2018) – Sport-und Ernährungsverhalten bei Kindern und Jugendlichen in Deutschland
   • Summary: Focusing on German youth, this study examines the correlation between dietary habits and physical activity, emphasizing the importance of a balanced lifestyle.
   • Reference: Journal of Health Monitoring 3(2). Link
5. Trajectories into Eating Disorders in Youth: 
   • Study: McClelland et al. (2020) – Symptom trajectories into eating disorders in children/adolescents
   • Summary: This systematic review sheds light on the early signs of eating disorders, emphasizing the need for early intervention and awareness in children’s eating habits.
   • Reference: European Psychiatry, 63(1), E60. Link
6. Parental Influence on Child Eating Behavior: 
   • Study: Savage et al. (2007) – Parental influence on eating behavior: conception to adolescence
   • Summary: This study examines how parenting styles and behaviors significantly influence children’s eating patterns from an early age, highlighting the role of parents in shaping dietary habits.
   • Reference: Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, 35(1), 22-34. Link
7. Factors Influencing Children’s Eating Behaviours: 
   • Study: Scaglioni et al. (2018) – Factors influencing children’s eating behaviours
   • Summary: Investigating various factors that affect children’s eating behaviors, this study underlines the complexity of dietary habits and the multiple influences children are subjected to.
   • Reference: Nutrients, 10(6), 706. Link
8. WHO on Obesity and Overweight: 
   • Study: WHO (2021) – Obesity and Overweight
   • Summary: This report from the World Health Organization provides comprehensive data on global trends in obesity and overweight, emphasizing the growing concern in children and adolescents.
   • Reference: Link
9. Nutritional Guidance for Children from DGKJ: 
   • Study: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin e.V. (2020) – Gesundes Essen für mein Kind
   • Summary: These guidelines by DGKJ offer practical advice on ensuring balanced and healthy diets for children, backed by scientific research and pediatric recommendations.
   • Reference: Link
10. Psychological Aspects of Nutrition: 
    • Study: Ellrott (2013) – Psychologische Aspekte der Ernährung
    • Summary: This research delves into the psychological factors influencing dietary choices, showing how emotions and cognition play a significant role in our food decisions.
    • Reference: Diabetologie und Stoffwechsel, 8(06), R57-R70. Link
11. Harvard T.H. Chan – Nutritional Insights for Children: 
    • Study: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (2015) – Various articles on child nutrition
    • Summary: A series of articles from Harvard’s School of Public Health providing comprehensive insights into various aspects of child nutrition, including fats, proteins, and the importance of fruits and vegetables.
    • Reference: Fats and Cholesterol, Kids Healthy Eating Plate, Protein, Vegetables and Fruits, Whole Grains, Healthy Fats
12. Verbraucherzentrale – Nutritional Advice for Children: 
    • Study: Verbraucherzentrale (2023) – Various guides on children’s nutrition
    • Summary: These comprehensive guides from the Verbraucherzentrale offer valuable insights and practical tips on various aspects of children’s nutrition, including the importance of vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, and dairy products.
    • Reference: Gemüse, Salat und Obst für Kinder, Tipps zum Speiseplan von Kindern, Fleisch, Fisch und Eier für Kinder, Milch und Milchprodukte für Kinder
13. Creating a Positive Eating Atmosphere: 
    • Studies: Landeszentrum für Ernährung Baden-Württemberg (2020)
    • Summary: These papers emphasize the importance of a positive eating atmosphere, the educational value of involving children in the kitchen, and the development of healthy taste preferences. They illustrate how a nurturing food environment is crucial in shaping children’s dietary habits.
    • References: Essatmosphäre – gut gestimmt, gut gegessen, Was Kinder in der Küche lernen, Wie Kinder auf den Geschmack kommen
14. Feeding with Love and Good Sense: 
    • Book: Satter, E. (2012) – Child of mine: Feeding with love and good sense
    • Summary: This influential book by Ellyn Satter breaks down the principles of feeding children with a focus on developing a healthy relationship with food, emphasizing love, understanding, and sensible eating habits.
    • Reference: Bull Publishing Company
15. Healthy Eating for Children Aged 4-10: 
    • Guide: Schindler, K., Spitzbart, S., & Wolf-Spitzer, A. (2020)
    • Summary: This guide provides comprehensive insights into the right dietary choices for children aged 4 to 10, underscoring the importance of balanced nutrition for this age group.
    • Reference: So schmeckt’s uns allen! Richtig essen für 4- bis 10-Jährige
16. Hydration in Children: A Critical Aspect of Health: 
    • Article: Bottin, J. H., Morin, C., Guelinckx, I., & Perrier, E. T. (2019)
    • Summary: This article explores the significance of hydration in children, discussing how adequate fluid intake is essential for various aspects of health, including cognitive function and physical well-being.
