There is limited evidence that what children eat for breakfast contributes to their mental health. This study aimed to examine the associations between food categories for breakfast and mental health among children in Japan. A proportion of participants aged 9-10 years in the Adachi Child Health Impact of Living Difficulty (A-CHILD) study in Japan who consumed breakfast daily were included (n = 281). Foods eaten for breakfast were reported by the children each morning for 7 consecutive days, and defined according to the food categories in the Japanese Food Guide Spinning Top. Child mental health was assessed by caregivers using the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. The mean intake frequencies per week were six times for grain dishes, two times for milk products, and one time for fruits. Linear regression analysis revealed an inverse association between the frequent intake of grain dishes, whether rice or bread, and problem behaviors after adjustment for potential confounders. However, confectionaries, which mainly consisted of sweet breads or pastries, were not associated with problem behaviors. The intake of non-sweet grain dishes at breakfast may be effective for preventing behavioral problems in children.
Keywords: behavioral problems; bread; breakfast; children; mental health; rice.