Nursery children take part in university’s nutrition study

Fife nurseries are helping research into the eating habits of youngsters.

Little Beehives Nurseries in Strathkinness and Cupar are working with St Andrews University’s School of Medicine on a food study looking at portion control in pre-school children.

The study is in collaboration with Leeds and Sheffield universities.

Research assistant Dr Sharon Carstairs has been carrying out the eight-week study at Little Beehives, which is taking part along with several other nurseries in Fife and Tayside.

She said: “I have been going into Little Beehives for the past few weeks, taking a group of children a specially devised lunch. This consists of a cheese sandwich, vegetable sticks, fruit and yoghurt.”

She explained that every child was provided with the same lunchtime meal on several occasions, but the sandwich size varied.

“We are interested to see how children respond to different portion sizes and varieties of vegetables,” she said.

Before starting the study, parents filled in a questionnaire looking at allergies, eating habits and general health.

“We are really looking forward to gathering the results of the study,” she said.

“I’ve been given a very warm welcome each week that I come in with my cool bag of lunch items – the children have really got to know me.”

An event will be held once the study is finished, open to the public, parents and nurseries.

The nursery’s lead practitioner, Faye Almond, said the children were enjoying their special lunchtime and their parents were pleased that they are helping with vital research.