Danone Baby Nutrition, the manufacturer and distributor of specialised infant and toddler milks, today welcomed the publication of the National Preschool Nutrition Survey.
Commenting on the findings, Aileen Regan, Medical Director, Danone Baby Nutrition said: “Through our on-going research work and our frequent interaction with healthcare authorities and medical professionals we have been aware of the worrying trends in the quality of toddler’s diets in Ireland for some time. Now for the first time in many years, we have data which identifies the problem areas and facilitates the development of a response which can help support the future health of Ireland’s infants and toddlers.
“It is very worrying to see the level of iron and vitamin D deficiency within the group surveyed. This reflects the trends amongst other segments of the population but is even more alarming in this age group as we know that insufficient intake of the right nutrients for under twos has such a significant impact on their overall development and a detrimental impact on their health for the rest of their lives.
“For too long, toddlers and under twos have been treated like the rest of the population in terms of nutritional guidelines. Now, for the first time, the data strongly supports the argument that this segment of the population has unique nutritional and dietary needs.
“Now that we have the facts it is important for all stakeholders to work together to develop a response which will help to address these issues as quickly as possible.
“Danone Baby Nutrition is proud to have supported this important piece of research and look forward to playing a role in addressing the issues raised through the National Toddler Nutrition Survey.”