Analysis of nutrition of children attending preschool institutions of various forms of ownership

Abstract

Introduction. An important role in the protection of children’s health is played by educational institutions with proper nutrition. In this regard, the study of nutrition in preschool institutions with different ownership forms is relevant. Materials and methods. A comparative analysis of the qualitative and quantitative indices of the diet composition in children was carried out on the base of the current regulatory and methodological documents. Nutrition was assessed according to two-week implemented menus in 9 preschool institutions of various ownership forms. The study involved 33 infants aged 2 to 3 years. Results. The nutritional and energy value of infants’ diets covered the norms of physiological needs, however, there was an imbalance in the intake of both macro- and micronutrients. In private kindergartens, the imbalance of nutrient intake with food was more pronounced, had a carbohydrate-fat orientation, and a deficiency in the protein component was revealed. In the diets of all babies, dietary fiber was not enough, the deficit ranged from 27% to 39% of the norm. The structure of the grocery set in all institutions was irrational. Recommended consumption rate (from 94 to 104% of the norm) infans received with the main food (poultry, milk and fermented milk products, cottage cheese, sour cream). There was a deficit in the grocery set for all infants of rye bread (10-47% of the norm), meat (13-15%), fish (14-24%), hard cheese (15-45%), eggs (by an average of 42.1%), vegetable oils (14-24%); excess consumption of pasta (by an average of 17.9% of the recommended consumption rate), confectionery (from 16% to 167%). The presence in the menu of private preschool institutions of products not recommended for infants in organized groups (sausages) was noted. Limitations. This investigation is limited to a selection of children of primary preschool age attending preschool organizations of various ownership forms. Conclusion. The lack of proper control over the management of nutrition in private preschool institutions leads to more significant violations in its institution, requires the development of recommendations for correcting the nutrition of infants.