Young children's bodies keep protein intake more stable than other nutrients like carbs and fats, meaning they don't change protein intake as much when eating different foods

Scientific Claim

In preschool children, protein intake is more tightly regulated than carbohydrate or fat intake, with protein intake varying less (IQR 3.2%) compared to carbohydrates (IQR 6.3%) and fat (IQR 5.7%)

Source Excerpt

“The distribution of protein intake (% of MJ, IQR: 3.2) varied substantially less than for carbohydrate (IQR: 5.7) or fat (IQR: 6.3) intakes, suggesting protein intake is most tightly regulated.”

Evidence from Studies

Supporting Studies

Evidence for the protein leverage hypothesis in preschool children prone to obesity.

Cohort

View study →

42%

Evidence Assessment

Supported

The study directly measured macronutrient intake variability using interquartile ranges from dietary records. The narrower range for protein (3.2%) compared to carbs (6.3%) and fat (5.7%) demonstrates this descriptive finding about regulation patterns.

Source Study

Evidence for the protein leverage hypothesis in preschool children prone to obesity.

Score: 42

DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2023.09.025

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