Breakfast cereals are becoming more soft and less nutritious: Sciencelert

Millions of us search them every morning, but breakfast cereals are gradually moving for our health, according to a new study – having developed and softer and softer and softer and softer and softer and softer and softer and softer less nutritious In the past decade.

It is a concern for everyone, but in particular for children: the majority of young people in the United States Choose the cereals As their favorite breakfast option, more alternatives with a high intensity of labor such as pancakes, waffles and French toast.

Researchers from several United States institutions have examined the ingredients of ready-to-eat cereals (RTE) launched in the United States between 2010 and 2023 and marketed with children aged 5 to 12.

This gave them more cereals than you could expect – a total of 1,200 – although the rebrans and the reconditioning was included. THE nutrient Portions of these cereals were then analyzed through information on the database and followed over time.

“Analysis of Cereals RTE for children newly launched from 2010 to 2023 revealed nutritional changes: notable increase in fats, sodium and sugar parallel to the decrease in proteins and fibers”, ” to write Researchers of their published article.

Total fat per portion, for example, increased from 1.13 gram to 1.51 gram during the study period, a jump of 33.6%. Average sugar contentAs for him, went from 10.28 grams in 2010 to 11.40 grams in 2023, an increase of 10.9%.

Sodium Also increased, from 156 milligrams to 206.1 milligrams on average (up 32.1%). Although this happens, healthier nutrients in cereals are down: protein and fiber levels have dropped considerably in recent years.

It seems that cereals are more like salt and sweet snacks than anything else. On average, a single portion of cereals included in the analysis would provide more than 45% of everyday life Recommended sugar limit For children.

“These trends suggest a potential hierarchy of taste on nutritional quality in product development, contributing to infantile obesity and long -term cardiovascular health risks”, ” to write researchers.

It is worth keeping in mind that this study only looks at newly launched cereals (or relaunched), and does not take into account what children could eat elsewhere throughout the day. Nevertheless, it is a disturbing trend.

We know that diet and nutrition are an important part To make sure that children grow in good health and strong, which includes breakfast. Infantile obesity in the United States is now affecting one in five childrenand is increasing.

As researchers explained to New York TimesThere is a disconnection between health claims made on the front of cereal packages and what is really included in the box. It makes parents more difficult for parents to choose the right option.

Currently, cereal manufacturers in the United States do not have to follow any special regulations beyond the basic requirements of health and safety for their products, although the slap of a `saine ” label on the package is delivered with Some guidelines joined.

“Given their generalized consumption and their potential impact on infantile nutrition, understanding of trends in the composition of cereals is crucial for public health” to write researchers.

Research was published in Jama Network Open.