An Examination of the Dietary Intakes of Preschool Children in Military Families

Abstract

LEARNING OUTCOME: To determine nutrient intakes of 3-5 year old children in military families A large body of evidence has established that there is a relationship between dietary patterns and risk for chronic disease. The dietary intake of young children sets the stage for life-long habits. The purpose of this study was to estimate nutrient intakes of a subset of preschool children in military families. Results were compared to the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) and to the USDA 1994 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes of Individuals (CSFII). Twenty-four hour recalls were collected at two Air Force installations, one in Japan and one in the state of Washington. Recalls were collected by using the Multiple Pass Approach developed by the USDA. Data collection forms were modified for this sample. The nutrient content of all foods was determined by the Food Intake Analysis System (FIAS). The mean intakes of the children exceeded 66 2/3% of the RDA. The mean intakes of military children were significantly higher than the USDA 1994 CSFII for the following nutrients: energy, protein, vitamin A(RE), calcium phosphorous, iron, and potassium at the p <.05 level; thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin C, magnesium, copper and sodium at the p <.01 level; and carbohydrate, dietary fiber, vitamin B6 and folate at the p <.001 level. Overall the results from this sample of military children was very positive. Nutrition education which is targeted to the families of these children and their civilian counterparts will enhance the positive dietary patterns so that they will truly become life-long habits