    • Reference: Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism
17. The Role of Sugars in Health: 
    • Paper: Evans, C. (2017)
    • Summary: This paper reviews the current evidence on sugars and their impact on health, providing a basis for future policy and personal choices regarding sugar consumption.
    • Reference: Proceedings of the Nutrition Society
18. Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Brain Development: 
    • Study: Innis, S. M. (2008)
    • Summary: This study delves into how dietary omega 3 fatty acids play a crucial role in the developing brain, highlighting their importance in children’s diets for optimal cognitive development.
    • Reference: Brain research
19. Hydration and Child Health: 
    • Study: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung e.V. (2000) – Wasser
    • Summary: This comprehensive report underscores the importance of proper hydration for children, detailing how water intake is crucial for various physiological processes and overall health.
    • Reference: Wasser
20. Energy Sources in a Child’s Diet: 
    • Article: Jequier, E. (1994) – Carbohydrates as a source of energy
    • Summary: This article delves into how carbohydrates serve as a vital source of energy for children, playing a key role in supporting their active and growing bodies.
    • Reference: The American journal of clinical nutrition
21. Dietary Fats and Cognitive Health: 
    • Research Paper: Morris, M. C. & Tangney, C. C. (2014) – Dietary fat composition and dementia risk
    • Summary: This study explores the link between dietary fats and cognitive health, highlighting the influence of different types of fats on brain function and the potential risks associated with certain fat compositions.
    • Reference: Neurobiology of aging
22. The Impact of Carbohydrate Quality on Health: 
    • Systematic Reviews: Reynolds, A., Mann, J., Cummings, J., Winter, N., Mete, E., & Te Morenga, L. (2019)
    • Summary: This series of systematic reviews highlights the significant impact of carbohydrate quality on human health, showing how different types of carbohydrates can influence overall well-being and the risk of various diseases.
    • Reference: The Lancet
23. Importance of Fat-Soluble Vitamins in Childhood: 
    • Article: Stevens, S. L. (2021) – Fat-soluble vitamins
    • Summary: This article explores the role of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) in children’s health, underscoring their importance in supporting growth, immune function, and overall development.
    • Reference: Nursing Clinics
24. Diet, Immunity, and Inflammation in Children: 
    • Study: Suardi, C., Cazzaniga, E., Graci, S., Dongo, D., & Palestini, P. (2021)
    • Summary: This research highlights the connection between diet, the immune system, and inflammation in children. It points out how dietary choices can influence immune responses and inflammation levels, impacting overall health.
    • Reference: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
25. Obesity Trends Among German Youth: 
    • Research: Schienkiewitz A, Brettschneider AK, Damerow S, Rosario AS. (2018)
    • Summary: This study examines the prevalence and trends of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in Germany, providing valuable insights into public health challenges and the need for targeted interventions.
    • Reference: J Health Monit
26. Parental Health Literacy and Child Health Outcomes: 
    • Survey: Buhr, Elke de; Tannen, Antje (2020)
    • Summary: This cross-sectional survey emphasizes the importance of parental health literacy in influencing children’s health behaviors and outcomes, suggesting that informed parents can significantly contribute to the well-being of their children.
    • Reference: Parental health literacy survey
27. Obesogenic Eating Behavior and Dietary Intake in German Children: 
    • Study: Marb A, Libuda L, Standl M, Koletzko S, Bauer CP, Schikowski T, Berdel D, von Berg A, Herberth G, Bühlmeier J, Harris CP. (2022)
    • Summary: This comprehensive study from the GINIplus and LISA birth cohort examines the dietary patterns and eating behaviors among German children and adolescents. It sheds light on the prevalence of obesogenic eating behaviors and their implications for health, highlighting the need for targeted nutritional guidance and intervention in this age group.
    • Reference: European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
28. Adolescent Obesity and Dietary Decision Making – A Brain-Health Perspective:
    • Article: Lowe et al. (2020) – Adolescent obesity and dietary decision making—a brain-health perspective
    • Summary: This article, authored by Cassandra J Lowe, PhD, J Bruce Morton, PhD, and Amy C Reichelt, PhD, examines how adolescent brain development affects the preference for calorie-dense foods and its impact on brain function and behavior, emphasizing the importance of understanding these connections to address obesity.
    • Reference: The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, Link
29. Essential Nutrients in Children’s Development
    • Resource: Center for Disease Control and Prevention
    • Summary: This resource provides detailed information on the roles of essential nutrients in children’s development, highlighting the importance of a balanced diet for healthy growth and development.
