Trends in growth and nutritional status of Korean toddlers and preschoolers: a cross-sectional study using 2010-2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data.

Objectives: We aimed to analyze trends in growth and nutrient intake patterns in Korean toddlers and preschoolers and generate data for international comparisons of early childhood growth status. Methods: Overall, 3,661 children aged 1-4 years were included. This study used the data from the 5th-8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The weight-for-height, height-for-age, weight-for-age, and body mass index-for-age z-scores of the participants were calculated using the World Health Organization 2006 child growth z-score reference cutoff points. The 24-hour recall method was used to determine dietary intake, which was assessed according to the Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans. All statistical analyses were conducted and weighted according to a complex sample design. Results: Most Korean toddlers and preschoolers demonstrated normal growth, with an increasing trend noted over the survey period. Concurrently, the prevalence of overweight decreased. The mean intake of energy from fat exhibited an upward trend, paralleling that of protein and fat. Conversely, the intake of several essential micronutrients declined. The prevalence of nutritional inadequacy showed significant variation throughout the survey period: the proportion of inadequacy in carbohydrate intake decreased, whereas those of iron, vitamin A, thiamin, niacin, and vitamin C increased. Conclusion: South Korea is making significant progress in supporting toddlers and preschoolers, as evidenced by consistent increases in the proportion of children with normal growth and decreases in the prevalence of malnutrition. Future research should focus on exploring dietary patterns and analyzing specific food groups that are essential for promoting optimal growth and nutritional status in children.