Diet Foods: Not for Kids :

In the confusing world of nutrition - things are never what they seem. Two new pieces of research show how "diet" foods may not be particularly helpful for children.

• Low-fat diets are unnecessary for children.
• Low-calorie sweets may actually spur overeating.

Low Fat?
The Nutrition Journal concludes that:

...fat oxidation relative to total calorie expenditure is higher in prepubescent children than in adults. Consistent with current dietary guidelines, a moderate fat diet is appropriate for children within the context of a diet that meets their energy and nutrient needs.

This small study showed that children could oxidize more fat (relative to overall energy intake) than adults - despite a sedentary lifestyle. This isn't a license to start eating McDonald's every day, but shows that heavy restrictions on fat are unnecessary.

Taste Conditioning
Some fascinating research from sociologist David Pierce gives more clues to the possible link between low-calorie sweeteners and overeating (see also the diet soda / obesity debate ).

"Our research has shown that young animals can be made to over eat when low-calorie foods and drinks are given to them on a daily basis, and this subverts their bodies' energy-balance system."

The research (conducted on rats) shows how low-calorie sweet foods may confuse the association between taste and energy. Pierce concludes "Diet foods are probably not a good idea for growing youngsters."

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