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Childhood diet and behavioural problems: results from the ALSPAC cohort

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 65, pages 720–726 (2011)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Objective:

To investigate whether a ‘junk food’ diet at 81 months of age is associated with the development of behavioural problems over the following 16 months.

Subjects/methods:

The study used data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) and 12 942 children were included. The main outcome measure was behavioural problems, measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). SDQ scores were available at 81 and 97 months of age. Child-based dietary data were collected at 81 months by food frequency questionnaire; from this a ‘junk food’ score was derived, and mean weekly non-milk extrinsic sugar (NMES) intake estimated. Statistical analyses examined the associations between dietary exposures at 81 months and SDQ outcomes at 97 months. Children with SDQ scores suggesting behavioural problems at baseline were excluded in order to identify new cases. Adjustments were made for potential confounders such as socioeconomic status.

Results:

Unadjusted analyses suggested associations between the ‘junk food’ score at 81 months and both total difficulties and pro-social behaviour at 97 months. However, adjustment for baseline SDQ scores attenuated these associations, with confidence intervals including the null for both total difficulties (OR (95% CI): 1.05 (0.92, 1.21); P=0.45) and pro-social behaviour (1.13 (1.00, 1.26); P=0.04). Adjustment for other potential confounders further attenuated the effects. Adjustment for confounders similarly attenuated modest associations between NMES intake and behavioural problems.

Conclusions:

There was no evidence to support an association between a ‘junk food’ diet at 81 months of age and behavioural problems after 16 months.

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Acknowledgements

We are extremely grateful to all the families who took part in this study, the midwives for their help in recruiting them, and the whole ALSPAC team, which includes interviewers, computer and laboratory technicians, clerical workers, research scientists, volunteers, managers, receptionists and nurses. The United Kingdom Medical Research Council, the Wellcome Trust and the University of Bristol provide core support for ALSPAC. This paper is the work of the authors. PJP is supported by a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Academic Clinical Fellowship.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK

    P J Peacock, G Lewis, K Northstone & N J Wiles

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  1. P J Peacock
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  2. G Lewis
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  3. K Northstone
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  4. N J Wiles
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Correspondence to P J Peacock.

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Guarantor: PJP acts as guarantor for the paper.

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Peacock, P., Lewis, G., Northstone, K. et al. Childhood diet and behavioural problems: results from the ALSPAC cohort. Eur J Clin Nutr 65, 720–726 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2011.27

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