Differences in energy and nutrient‐intake among Greek children between 1992/93 and 2006/07

Abstract

There is lack of data in Greece on the trends in energy and nutrient intake. The present study aimed to examine differences in these parameters among first-grade children of Crete, Greece, between 1992/93 and 2006/07. Children (aged 5.7-7.6years) from two-representative cross-sectional samples participated during 1992/93 (n=245) and 2006/07 (n=257). Nutrient and food intakes were assessed using estimated 3-day-food records. Nutrient intakes were estimated as amounts per 4185 kJ (1000kcal) of energy intake (EI), whereas macronutrients were estimated as percentage of total EI. Between 1992/93 and 2006/07, respectively, significant increases (P<0.05) were observed in the intake of energy (boys: 7996 versus 8646kJ; girls: 7265 versus 7963kJ), calcium (boys: 488 versus 587mg; girls: 464 versus 594mg), iron (boys: 5.8 versus 7.3mg; girls: 5.7 versus 7.4mg) and vitamins B2 (boys: 1.01 versus 1.17mg; girls: 1.0 versus 1.16mg) and B6 (boys: 0.80 versus 0.87mg; girls: 0.75 versus 0.95mg), for boys and girls, respectively. Among boys, the intake of protein (13.6 versus 14.6% of EI) and total trans fatty acids (TTFA) (0.84 versus 0.99g) was also significantly lower in 1992/93 (P<0.016). Between 1992/93 and 2006/07, total fat (boys: 42.9% versus 42.8%, girls: 42% versus 43.1%) and saturated fat (boys: 15.5% versus 15.4%, girls: 15% versus 15.3%) exceeded the 30-35% and <10% dietary recommendations, respectively, A significantly higher proportion of children in 2006/07, compared to 1992/93, had a higher intake of total energy (>120% of the recommended energy allowance). The intake of several macronutrients (protein, TTFA, total and saturated fat) in this sample of children did not meet the recommended intakes in either time period.