The foods children regularly eat may leave measurable biochemical signatures in their blood, according to a new study that examined hundreds of metabolites in children across Europe. Researchers say the findings could eventually help scientists assess dietary patterns more objectively.
Researchers examine children’s dietary patterns
The study analysed blood samples from 421 children, with samples collected at around 5.5 and eight years of age. Researchers measured 236 metabolites and compared them with three dietary patterns identified earlier in childhood.
The first pattern, called “Core foods”, included vegetables, fruits, fish, olive oil and meat. The second was centred on animal protein sources, including meat, fish, eggs and some snacks. The third, described as “poor-quality fats and sugars”, included foods such as added sugars, juices and saturated-fat-rich foods.
Fish and healthy fats leave notable signals
The researchers found 48 metabolites associated with at least one of the dietary patterns. Several of the metabolites linked with the Core foods pattern were phosphatidylcholines containing polyunsaturated fatty acids, including DHA, which is found particularly in oily fish.
Researchers also observed contrasting metabolic patterns between diets rich in core foods and those higher in poor-quality fats and sugars.
However, the findings need to be interpreted carefully. Most individual metabolite associations did not remain statistically significant after correction for multiple testing. The researchers describe the findings as exploratory and say independent studies are needed to confirm whether these metabolites can reliably indicate children’s dietary habits.
The study does not establish that particular foods directly cause specific blood changes or health outcomes. Instead, it suggests that metabolomics may eventually provide another tool for studying children’s nutrition alongside traditional dietary records.