Objectives
Originally the objective of the task force was to critically appraise and disseminate scientific information on the nutritional needs of European children and adolescents. These efforts aimed to guide the establishment of dietary guidelines for a healthy childhood/adolescence. Two Experts Groups (EG) have (i) reviewed the available data on the current dietary recommendations, dietary intake and nutritional status in children and adolescents in Europe, and (ii) identified the gaps in knowledge.
The task force then expanded its focus to population groups other than children, such as pregnant women and elderly, with the aim to contribute to the harmonisation of nutrient recommendations in Europe.
The Nutrient Requirements Task Force has supported the submission of the EC-funded Network of Excellence EURRECA (short for EURopean micronutrient RECommendations Aligned), and supports ILSI Europe´s role as EURRECA Coordinator.
To download the poster, click here.
For more information on EURRECA: www.eurreca.org
Activity
Role of Digestible Carbohydrates in the Diet of Infants and Toddlers
The first year of life is a period of very rapid growth. Appropriate nutrition is essential during this period: infants that do not receive sufficient calories, vitamins, and minerals will not reach their expected growth and development. Carbohydrates, primarily lactose, are the principal source of dietary energy in this period of life. This activity will thoroughly review the role and suggested requirements of digestible carbohydrates in toddlers and infants diet.
An Expert Group will address the following topics:
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Evolutionary role of digestible carbohydrates in the diet;
§ Current recommendations of digestible carbohydrates for infants and toddlers;
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Physiological and nutritional role of digestible carbohydrates (taste, energy supply, structural role, glycemic response, additional value of non digestible carbohydrates (e.g. GOS, FOS));
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Interaction of digestible carbohydrates with other macronutrients, dietary fibre and micronutrients (e.g. matrix issues, impact on digestibility);
§ Digestible carbohydrates requirements in relation to physical activity (i.e. child dynamism);
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Role of sweet carbohydrates in food preference;
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Optimal carbohydrate intake for infants and toddlers (amount and composition);
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Other important issues, such as glycaemic load, osmotic regulation (and related technological aspects), fructose vs. glucose vs. galactose load (differences in metabolism), childhood obesity and later life, dental caries;
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And finally, how should industry put scientific facts into practice?
The experts will be asked to work on the above-mentioned issues. They will prepare a publication that will be reviewed during a two-day roundtable workshop. An important outcome of this activity would be to suggest recommendations for carbohydrates requirements of infants and toddlers. It is the intention to publish the publication and the results of the workshop in a scientific peer-reviewed journal.
Task Force Collaborators
The scientists below participate in the task force:
Experts from supporting member companies
Dr. Martine S. Alles, Royal Numico (NL)
Dr. Marta Bianchi, Barilla G. & R. Fratelli (IT)
Dr. Karen Cunningham, Coca-Cola European Union Group (UK)
Dr. Viviane de la Guéronnière, Groupe Danone (FR)
Dr. Clare Leonard, Cereal Partners Worldwide (UK)
Ms. Myriam Richelle, Nestlé (CH)
Dr. Annet Roodenburg, Unilever (NL)
Dr. Anne Schaafsma, Friesland Foods (NL)
Ms. Jenny Walton, Kellogg (UK)
Dr. Peter Weber, DSM (NL)
Experts from public institutes
Prof. Cees de Graaf, Wageningen University (NL)
Prof. Claudio Maffeis, Unit of Paediatrics, University of Verona (IT)
Publications
J. Hautvast, Guest Editor. EURRECA: EURopean micronutrient RECommendations Aligned - Preparing the Way. European Journal of Nutrition, 2008;47(Suppl.1):1-40.
B. Koletzko, V. de la Guéronnière, J.F. Desjeux, E. Krause Guest eds. Nutrition in Children and Adolescents: What is the Scientific Basis? British Journal of Nutrition, 2004;92(2):1-232. (Proceedings)
Summary Report published in the ILSI Europe Report Series 2004:1-20
For more information, please contact info@ilsieurope.be