State of actual nutrition for children of school age

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status of school-age children living in monotown.Material and methods. A computer test was used to assess nutrition, namely, the program of the analysis of the frequency of food consumption «Human nutrition analysis» differentiated by classes of education for schoolchildren aged 7-10 years (junior classes), 11-13 years (middle link of education) and 15-16 years (high school). The total sample size amounted to 612 schoolchildren. The comparative analysis of qualitative and quantitative indices of the composition of the diet was carried out based on existing regulations.Results. In all age groups of schoolchildren, an imbalance in the intake of macro- and micronutrients with diets was revealed, which was due to the imbalance of the food set. In the daily diet of children of 7-16 years, there was a fairly adequate caloric value, however, they were deficient in total protein (89.0-96.4%) and excessive in fat (100.4-124.3%) and carbohydrates (105.3-118.5% of physiological norms). The protein content of animal origin in the daily diets of all schoolchildren was below the norms of physiological needs and accounted for 88.0%, 85.4%, 90.7%, respectively. Diets were scarce in their content of meat and meat products (68.1-73.2% from the recommended level of consumption), fish and seafood (32.9-47.5%), eggs (62.3-82.4%), milk and dairy products (48.5%-72.1% per day), bakery products (79.4-93.6%), potatoes (62.9-71.0%). Actual food consumption and the intake of nutrients are influenced by the age of the schoolchild (the determination coefficient of 0.53).Conclusion. The development of programs to optimize the nutrition of schoolchildren should be carried out in the light of previously identified violations corresponding to the regional nature.