The 2016 Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study (FITS): Dietary Intakes and Practices of Children in the United States from Birth to 48 Months

Abstract

FITS (the Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study) 2016 is a national, cross-sectional survey to evaluate the diets and feeding practices of US infants and children <48 months (n = 3,235). Dietary intakes were assessed using 24-h recalls, including a replicate subsample (n = 799), to estimate usual intake distributions and compliance with dietary reference intakes using the National Cancer Institute method. Infant feeding practices and 1-day food group consumption were assessed by age and participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Initiation and duration of breastfeeding were higher in 2016 compared to previous FITS surveys. Nutrient intakes of infants were largely adequate, except for vitamins D and E and iron (18% did not meet the iron recommendations at 6-11.9 months). WIC-participating infants were more likely to meet iron recommendations, potentially due to higher use of infant formula. More nutrient inadequacies were noted among toddlers and preschoolers, including low intakes of potassium (12+ months), fiber (12+ months), and vitamins D and E (12+ months), combined with high intakes of sodium and added sugars, especially among WIC participants, and saturated fat among those 24-36 months. These imbalances result from low intakes of vegetables and whole grains, and high intakes of processed meats, sweetened bakery foods, and sugar-sweetened beverages.