3. The impact of social environment on the tastes and food representations of French children inflammation

Children from disadvantaged backgrounds report having a less varied diet, mention fewer vegetables, and show a preference for ultra-processed foods.

This is the finding of a study conducted by CERREV (Centre for Research on Risks and Vulnerabilities at the University of Caen) in collaboration with the Human Nutrition Unit, which analyzed the food preferences of children in four French elementary schools, highlighting disparities based on their socioeconomic background. These observations highlight the influence of social factors on food choices, with important implications for public health. Indeed, these differences are likely to contribute to health inequalities, particularly with regard to the prevalence of chronic diseases.

Developing food education methods adapted to children's social realities could be one of the keys to addressing these disparities. These interventions could foster a better understanding of the links between diet, health, and the environment, thus contributing to the prevention of chronic diseases and the reduction of social inequalities in health. By adopting an empirical and holistic approach, programs could be designed to address children's different cultural representations and codes, thus providing tailored solutions to promote healthy eating at all socio-economic levels.