Abstract
Background. The desirable fat intake in childhood is controversial. Potential modifications need to consider current dietary intakes in childhood populations. We report data on dietary fat intakes in infants and children in Germany. Infants. A prospective study monitored 148 healthy infants from birth to 1 year of life. Calculated energy and nutrient intakes were within recommended ranges, and weight gain was normal. Therefore, we see no reason for active modification of total fat intakes in infants. School children. In a cross-sectional study, we monitored the food intake of 158 primary school children aged 6 to 11 years by using 7 day check-list-protocols. We found a very high total fat consumption of 41% of energy intakes, of which about 50% were contributed by saturated fats. Since German children of this age group have high rates of obesity and high serum cholesterol concentrations, we consider a stepwise reduction of total fat and saturated fat intake in primary school children highly desirable.
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