Dietary Habits in School Children (9-12 Years Old) with Normal Nutritional Status an a Mediterranean Area

Abstract

Objectives: To achieve a descriptive study of dietary habits in a group of students of primary education (9-12 years old) with normal nutritional status. Material and methods: A nutrition survey was carried out (food intake registration of two consecutive school days) in a selected group of 353 schoolchildren (188 males and 165 females) with normal nutritional status (body mass index should range between +1 and -1 standard deviations). Results: The average age of the surveyed students was 10.5 years (CI 95%: 10.3-11.7). There were no significant differences between both sexes in mean values for weight, height, BMI and calorie intake (males: 2072.7 ± 261.7 and females: 2060.9 ± 250.6). Cereals (34%) dairy products (19%) and meats (17%) were responsible of approximately 70% of total calorie intake. Protein accounted for 20.3% of energy intake, carbohydrates for 48.8%, total fat for 30.9%, and saturated fat for 12.6%. Cholesterol intake was excessive and over two-thirds of protein intake was from animal sources. In both sexes, the mean intakes of calcium, iodine and vitamins A, D and E were below recommended levels. Conclusions: The dietary patterns of the schoolchildren with normal nutritional status differed from the Mediterranean diet. Intakes of meat and sugar were too high and dairy products and cereals consumption was relatively limited, while that of vegetables, legumes, fruits and fish were insufficient, leading to excessive protein and fat intake from animal sources and insufficient mineral (calcium and iodine) and vitamins A, D and E intake.