Trends in the mediterranean diet in children from south-east Spain

Abstract

In order to determine the alimentary habits of a sample group of schoolchildren for later comparison with the model Mediterranean diet, 167 children aged 6–9 from the region of Murcia, a typically Mediterranean area located in the south-east of Spain, were collected cross-sectionally, using the stratified random sampling technique. Children were interviewed on their recall of food intake over the previous 24 hours. Data were expressed in “Spanish portions” from the six food groups considered essential for a qualitative balanced diet. Our results indicate that the number of portions in the Fruits and Vegetables groups was less than that recommended ( P < 0.001), while in the Milk, Meats and Cereals groups the intake was adequate. 13,7% of the total cereal intake was from industrial bakery products. In the Fats group, the number of portions was higher than that recommended. The intake of pulses, traditionally considered one of the bases of the Spanish Mediterranean diet was below the recommended level, and was even less than that in other, non-Mediterranean, regions of Spain. the consumption of fish by Murcian children was less than one third of that of meat. In conclusion, the diet of the Murcian schoolchild population differs increasingly from the Mediterranean ideal. It is important to persuade the people responsible for these dietary changes to follow traditional alimentary habits as closely as possible, while allowing for adaptation to modern times.