Egg and breakfast consumption are associated with some measures of muscular endurance, whereas sugary beverage consumption shows associations with several fitness indicators, particularly among girls, in children aged 10-12 years in Ningxia, China.
This repeated cross-sectional study of 3,970 children aged 10-12 in Ningxia, China, found that from 2019 to 2024, both boys and girls improved in lung capacity, muscular endurance, and speed-agility, alongside increases in BMI. Adjusted analyses showed modest associations between dietary behaviors and specific fitness outcomes: egg and breakfast consumption were linked to some muscular endurance measures, while sugary beverage consumption was associated with several fitness indicators, especially in girls.
This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.
Egg and breakfast consumption are associated with some measures of muscular endurance, whereas sugary beverage consumption shows associations with several fitness indicators, particularly among girls, in children aged 10-12 years in Ningxia, China. The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 34/100 (low).
The Claim
Egg and breakfast consumption are associated with some measures of muscular endurance, whereas sugary beverage consumption shows associations with several fitness indicators, particularly among girls, in children aged 10-12 years in Ningxia, China.
This conclusion is most relevant to: Children aged 10-12 years in Ningxia, China (1,960 boys and 2,010 girls)..
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Trends and Associations of Physical Fitness and Dietary Behaviors Among Children Aged 10-12 Years in Ningxia Between 2019 and 2024. (Nutrients, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Dietary behaviors such as breakfast and egg consumption may provide essential nutrients (e.g., protein, vitamins) that support muscle function and energy metabolism.
- ▸Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption may negatively impact fitness through increased caloric intake, inflammation, or metabolic disturbances.
- ▸These dietary factors may influence body composition and physical performance during late childhood.
- ▸Result: Modest associations observed between specific dietary behaviors and fitness outcomes, with sex-specific patterns.
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Children aged 10-12 years in Ningxia, China (1,960 boys and 2,010 girls).
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Cross-sectional design limits causal inference.
- ▸Dietary behaviors were self-reported via questionnaires, which may introduce recall bias.
- ▸Only two time points (2019 and 2024) were analyzed, limiting trend analysis.
- ▸Potential residual confounding from unmeasured variables despite adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What dietary behaviors were associated with physical fitness in this study?▼
Egg and breakfast consumption were associated with some measures of muscular endurance, while sugar-sweetened beverage consumption was associated with several fitness indicators, particularly among girls.
Did physical fitness improve over time in children from Ningxia?▼
Yes, from 2019 to 2024, both boys and girls showed improvements in lung capacity, muscular endurance, and speed-agility performance, alongside increases in BMI.
What was the sample size and design of this study?▼
The study included 3,970 children aged 10-12 years (1,960 boys and 2,010 girls) using repeated cross-sectional data from the National Student Physical Fitness and Health Survey.
What are the implications of these findings for school-based interventions?▼
The findings suggest that integrated school-based strategies combining physical activity promotion, healthy dietary behaviors, and weight monitoring may support healthy development in this population.
References
- 1.Liu J, Zhang X. “Trends and Associations of Physical Fitness and Dietary Behaviors Among Children Aged 10-12 Years in Ningxia Between 2019 and 2024..” Nutrients, 2026. PMID: 42588133 DOI: 10.3390/nu18152510