    • Reference: CDC – Essential Nutrients
30. Parental Influence on Children’s Eating Habits
    • Resource: American Academy of Pediatrics – Healthychildren.org
    • Summary: This resource offers insights into how parental attitudes and behaviors can shape children’s eating habits. It provides evidence-based advice on creating a positive food environment at home, crucial for developing healthy eating patterns in children.
    • Reference: Healthychildren.org – Parental Influence
31. Balanced Diets for Children Guidelines
    • Guidelines: USDA’s Dietary Guidelines
    • Summary: These guidelines provide comprehensive information on balanced diets for children, emphasizing the importance of various nutrients in a child’s diet for overall health and development.
    • Reference: USDA – Dietary Guidelines
32. Nutritional Needs During Childhood Development
    • Guidelines: WHO’s Child Growth Standards
    • Summary: This guide offers a comprehensive overview of nutritional needs at various stages of a child’s development, providing a valuable resource for understanding and meeting these needs effectively.
    • Reference: WHO – Child Growth Standards
33. Impact of Childhood Nutrition on Adult Health
    • Resource: Harvard’s Nutrition Source
    • Summary: This resource provides an in-depth analysis of the long-term impact of childhood nutrition on adult health, underscoring the importance of early nutritional habits in influencing lifelong health outcomes.
    • Reference: Harvard – Nutrition Source
34. Food Allergy Management in Children
    • Guidelines: NIAID-Sponsored Expert Panel
    • Summary: These guidelines provide a detailed framework for the diagnosis, management, and education about food allergies in children, helping caregivers and healthcare professionals navigate this challenging aspect of child health.
    • Reference: PubMed – Food Allergy Guidelines
35. Standards for Pediatric Nutrition
    • Guidelines: Beth Ogata, MS, RD et al (2022), Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
    • Summary: These revised standards offer expert advice and recommendations from healthcare professionals specializing in pediatric nutrition and allergy management, guiding dietitians in delivering effective nutritional care to children.
    • Reference: Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
36. Comprehensive Guidelines on Child Nutrition
    • Book: Pediatric Nutrition (8th Edition), Edited by Ronald E. Kleinman, MD, FAAP; Frank R. Greer, MD, FAAP
    • Summary: This publication provides comprehensive guidelines on various aspects of child nutrition, serving as an essential resource for ongoing parental education and child health professionals.
    • Reference: Pediatric Nutrition – 8th Edition
37. Nutritional Needs in Adolescence
    • Report: World Health Organization (WHO) 2005
    • Summary: This report discusses the unique nutritional needs of children and adolescents, offering insight into tailoring meal plans according to age and activity level to support their growth and health.
    • Reference: WHO – Nutrition in Adolescence
38. Sleep and Nutritional Status in Children
    • Study: Hermes FN, Nunes EEM, Melo CM (2022)
    • Summary: This study highlights the relationship between sleep duration and nutritional status in children, indicating that sleep quality is crucial for maintaining healthy weight and preventing obesity in children.
    • Reference: PubMed – Sleep and Nutrition
39. Sleep Duration and Food Choices in Adolescents
    • Study: Kruger AK, Reither EN, Peppard PE, Krueger PM, Hale L (2014)
    • Summary: This study examines the association between short sleep duration in adolescents and their food choices, revealing a significant correlation between lack of sleep and poor dietary habits, including increased consumption of fast food and reduced intake of vegetables and fruits.
    • Reference: PubMed – Sleep and Food Choices
40. Diet and Mental Health in Children and Adolescents
    • Review: O’Neil A, Quirk SE, Housden S, Brennan SL, Williams LJ, Pasco JA, Berk M, Jacka FN (2014)
    • Summary: This systematic review found a significant relationship between unhealthy dietary patterns and poorer mental health in children and adolescents. It underscores the trend that good-quality diet is associated with better mental health, highlighting the potential importance of dietary patterns in early life mental health.
    • Reference: PubMed – Diet and Mental Health
41. Nutritional Interventions and Cognitive Development in Preschool-Age Children
    • Systematic Review: Roberts M, Tolar-Peterson T, Reynolds A, Wall C, Reeder N, Rico Mendez G (2022)
    • Summary: This review examines the effects of nutritional interventions on cognitive outcomes of preschool-age children. It concludes that adequate nutrition, including iron and multiple-micronutrient supplementation, is crucial for cognitive development, particularly in undernourished children.
    • Reference: PubMed – Nutritional Interventions and Cognitive Development

The Impact of Science in Nurturing Future Generations

The studies, papers, and guides we draw upon at GrowwW not only inform our strategies but also inspire our commitment to nurturing well-rounded, healthy children. By understanding and applying these scientific insights, we can collectively contribute to a brighter, healthier future for our children. This journey of knowledge and application is not just a path to improved health and development; it’s a roadmap to empowering our children to reach their full potential. Let’s embrace this knowledge and act today for a better tomorrow.