Danish research: Rye bread and oat meal give healthier kids

Whole-grain has a positive effect on blood pressure, cholesterol and insulin sensitivity in children

It’s the news that all Danes have been yearning for. Finally, there is evidence that points to the beneficial effects of the boat loads of rye bread and porridge they have been devouring since infancy.

A new research report from the Department of Sports and Nutrition (DSN) at the University of Copenhagen shows that the more whole-grain that children eat, the better their overall health is.

“We can see that the more whole-grain children eat, the slimmer they are and the lower their blood pressure and cholesterol is,” said Camilla Trab Damsgaard, an associate professor at DSN and the researcher behind the report.

“Furthermore, a high intake of whole-grain oats and whole-grain rye – which we particularly get from rye bread – is also connected to better insulin sensitivity in children. It could better provide better long-term protection against diabetes.”

READ MORE: Danish researchers make mustard a viable oil crop

Start ’em young
The research project involved 713 children aged 8-11 across nine schools in Zealand and Lolland-Falster registering their diets, taking blood tests, having their heights and weights measured, having their body structure scanned in a body scanner and having their physical activity measured over seven days.

To ensure that the research showed the impact of whole-grain intake – and not just a result of children coming from a healthy home – the researchers took into consideration the parents’ education levels, how active the kids are and how much fruit, fish and vegetables the eat.

The Danish food authorities, Fødevarestyrelsen, recommends that children aged 4-10 eat 40-60 grams of whole-grains per day – the equivalent of about two decilitres of oat meal or 3-4 slices of rye bread.

Danish children aged 4-14 eat about 58 grams of whole-grain every day on average, compared to the UK and the US where kids consume just 12 grams daily.

“We know that children who have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and are overweight also have a higher risk of having the same problems as adults,” said Damsgaard.

“It is important to start healthy habits during childhood – and it’s completely normal things like rye bread and oat meal we are talking about here, and which many children in Denmark fortunately find very tasty.”

The report has been published in the scientific journal, Journal of Nutrition (here in English).

TOP STORIES

  • In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    In conversation with Conrad Molden: The man behind the mic

    He’s tickled our funny bone with countless wisecracks and clever wordplay, and in the process, made Denmark feel a little more personable to many expats. An international import himself, funny man Conrad Molden has successfully carved out a niche for himself on the Danish stand-up scene, but it’s taken a solid 13 years, much trial and error, and heaps of Danglish

  • Here Comes The Sun…

    Here Comes The Sun…

    I escaped from Denmark this winter to the south of France, where I was convinced that the sunshine would inspire me to write this year’s Crazy Christmas comedy show.

  • Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rimes with integrating

    Volunteer Night 2025: when volunteering rimes with integrating

    On Wednesday, April 30, from 17:00 to 20:00, Studenterhuset will host Volunteer Night 2025, a free event organized by the organization International House Copenhagen, which goal is to ease the relocation process for newcomers in Denmark

  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

Connect club

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.

Sign up here

Career

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Contact us

Jobs