(P16-04-26) Breakfast Consumption Improved Nutrient Adequacy and Diet Quality Throughout a 6-Month Breakfast Feeding Trial in Habitual ‘Breakfast Skipping’ Adolescents

Objectives: This 6-month randomized controlled trial examined the effects of consuming higher-protein (HP) versus normal-protein (NP) breakfasts on total daily energy intake, nutrient adequacy, and food choice in habitual breakfast-skipping (BS) adolescents.

Methods: 128 habitual BS older adolescents (Age: 18.9±0.4 y; BMI: 24.8±3.6 kg/m²; BS: 6±1 times/week). were randomized into three groups: NP breakfast (350±4 kcals; 11±0 g PRO; 55±1 g CHO; 10±0 g FAT), HP breakfast (350±5 kcals; 30±0 g PRO; 35±1 g CHO; 10±0 g FAT) or BS (nothing but water before 10 am). NP and HP groups were provided breakfasts each day for 6-months, whereas BS continued to skip breakfast. At baseline, 3, and 6 months participants completed 3, 24 hr ad libitum food packout challenges (2 weekdays, 1 weekend day) consisting of entrees and snacks commonly consumed by adolescents. Dietary intake and food choice were assessed via 24-hr dietary recalls and quantified using weighed food returns.

Results: On average, participants consumed 2200±150 kcals/day with no difference between groups. The HP group had greater protein intake (98.9±5.7 g) compared to BS (77.6±5.1 g; p< 0.05), whereas the NP group did not (87.8±5.8 g, p > 0.05). Both breakfast groups consumed more fiber, iron, zinc, and choline vs. BS (all, p < 0.05). In addition, the HP group consumed more iron and choline vs. NP (p < 0.05). Regarding food choice, both breakfast groups consumed fewer calories from desserts/sweets (-130±40 kcal) and candy (-211±70 kcals) vs. BS (both, p< 0.05). However, these changes were only detected at 3 months. The HP group consumed less added sugar (-95±33kcals) compared to NP and BS (both, p< 0.05). No differences were observed within or between groups for any other nutrient or food choice outcomes.

Conclusions: Breakfast consumption increased intake of most nutrients of public health concern and reduced intake of high-fat and/or high-sugar foods among habitual breakfast-skipping adolescents, with additional benefits observed when consuming higher-protein breakfasts. These findings suggest that the addition of breakfast, particularly one rich in protein, may be an effective strategy to improve nutrient adequacy and diet quality among older adolescents.

Funding Sources: NIH/NIDDK, R01 DK107390