Antioxidant-rich Diet and Oxidative Stress in Healthy Preschoolers

The Effect of an Antioxidant-rich Kindergarten Diet on Oxidative Stress in Healthy Preschool Children

Uncontrolled and prolonged oxidative stress plays an important role in the onset and progression of cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and various cancers. Given that many diseases can start as early as childhood, eating patterns in childhood and preventing oxidative damage can have beneficial long-term health effects. Antioxidant-rich foods can slow down the progression of chronic diseases.

In Slovenian kindergartens (and schools) children consume up to 70% of their daily energy and nutritional needs, so what is offered to them is very important. This study will evaluate the hypothesis that providing an antioxidant-rich diet in kindergartens can result in the reduction of biomarkers of oxidative stress.

Inclusion Criteria:

• • Healthy children aged 5-6 who will attend the compulsory medical examination before entering primary school

Exclusion Criteria:

• • Children with chronic conditions (e.g. diabetes, asthma)

  • Children with allergies to food (e.g. gluten, egg, milk, lactose intolerance)