The Contribution of Preschool Meals to the Diet of Finnish Preschoolers.

Henna Vepsäläinen,Liisa Korkalo,Kaija Nissinen,Maijaliisa Erkkola,Nina Sajaniemi,Leena Koivusilta,Eva Roos,Riikka Kaukonen,Essi Skaffari,Reetta Lehto

doi:10.3390/nu11071531

Abstract

Preschool meals may influence the formation of children’s dietary habits and health. We assessed the contribution of preschool meals to the diet of Finnish children. We used food record data from the cross-sectional DAGIS survey and selected recording days which included all three meals (breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack) at preschool. We analyzed the diet of three- to four-year-olds (n = 324) and five- to six-year-olds (n = 233). Preschool meals accounted for 54% of the weekday’s energy intake in both age groups, and provided ≥60% of total fiber, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and vitamins D and E. More than 60% of fish dishes but only one third of total daily fresh fruit were consumed at preschool. The mean (SD) percentages of energy from protein and fat at preschool were 17% (3%) and 30% (7%) in the younger and 17% (3%) and 31% (6%) in the older age group, respectively. The mean proportions of energy from added sugar at preschool were below 5% in both age groups. On average, salt intake exceeded recommendations and 60% of salt came from preschool food. Tackling high salt intake should be a future goal of guidance for early childhood education and care food services.

Highlights

Food behaviors are learnt during childhood and track into adulthood [1,2]
Tackling high salt intake should be a future goal of guidance for early childhood education and care food services
Studies reporting the food consumption and/or nutrient intake of the same children both at home and in early childhood education and care (ECEC) are limited [5,6,7,8,9] and only a few have been conducted in Europe [6,8]

Summary

Introduction

Dietary habits influence health over the long term [3,4] and for this reason, ensuring health-promoting food habits both at home and in early childhood education and care (ECEC) is of vital importance. Studies reporting the food consumption and/or nutrient intake of the same children both at home and in ECEC are limited [5,6,7,8,9] and only a few have been conducted in Europe [6,8]. Studies conducted in the USA have reported that lunches at ECEC are, regarding some micronutrients, more nutrient-dense than lunches at home or away [11] or dinners at home [9].

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Conclusion