Analysis of food and energy value of the menu of some municipal pre-school educational institutions of the Kaliningrad Region

Abstract

We investigated the nutrition of children aged 4-7 years based on a 10-day menu of three full-time kindergarten in Kaliningrad. The actual consumption of meals by the weight method of 9 groups of children (an average of 30 people) was also determined. The content of nutrients was assessed for compliance with the physiological requirements. By assessing the array of data on the nutritional value of the diet presented, the main marker indicators of diet compliance with physiological needs were determined, such as animal protein content, PUFA level, the ratio of mineral substances: sodium and potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. The protein content in the diet exceeded the physiological need by 10-14%, while the plant protein prevailed. There was a slight deficit of polyunsaturated fatty acids due to inadequate consumption of fish; carbohydrate intake was within normal limits. The sodium content in the rations significantly exceeded norm (on average, 1800 mg per day), due to the frequent inclusion of dishes with components with high salinity and hidden salt. Despite the inclusion of cottage cheese in the ration, the average calcium content was 18% lower than the recommended level. Vitamin A consumption was about 50% of the physiological norm. It was established, in general, that the studied menu were brought into compliance with the physiological norms. It is recommended to provide a variety of menus by introducing animal protein into the rations through the use of fermented dairy products and fish dishes. It is recommended to use local species of aquatic biological resources in order to reduce the price load in the formation of the menu. Suggestions for improving the menu allowing to significantly reduce sodium consumption by changing the formulations of some salads except for the use of salted and pickled vegetables are justified.