Current state of schoolchildren's nutrition in the context of urbanization: a literature review

Aim. To analyze current scientific publications addressing the impact of urbanization-related factors on the dietary patterns and eating behaviors of school-aged children, in order to identify key nutritional risks, regional disparities, and justify directions for future interdisciplinary research aimed at optimizing child nutrition in urban environments. Materials and Methods. A systematic review of scientific literature published between 2020 and 2025 was conducted using databases of peer-reviewed publications, including eLIBRARY.ru, CyberLeninka, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science. Search terms and their combinations included: «school-aged children», «eating behavior», «dietary habits», «sugar-sweetened beverages», «nutrition hygiene», «urban environment», «urbanization», «ultraprocessed foods», «fast food», and «nutritional assessment». The search was limited to sources from peer-reviewed journals, including those officially recommended by national scientific accreditation bodies, as well as internationally indexed journals. Results. The review revealed that urbanization exerts a multifaceted and predominantly adverse influence on children's eating behavior. There is a consistent trend toward reduced intake of fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and dairy products, accompanied by increased consumption of fast food, sugar-sweetened beverages, and ultra-processed foods. Numerous studies highlight widespread micronutrient deficiencies among children living in urban settings, which negatively affect their health status. A significant association was established between a family’s socioeconomic status and the quality of children’s diets. Conclusion. The findings underscore the relevance of a comprehensive hygienic assessment of schoolchildren’s nutrition in urban settings. Educational institutions and the broader social environment can serve as key platforms for implementing preventive and educational interventions aimed at promoting sustainable healthy eating habits among children.

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