Title: ILSI Europe Systematic Review: The Impact of Digestible and Nondigestible Carbohydrate Consumption for Toddlers (1–4 Years) in Relation to Health Outcomes
| Published: | April 17, 2025 |
The first years of life are crucial for growth, immune system development, and metabolic regulation—factors which influence long-term health outcomes such as obesity and cardiovascular disease. During this stage, toddlers transition from breastfeeding or formula feeding to solid foods, including the consumption of carbohydrates.
Carbohydrates, particularly non-digestible carbohydrates (NDCs) like dietary fibers—ideally introduced through fruits and vegetables—play a key role in gut health. They support bowel functioning, glycemic control, and microbiota development.
In collaboration with the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI), Maryam Rakhshandehroo, Senior Scientist at Danone Research & Innovation, conducted a systematic review exploring the impact of digestible and NDCs on the health of toddlers (1-4 years).
Published in Nutrition Reviews, the research systematically evaluated 31 publications, including 20 cohort studies and 2 randomized controlled trials. The review explored various health outcomes, including growth, infections, bowel function, cognitive development, and metabolic health.
The findings highlight the potential benefits of NDCs, particularly dietary fibers, for improving bowel function and lipid profiles in toddlers. However, further research is needed to fully understand their long-term effects. Additionally, the review points to the detrimental impact of sugary sweetened beverages and fruit juices, which were associated with unfavorable long-term outcomes.
“Our review underscores the critical importance of early dietary choices, specifically the role of carbohydrates in shaping toddler’ health,” says Maryam. “Understanding how carbohydrates shape toddler’s health is essential for developing evidence-based nutritional guidelines.”
She adds, “While we have compelling evidence highlighting the benefits of GOS and FOS during infancy, this review underscores the need for further research to explore their impact on toddlers’ gut microbiota and cognitive development.”
Read the full review: ILSI Europe Systematic Review: The Impact of Digestible and Nondigestible Carbohydrate Consumption for Toddlers (1–4 Years) in Relation to Health Outcomes | Nutrition Reviews | Oxford Academic