Anthropometric status and diet of 4 to 5 year old low income children

Abstract

As part of the longitudinal, multidisciplinary prevention project, Better Beginnings, Better Futures, we assessed the dietary and anthropometric status of 4 and 5 year old children (n = 325) in four economically disadvantaged urban communities in Ontario. Anthropometric measurements included height, weight, triceps skinfolds, mid-arm circumference and indices of body composition. Information on demographic characteristics was collected through a parent interview. We obtained a 24 hour dietary recall for each child from the respondent parent and, where appropriate, any caregivers. Height-for-age was similar to the NCHS distribution. The proportion with weight-for-height Z scores >1.645 exceeded NCHS reference data for both boys (x 2 = 25.2, p<.001) and girls (x 2 = 21.5, p<.001). One-fifth of the children were above the 90th percentile for weight-for-height and upper arm fat area. Median nutrient intakes met or exceeded Canadian Recommended Nutrient Intakes (RNI); however, median energy intake was well below the RNI. Energy and macronutrient intakes were similar across Z score categories of weight-for-height, upper arm muscle area, and upper arm fat area. This is the first population-based study on the nutritional health of Canadian children in over 20 years. High values for weight-for-height and upper arm fat area, despite low energy intakes, suggest that programs to improve levels of physical activity should be part of nutrition strategies for low income neighbourhoods.