'Junk food' diet and childhood behavioural problems: results from the ALSPAC cohort.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether a 'junk food' diet at age 4(1/2) is associated with behavioural problems at age 7.


METHODS
Data on approximately 4000 children participating in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, a birth cohort recruited in Avon, UK in 1991/92 were used. Behavioural problems were measured at age 7 using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ; maternal completion). Total difficulties and scores for the five sub-scales (hyperactivity, conduct and peer problems, emotional symptoms and pro-social behaviour) were calculated. Principal components analysis of dietary data (frequency of consumption of 57 foods/drinks) collected at age 4(1/2) by maternal report was used to generate a 'junk food' factor. Data on confounders were available from questionnaires.


RESULTS
A one standard deviation increase in 'junk food' intake at age 4(1/2) years was associated with increased hyperactivity at age 7 (odds ratio: 1.19; 95% confidence interval: 1.10, 1.29). This persisted after adjustment for confounders including intelligence quotient score (odds ratio: 1.13; 95% confidence interval: 1.01, 1.15). There was little evidence to support an association between 'junk food' intake and overall behavioural difficulties or other sub-scales of the SDQ.


CONCLUSIONS
Children eating a diet high in 'junk food' in early childhood were more likely to be in the top 33% on the SDQ hyperactivity sub-scale at age 7. This may reflect a long-term nutritional imbalance, or differences in parenting style. This finding requires replication before it can provide an avenue for intervention.
Department of Community Based Medicine, Academic Unit of Psychiatry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK. nicola.wiles@bristol.ac.uk
N J
NJ
Wiles
K
K
Northstone
P
P
Emmett
G
G
Lewis
D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000209:etiology*; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015986:Confounding Factors, Epidemiologic; D004032:Diet / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019422:Dietary Sucrose / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D006113:United Kingdom
D019422:Dietary Sucrose