LAUSR

Evidence suggests that regular breakfast consumption is associated with higher overall micronutrient intake, dietary adequacy and quality in children and adolescents but this has not been fully explored in a UK cohort. The objective of this study was therefore to investigate the relationship between breakfast and overall diet quality in UK children and adolescents aged 5–17 years. Data from the most recent National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS, 2008–2014) were accessed to provide a representative sample of UK children and adolescents (n = 3283). Dietary intake was assessed by a 4-day estimated food diary. As meal occasions were not specified in NDNS, breakfast was defined for the current study as all food and drink items consumed between 6 am – 11 am. Average energy, macroand micronutrient intakes from breakfast were calculated based on consumption days only. Overall diet quality (DQ) was assessed by applying the Nutrient Rich Food Index (NRF) 9·3 method which subtracts the sum of three negative nutrients (saturated fat, added sugar and salt) from that of nine positive nutrients (protein, fibre, vitamin A, C, D, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium) expressed as a multiple of 100 (∑ sub-scores positive × 100)−(∑ sub-scores negative × 100). The algorithm was adjusted based on an 8·4 MJ energy intake. Statistical analyses were carried out by SPSS (Version 24) software.