Lee Jennifer J, Middleton Caroline G, Mulligan Christine, Vergeer Laura, Hammond Leila, L'Abbé Mary R
Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
School of Nutrition, Faculty of Community Services, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Paediatr Child Health. 2025 May 21;30(5):421-427. doi: 10.1093/pch/pxaf018. eCollection 2025 Aug.
Adequate nutrition is essential for growth and development during infancy and early childhood; however, the healthfulness and cost of commercial infant and toddler food and beverage products (ITP) have not been documented in Canada.
This study assessed the nutritional quality and prices of ITP in the Canadian food supply.
Using the Food Label Information and Price 2020 database, ITP intended for children < 4-years-old ( = 423) were examined for their energy and nutrient content (per 100 g or mL), the prevalence of products 'High in' nutrient(s)-of-concern (according to Canadian front-of-pack labelling thresholds), and their price (per 100 g or mL).
Median energy level of ITP was 101 kcal [IQR: 67, 400], derived primarily from carbohydrates (21.7 g [14.1, 71.4]). Although total and saturated fat (1.2 g [0, 7.1] and 0 g [0, 0], respectively) and sodium (16 mg [4, 100]) were low, ITP were also low in protein (3.6 g [0.8, 10.0]) and iron (0.9 mg [0.4, 6.0]), and high in sugars (10.9 g [5.5, 17.6]). Based on Canadian front-of-pack labelling thresholds, 59% ( = 248) of products were 'High in' one or more nutrients-of-concern, particularly sugars (55%, = 234). Prices varied significantly, ranging from $1.32 to $6.95, with toddler products costing more than those for infants ($3.14 vs. $1.55).
Overall, the nutritional quality of commercial ITP in Canada is poor, with many products 'High in' sugars, highlighting the need for healthier, more affordable options and public health policies that can support healthier food environments for infants and toddlers.
充足的营养对于婴儿期和幼儿期的生长发育至关重要；然而，加拿大尚未记录商业婴幼儿食品和饮料产品（ITP）的健康程度和成本。
本研究评估了加拿大食品供应中ITP的营养质量和价格。
利用2020年食品标签信息和价格数据库，对针对4岁以下儿童的ITP（n = 423）进行了能量和营养成分（每100克或毫升）、“富含”关注营养素产品的患病率（根据加拿大包装正面标签阈值）及其价格（每100克或毫升）的检查。
ITP的能量中位数为101千卡[四分位距：67，400]），主要来自碳水化合物（21.7克[14.1，71.4]）。虽然总脂肪和饱和脂肪（分别为1.2克[0，7.1]和0克[0，0]）以及钠（16毫克[4，100]）含量较低，但ITP的蛋白质（3.6克[0.8，10.0]）和铁（0.9毫克[0.4，6.0]）含量也较低，而糖含量较高（10.9克[5.5，17.6]）。根据加拿大包装正面标签阈值，59%（n = 248）的产品“富含”一种或多种关注营养素，尤其是糖（55%，n = 234）。价格差异很大，从1.32美元到6.95美元不等，幼儿产品比婴儿产品更贵（3.
