Fat 'crucial' in children's diet

While parents may be increasingly worrying about childhood obesity, they must ensure they eat enough fat. Concerns about their child becoming overweight means some parents put them on low-fat diets, but the Nutrition Journal study said this was misguided.

Youngsters needed that fat to grow and thrive, they argued. Over a third of a child's energy intake should be made up of fat, the researchers at Pennsylvania State University said. "Despite this, many parents and children restrict fat for health reasons," they said. "Sufficient fat must be included in the diet for children to support normal growth and development."

Nutritionists stressed fat, as much as possible, should come from "healthy" sources such as oily fish, while chips and baked goods should be cooked in olive or sunflower oil. "Too much saturated fat in the diet, e.g. from cakes, biscuits, pastries and fatty meats, should be avoided," said Claire Williamson of the British Nutrition Foundation. The National Obesity Forum welcomed the study. "I think this research is absolutely right," said board member Tam Fry. "Young children need more fat and energy for the whole purpose of growing and living. "To give them low-fat and sugar-free products is a bad idea."

Steve - it is nice to see a study echoing what we say...you need fat! Fat is good, as long as it is the right fat. Especially in children, the right fats are essential for brain and neurological development.