The Growing Well Study
The 'Growing Well Study' wants to learn more about what children aged 6 months to 5 years eat and how much they eat. This includes looking at special diets like vegetarian or dairy-free, and how these choices, along with portion sizes, might impact how children grow and the health of their teeth. At the moment, there isn't much clear guidance for parents on what and how much young children should eat in the UK. This research aims to fill that gap by gathering up-to-date information. By understanding these links, the study hopes to provide better, more accurate advice for parents and also for those who make health recommendations for children across the country.
At a glance
What is this study about?
The Growing Well Study is looking into the eating habits of young children in the UK, specifically those aged between 6 months and 5 years. The main goal is to understand how what children eat, including things like vegetarian or dairy-free diets, and the amount they eat (portion sizes), affects their growth and dental health. We know that healthy eating early in life is really important for a child's development, but there isn't much up-to-date information or clear guidance for parents on this topic.
This research is important because it aims to provide answers to questions like: What are the right portion sizes for children of different ages? How do modern diets, including shop-bought foods or plant-based eating, affect their growth and teeth? And how do different nutrients, such as from fruit juices or sweet drinks, play a part? Currently, there are concerns about children's weight and dental health in the UK, and this study hopes to give us a clearer picture of how diet fits into all of this.
Ultimately, the study wants to help create better, evidence-based advice for parents. This advice would cover things like appropriate portion sizes, how to ensure children get all the nutrients they need, and what to consider for dental health, especially for children on special diets. The findings will also help those who create health guidelines to make well-informed decisions that support healthier children across the UK.
Key takeaways
- Focuses on diet, growth, and teeth in children aged 6 months to 5 years.
- Aims to provide clearer guidance for parents on what and how much children should eat.
- Looks at different diets, including vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free options.
- Involves online food diaries and two in-person check-ups over one year.
- No medication, just observations and questionnaires.
- Important for better health and policy guidelines for UK children.
Who may be eligible?
Participating in this study means that your child: is between 6 months and 4 years old. You and your child must also live in or very near Leeds, Doncaster, or specific parts of East London (like Tower Hamlets or nearby areas). Anyone can take part, no matter their background, what language they speak, or their education level.
However, your child won't be able to join if you plan to move out of these study areas within the next year. Also, if your child doesn't live with the parent or guardian taking part for most of the time, is in care, or has significant feeding difficulties (like needing a feeding tube), they won't be eligible. Children with long-term health conditions that affect their growth or development, such as certain hormone or genetic conditions, also can't take part. Lastly, if too many children of a particular age or background have already joined to make sure the study groups are balanced, your child might be excluded.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Is my child between 6 months and 4 years old?
- Do we live in or very close to Leeds, Doncaster, or specific areas of East London?
- Does my child live with me (the consenting parent/guardian) most of the time?
- Does my child NOT have a long-term condition that seriously affects their growth?
- Do we plan to stay in the study area for at least the next year?
What does participation involve?
If you and your child join this study, it will involve two main stages. First, when your child is between 6 months and 4 years old, you'll fill in some questionnaires online about your family's background and what your child eats. You'll use a special online tool called 'myfood24' to record everything your child eats for three separate days. You'll also attend one in-person visit where your child's height, weight, and waist size will be measured.
About one year later, you'll be asked to complete the surveys again, and you'll have another in-person visit. At this second visit, alongside checking your child's growth again, their dental health will also be looked at. There are no medications involved. The total duration of your participation will be about one year.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (6)
- Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeDoncaster, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Community settings across DoncasterVerified postcodeDoncaster, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS TrustVerified postcodeLeeds, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Community settings across LeedsVerified postcodeLeeds, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Barts Health NHS TrustVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Community settings across East LondonVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is the main goal of The Growing Well Study?
The study aims to understand how children's eating habits, portion sizes, and different diets affect their growth and dental health to create better advice for parents.
Which children can take part?
Children aged 6 months to 4 years old, living with their parents or guardians in or near Leeds, Doncaster, or specific parts of East London.
What will I have to do if my child joins?
You'll fill out online questionnaires about your child's food intake over three days, and attend two in-person visits (one year apart) for measurements of your child's height, weight, and dental health.
How long does the study last?
Your family's participation in the study will last for about one year.
Are there any health risks involved?
No, there are no significant known health risks. The study involves standard measurements and surveys.
How to find out more
Diane Threapleton E Threapleton, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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