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25 June 2008
Teenage Breakfast Skippers Undermining Healthy Development
Four out of ten teenagers are regularly skipping breakfast and missing out on vital daily nutrients, a new report reveals today . Research released by the Breakfast Cereal Information Service shows that, although the majority of UK adults understand the importance of breakfast for improving physical and mental performance (65%) and believe it to be the most important meal of the day (60%), 40% of teenagers are still ignoring the benefits.
When they do eat breakfast, four out of five (81%) teenagers opt for a bowl of breakfast cereal, which is also the way the majority of teenagers consume milk (75%). However parents report that a number of factors are consistently preventing their teenage children from eating breakfast in the morning, with:
- Just over half of teenagers claiming not to be hungry (51%)
- Almost half getting out of bed too late (49%)
- More than two in five complaining that they can't be bothered to eat breakfast (44%)
As a result, experts warn that teenagers are missing out on important nutrients.
Prof. Tom Sanders, Head of Nutritional Sciences at Kings College London, comments: "There is a worrying trend for kids to skip breakfast and not consume milk. A cereal breakfast makes a major contribution to some key nutrients such as fibre, riboflavin, folate and calcium that are often in short supply in the overall teenage diet. These nutrients help maintain health as well promote growth and development.
"Breakfast cereal with low fat milk makes a good start for the day especially during the exam period because a carbohydrate rich meal in the morning improves mental performance."
Dr Judith Bryans, Director and Registered Nutritionist at The Dairy Council, said: "Calcium requirements are highest during the teenage years as the majority of our bones are formed during this period. Unfortunately, the most recent diet and nutrition survey suggests that many teenagers do not get enough calcium. Having a bowl of breakfast cereal with milk would help them to increase their calcium intake along with many other nutrients their bodies need for good health."
Reassuringly, the data also shows that nearly a third (29%) of adults are eating breakfast more regularly than they did 12 months ago. Over a third (35%) of these people claim this is because they have experienced the benefits of eating it.
Prof. Sanders concludes: "Although most parents now understand the benefits of breakfast, it's imperative that they pass this message on to their children. The good news is that a nutritious breakfast of cereal with milk is a quick and convenient breakfast option, which can be easily fitted into the daily morning routine."
For more information on the health benefits of breakfast cereal, visit www.breakfastcereal.org.
-Ends-
For more information, please contact Nicole Sordell or Miranda Penfound on 020 7815 3900
or Email: nicole.sordell@munroforster.com / miranda.penfound@munroforster.com
Notes to Editor:
• Research was conducted by YouGov plc over 2 surveys:
- Total sample size was 2,011 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 25th - 28th April 2008. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+)
- Total sample size was 2,078 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 29th April - 1st May 2008. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+)
• The Breakfast Cereal Information Service is a resource providing easily accessible information on breakfast cereals and the breakfast cereal industry on behalf of the Association of Cereal Food Manufacturers (ACFM)
• The Dairy Council is a non-profit making organization that provides evidence-based nutrition information on the role of dairy foods in a healthy balanced diet and lifestyle, and is jointly funded by processors and producers through Dairy UK and DairyCo. For more information visit www.milk.co.uk.
• Dairy UK is a trade association that represents the interests of dairy farmers, producer coops, milk processors and doorstep deliverymen. For more information visit www.dairyUK.org.
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