Evaluation of the Nutritional Status in Children 1‐3 Years Old in the Day Care Center: “Estancia los Patitos”

Abstract

Introduction The World Health Organization has come to consider obesity as “the epidemic of the 21st century”1, Mexico occupies first place worldwide in child obesity2 and second place3 in adult obesity; therefore, it is necessary to evaluate infants from an early age in order to control and prevent this epidemic. Objective To evaluate the nutritional condition of the infants (1-3 years old) in the day care center “Estancia los Patitos” (Puebla city, Mexico). Methodology The anthropometric measurements (weight, height) were obtained using the Benesta digital pediatric scale (model ZJE-EBSH) and pediatric stadiometer (model seca 207). The Z-score for height/age (h/a), weight/height (w/h), weight/age (w/a) also was calculated. Food intake and total energy expenditure (TEE) were obtained using the 24-hour dietary recall method (24hDR) and the Nutre.in software. Results The study was conducted from March 2018 to July 2018. The sample was: 4 girls and 7 boys. The mean age, weight and height were for girls 1 year 7 months, 10.978 kg, 82.6 cm respectively; and boys 2 years, 12,931 kg, 88.4 cm respectively. W/a and h/a were included in normal weight; only for w/h, there was overweight (9%) and risk of overweight (9%). The mean of kilocalories and macronutrients were: TEE 1,603 kcal; proteins 56.2 g/day, 240 kcal; lipids 45.1 g/day, 401 kcal and carbohydrates 272.2 g/day, 962 kcal. Mean water consumption was 1,381 L/day. The percentage consumption of food supplements was 9%, coffee 45% and energy drinks 22%. Conclusion Total energy expenditure and distribution of macronutrients in this study were inadequate, as they differ from the standard recommendations of the ‘Norma Técnica de Desarrollo Infantil Integral’(carbohydrates 134-139 g/day, lipids 56-58 g/day, proteins 33-35 g/day and TEE of 892-924 kcal)4. In addition, consumption of coffee and energy drinks at an early age is not recommended, as it can cause several alterations: serotonergic syndromes, iron absorption deficiencies and weight loss5. More studies must be conducted in the country focused on nutritional evaluation in preschools for the prevention of overweight and obesity.