Paediatric Hub News
Stay up to date faster with weekly news updates on all things paediatric nutrition and dietetics.

March 2025
A report by MPs says that thousands could be prevented from going hungry if children from poor households were automatically enrolled for free school meals.
RCM welcomes government funding boost for infant feeding and perinatal mental health support

February 2025
The funding will enable thousands of families across England to access pregnancy support, infant feeding advice, parenting classes and other support to help their child have the best start in life.

February 2025
The study, led by Durham university, found that newborn babies showed a more positive response to the smell of foods they were exposed to in the womb.
Broken Plate 2025 highlights concerns in child consumption of healthy versus unhealthy food groups

February 2025
The report found that children are consuming less than the recommendations of many healthy food groups, while overconsuming nutrients such as free sugars and saturated fat.
Positive and negative Children’s Food Awards finalists announced

February 2025
The finalists list is a great overview of nutrition and food work going on to support children's health, while the negative ones highlight some of the pitfalls in this area of nutrition.
New NICE Guidance for pregnant women and new parents

January 2025
The guidance is a must read for anyone in contact with women who might become pregnant, pregnant women, new mothers and children under five.
New study finds child eating disorder admissions to acute wards soared from 2012 to 2022

January 2025
Medical ward admissions for children due to eating disorders rose by more than 500 per cent in England in the period from 2012 to 2022.
Call for experts to submit views on Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill as soon as possible

January 2025
The UK Parliament is asking for those with relevant expertise to send their views to the House of Commons Public Bill Committee.
US study pinpoints pivotal period for improving child cardiovascular health

January 2025
The new study pinpoints the age at which cardiovascular health trajectories begin to decline, revealing a crucial window for targeted interventions to improve cardiovascular health into adolescence and adulthood.
Food industry has infiltrated UK children’s education finds BMJ investigation

December 2024
In an open letter addressed to the secretaries of state for health and social care and for education, 38 doctors, researchers, peers, and others have called on the government to end what they are calling ‘stealth marketing’ to children from food companies.
Government confirms details of junk food advert ban as part of plans to curb child obesity

December 2024
The government has confirmed the details of advertising restrictions aimed at preventing children from being exposed to TV adverts for junk food products. Foods meeting two criteria will be included in the ban.
Three factors linked to significant differences in children and parents with type 1 diabetes

November 2024
A recent study found significant negative differences in both children and parents with type 1 diabetes in those with a higher level of depression, anxiety, stress, decreased physical activity levels and lower nutritional intake.
Limited compliance with school food standards found

November 2024
Research into secondary schools in England and their compliance with the school food standards showed limited compliance in both schools mandated to comply and those not mandated to comply.
Caregiver response is key to child emotional overeating

July 2024
The study found supportive responses, such as problem-solving or validating feelings, can help prevent emotional overeating, while punitive or dismissive reactions increase the risk.
Glycosaminoglycans in human breast milk: review

July 2024
The review highlights the importance of GAG in immune function and gut function. However, it notes that the research on the mechanisms needs to be more robust.
CACF marketed to young children: report on products

June 2024
A report from the Access to Nutrition Initiative looks into the growing global market for commercially available complementary foods (CACF). The report compares over 1000 products marketed to infants and young children.
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Eating well for South Asian children: guide now available

May 2024
First Steps Nutrition Trust's guide: Eating Well: 6 months to 2 years for South Asian Children was first written as part of the NEON study in 2021 but has now been released for general use.
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The evolving role of dietitians in neonatal units - report

April 2024
A review by Smith & Mustapha (2024) highlights the evolving role of dietitians in neonatal units and offers recommendations for the scope of work required. at unit, community and network level.
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