National reports highlight inadequate intakes of vitamin D and iron among Irish children, aged 1- to 5- years, two nutrients that are pivotal for optimal growth in early childhood. Considering the vital role of parents in shaping dietary habits, this project aims to explore parents’ awareness and perceptions of vitamin D and iron in diets of their children and compliance with supplementation recommendations arising from new Department of Health Healthy Eating Guidelines for 1-to-4-year-olds. This PhD project will identify the gaps in parental knowledge of these micronutrients and assess adherence to current iron and vitamin D supplementation polices among young children. The findings of this project will inform future health promotion campaigns to support parents establish good eating and supplementation practices to help achieve optimal intakes of iron and vitamin D for this vulnerable age group.
Omid holds a Master’s degree in Nutrition Science, graduating from Iran University of Medical Sciences in 2018. He has a research background in children’s nutrition, collaborating with several projects in this field. In addition, he has experience working as a Public Health Nutritionist in the community health centers in his home country, providing nutrition counseling and education for parents of children under five years of age.
A00301924@student.tus.ie
Eslami, O., Cuskelly, G.J., & O’Connor, Á. (2024). Adherence to vitamin D supplementation guidelines in children under five years of age: a systematic literature review. European Journal of Nutrition, 63, 79–92.
Eslami, O., Cuskelly, G.J. and O’Connor, Á. (2023). Parental adherence to the Food Safety Authority of Ireland’s dietary guidelines for vitamin D and iron in young children. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 82, E232
Eslami, O., O’Connor, Á., & Cuskelly, G. (2022). A systematic review of parental knowledge of, and compliance with, recommendations for vitamin D intake in young children in Ireland. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 81, E141.
