Abstract
BackgroundObesity is increasing in Bahrain and there is lack of information on the energy and macronutrient intake of children. The objective of this research was to study the energy and macronutrient intake as well as food frequency pattern of Bahraini school children.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted on Bahraini school boys and girls aged 6-18 years from all the 11 populated regions of the country. Data on food intake consisted of a 24-hour dietary recall and was obtained by interviewing a sub-sample of the study population. Information was also obtained through a self-administered questionnaire for the entire sample on the weekly frequency of food items that were grouped into 7 categories based on similarity of nutrient profiles. Dietary analysis was performed using the Nutritionist 5 (First Data Bank Version 1.6 1998).ResultsWhile the average energy intake of students was close to the Estimated Average Requirements of the UK Reference standards, protein intake substantially exceeded the Reference Nutrient Intake values as did daily sugar consumption. Dietary fiber fell short of the Dietary Recommended Values (UK) and 36%-50% students exceeded the Energy % limits for total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol. The Polyunsaturated: Saturated fat ratio remained at an unacceptable level of 0.6 for girls and boys. While sweets, snacks and regular soda drinks were popular, milk, fruits and vegetables were not commonly consumed.ConclusionsHigh sugar consumption, low intake of dietary fiber and high energy % of saturated fat and dietary cholesterol by many Bahraini children, is likely to increase their risk of obesity and cardiovascular diseases in later life. Nutrition education programs in schools should emphasize the importance of healthy balanced diets for growth and health maintenance of children as well as dietary prevention of diseases.
Highlights
Obesity is increasing in Bahrain and there is lack of information on the energy and macronutrient intake of children
The current study addresses the intake of energy and macronutrients as well as food frequency in Bahraini school children; a subsequent publication will focus on intake of micronutrients
Energy and Macronutrient Intake Overall, the mean energy intake of Bahraini students ranged between 82.5% and 103% of the recommended Estimated Average Requirements (EARs) for different age groups and gender
Summary
Obesity is increasing in Bahrain and there is lack of information on the energy and macronutrient intake of children. The objective of this research was to study the energy and macronutrient intake as well as food frequency pattern of Bahraini school children. Increasing evidence suggests that diet and lifestyle in childhood and adolescence have a potential lifelong effect for risks of many chronic diseases such as obesity, coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and certain types of cancer [1,2,3,4,5,6]. The dietary habits of school children and adolescents are characterized by low intake of fresh fruits, vegetables and milk and a high intake of carbonated beverages and empty calorie foods [15]. Musaiger and Gregory reported that Bahraini teenagers are a group most susceptible to unsound food habits which places them at risk of an adverse nutritional status [16]
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