Background: Children’s rapid growth requires adequate nutrient intake, with breakfast, especially when incorporating dairy, playing an important role. This study examined associations between dairy consumption at breakfast and energy and nutrient intake among children in Southeast Asia. Methods: Utilizing the cross-sectional South East Asian Nutrition Surveys II dataset, using a 24 h dietary recall and questionnaires distributed among 10,286 children aged 2 to 12 years from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, we investigated the impact of dairy consumption at breakfast on nutrient intake and examined associations between breakfast consumption and the prevalence of stunting and overweight/obesity among 10,135 children. Results: Although most of the children consumed breakfast, only 37%, 27%, 16%, and 18% in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, respectively, included dairy in this meal, with younger children being significantly more likely to consume dairy at breakfast (p < 0.001). Dairy consumers had significantly higher intakes of vitamins A, B₁₂, and D and calcium both at breakfast and throughout the day (p < 0.001). Breakfast skippers had a 29% increased risk of being overweight/obese. Conclusions: Dairy consumption at breakfast was associated with enhanced nutrient intake and overall diet quality among Southeast Asian children. The association between breakfast habits and anthropometric outcomes highlights the need to address nutritional deficiencies and promote healthy growth and development.

Background: Malnutrition among Southeast Asian children remains an issue. Previous studies have linked higher dairy consumption to improved nutrient intake. This study examines the impact of dairy consumption on food, energy, and nutrient intakes among 2- to 12-year-old Southeast Asian children. Methods: We analyzed data from the cross-sectional South East Asian Nutrition Surveys (SEANUTS) II, involving 10,299 children aged 2 to 12 years from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Dietary intake was assessed using 24 h dietary recall. Results: Daily dairy consumption was generally low among children aged 2–12 years in Southeast Asia. The proportion meeting daily dairy recommendations was 24% in Indonesia, 17% in Malaysia, 23% in Thailand, and 8% in Vietnam. In younger children aged 2–3 years, this proportion was higher (20–55%), whereas in older children aged 7–12 years, it was lower (2.7–9.6%). In addition, high dairy intake was associated with lower consumption of extra foods, higher overall nutrient intake, and higher proportions of children meeting estimated energy requirements and recommended intakes for vitamins A, B₂, B₁₂, D, and calcium. Conclusions: Dairy consumption was associated with lower consumption of extra foods, and it enhanced nutrient intake among Southeast Asian children, indicating a beneficial impact on their diet.

Background/Objectives: Choline is an essential nutrient, and deficiency is associated with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Research shows that Western populations have inadequate choline intake; however, the intake in Asian populations is less studied. This study developed a choline database for Thai food and evaluated intake in the Thai population. Methods: Following guidelines of the Food and Agriculture Organization/the International Network of Food Data Systems, 1806 Thai food items were matched to the U.S. choline database, and the missForest imputation method was used to impute missing data. Choline intake was assessed in Thai adults aged 18 years and older using a nationally representative sample of the Thai Food Consumption Survey (n = 3593). Results: Animal-based foods such as eggs, meat, and fish contained more choline than plant-based foods. Median choline intake was 134.7 mg/day (IQR: 70.6, 229.3), with 3.6% of Thai individuals meeting adequate intake levels. Men consumed more choline than women (median 153 vs. 120 mg/day; p < 0.001). Choline intake declined with age but did not differ by body mass index. Conclusions: This study created a choline database for Thai food and shows that most Thais have intake below the recommended intake levels.