Exploring the Role of Dairy Consumption on the Growth and Development of Canadian Children: A Longitudinal Mixed-Method Research Protocol (Preprint)

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BACKGROUND Childhood represents a critical period for physical and cognitive development, with nutrition playing a fundamental role. Dairy products, rich in calcium, vitamin D, and high-quality protein, are essential for bone health, metabolic function, and cognitive performance. However, evidence on the long-term impact of dairy consumption on children’s growth and development, particularly in the Canadian context, is limited. Additionally, recent updates to the national dietary guidelines that place dairy in the protein category rather than a stand-alone food group may influence caregiver perceptions and children's dairy intake. OBJECTIVE This protocol describes a study designed to examine the longitudinal relationship between dairy consumption and key indicators of growth, bone health, and cognitive development in Canadian children aged 5 to 11 years. The secondary objective is to assess caregivers’ and children’s knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceived facilitators and barriers to dairy consumption. METHODS A longitudinal convergent parallel mixed-methods study is being conducted with four data collection points over 2.5 years. Quantitative data include dietary intake, anthropometrics, body composition, bone density and microarchitecture, subjective and objective measures of physical activity, cognitive assessments, and a salivary biomarker. Qualitative data are being collected via caregiver interviews and child surveys. Mixed-effects models will be applied to assess longitudinal associations, and thematic analysis will be used to analyze qualitative data. Findings will be integrated to formulate overall conclusions. RESULTS Ethics approval was obtained from the University of Saskatchewan Research Ethics Board (Bio-3339) in 2022. Recruitment began in September 2022 and concluded in February 2025. A convenience sample of 166 volunteer children from Saskatoon was recruited, with efforts made to achieve demographic diversity. Data collection is ongoing and expected to finish by August 2027. Data analysis is underway, with preliminary findings expected to be published in 2026. CONCLUSIONS This protocol outlines a comprehensive study that aims to generate context-specific evidence on the role of dairy in child development, with implications for developing responsive dietary guidance and public health policy in Canada.

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