Energy intake from snacks by children in public primary schools in 11 States in Mexico

Abstract

IntroductionChildren attending public primary schools (PPS) in Mexico spend 4‐6 h at school every day. Some schools offer breakfast but none of them offer lunch.ObjectiveTo evaluate the caloric content of foods and beverages consumed as a snack by children in PPS in Mexico, excluding breakfast.MethodsThe caloric intake from snacks of 309 children in 44 PPS in 11 States in the North, Center and South regions was assessed. Energy content of foods was estimated based on weight and preparation methods. Mean energy intakes were computed and adjusted for sex, age and BMI using linear regression modelsResultsThe average energy intake of children from snacks while at schools was 463 Kcal or 24% of the energy daily recommendations (EDR) for children. Children in the Center region had the highest energy intake (495 Kcal) (p<0.05) compared to the North (396 Kcal) and South (376 Kcal) regions. It was found that 26.9% of children brought foods from home (BFH), 42.5% purchased the foods at scchool (PFE) and the remaining 30.5% did both (MIX). The energy content of the FBH (130 Kcal) was lower (p<0.05) than FPE (249.7 Kcal) and MIX (281 Kcal).ConclusionThe energy contribution of snacks consumed at school is higher that the recommended intake of 15%‐20% of snacks at school. On average, FBH usually have a lower caloric content. These findings call for regulation of the foods and beverages sold in PPS in Mexico.