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Results for “nutrient adequacy”

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At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

PubMed2005

Efficacy of a community-based dietary intervention to enhance micronutrient adequacy of high-phytate maize-based diets of rural Malawian children.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a community-based dietary intervention to reduce risk of micronutrient inadequacies in high-phytate maize-based Malawian diets. DESIGN: Quasi-experimental post-test design with a non-equivalent control group. SETTING: Four villages in Mangochi District, Southern Malawi. PARTICIPANTS: Households with children aged 3-7 years in two intervention (n = 200) and two control (n = 81) villages participated in a 6-month intervention employing dietary diversification, changes in food selection patterns, and modifications to food processing to reduce the phytate content of maize-based diets. Baseline comparability between the groups was confirmed via assessment of sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometry, knowledge and practices, morbidity, haemoglobin and hair zinc. After 12 months, knowledge and practices and dietary intakes were assessed by interactive 24-hour recalls, one during the food plenty and a second during the food shortage season. Nutrient adequacy for the two groups was compared via dietary quality indicators and predicted prevalence of inadequate intakes using the probability approach. RESULTS: Intervention children had diets that were significantly more diverse and of a higher quality than those of controls. Median daily intakes of protein, calcium, zinc (total and available), haem iron, vitamin B12 and animal foods (grams; % of total energy) were higher (P < 0.05) whereas phytate intakes, phytate/zinc and phytate/iron molar ratios were lower (P < 0.01) in the intervention group; some spread of knowledge and practices to controls occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Our community-based dietary strategies reduced the predicted prevalence of inadequate intakes of protein, calcium, zinc and vitamin B12, but not iron, in children from Malawian households with very limited resources.

Child↗

PubMed2001

Vitamin and mineral intakes in European children. Is food fortification needed?

OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of vitamin and mineral intakes among children and adolescents in European countries and to present results from studies showing the impact of food fortification. DESIGN: Comparative analysis of a number of nutritional studies among children and adolescents performed during the last decade in certain European countries. SETTING: Spain, France, UK, North Ireland, Portugal, Germany. SUBJECTS: Europeans aged 6 to 18. RESULTS: Dietary surveys across Europe showed that varying levels of nutrient adequacy existed from one country to another, and that even within the same country, there were important nutritional gaps between different regions. In general, studies are difficult to compare, and information for many countries was missing. The results suggest that children and adolescents are the population group most likely to have higher risk of nutritional deficiencies, particularly for iron, vitamins C, E, B(6) and folates. In France, Ireland, UK and Spain, food fortification, and particularly of breakfast cereals, has positively contributed to increasing vitamin and mineral intakes in childhood and adolescence. CONCLUSIONS: Information on vitamin and mineral intakes in European children is less available than in adults. Fortified foods may contribute to reducing nutrient inadequacy in European children and adolescents, but should not replace nutrition education.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Fat content of the diet among preschool children in southwest Britain: II. relationship with growth, blood lipids, and iron status.

OBJECTIVE: In most countries, it is recommended that adults restrict fat intake to 30% to 35% of energy to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and certain cancers. However, the appropriate level of fat in the diet of children is hotly debated. It has been generally accepted that fat intake by children under 2 years of age should not be limited because of fears that nutrient intakes and thus growth and iron status might be compromised. However, there is very little longitudinal information on the relationship between fat intake and growth in representative populations of free-living children under 2 years old. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between fat intake as a percentage of energy, and nutrient adequacy, growth, blood lipids, and iron status in 18- and 43-month-old children. DESIGN: This study forms part of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC)-a geographically-based cohort study in southwest England. A randomly selected subsample of the ALSPAC cohort attended research clinics approximately every 6 months from birth, at which a variety of anthropometric and other measurements were made. Dietary intakes at 18 and 43 months were assessed using a 3-day unweighed food record. A capillary blood sample was taken at 18 months for measurement of hemoglobin and ferritin levels. Nonfasting venous blood samples were taken at 31 and 43 months and analyzed for total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The children were divided into quartiles of fat intake as a percentage of energy (QFI). QFI groups were compared for the number of children reaching recommended nutrient intakes, and for anthropometry, measures of iron status, and blood lipid levels. PARTICIPANTS: Nine hundred fifty-one children at 18 months and 805 children at 43 months. RESULTS: The mean (standard deviation) percentages of energy from fat in each quartile at 18 months were 31.2 (2.8), 36.1 (0.9), 39.1 (0.8), and 43.1 (2.2), corresponding to a fat intake in grams of 37.3 (8.1), 44.3 (8.1), 50.4 (10.2), and 55.4 (12.7). The number of children failing to reach recommended intake levels for zinc and vitamin A fell with increasing fat intake, while the number of children consuming less than the recommendations for iron and vitamin C rose at both ages. Despite this, there was no association between fat intake at 18 months and mean height or body mass index (BMI) at either 18 or 31 months. Fat intake at 43 months was also unassociated with concurrent or subsequent height or BMI. There was also no significant increase in the number of children falling below the tenth percentile for height or BMI as QFI fell. Mean ferritin levels at 18 months fell in both sexes as QFI increased. Total cholesterol levels at 31 months were significantly associated with QFI at 18 months, and rose from 3.99 mmol/l in the lowest QFI in boys, to 4.31 mmol/l in the highest QFI. QFI at 43 months was unassociated with cholesterol levels. CONCLUSIONS: These data do not suggest that fat intakes are an important determinant of growth in these children, even before the age of 2 years, or that children at the bottom of the range of fat intakes are experiencing delayed growth. On the other hand, there is also no evidence in this study that children on higher fat intakes are at a greater risk of becoming obese. In contrast to a number of US studies, we have not found children on lower fat intakes to have lower iron intakes-indeed higher fat intakes were associated with a greater chance of consuming less than the recommended intake of iron and with lower ferritin levels. The association of higher fat intakes with higher total cholesterol levels among boys is of concern, as there is evidence that the process of atherosclerosis begins during the preschool years.

Age Distribution↗

PubMed2003

Dietary pattern and usual nutrient intakes of Peruvian women during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To describe dietary intakes and nutrient adequacy during pregnancy in a sample of Peruvian women. DESIGN: Descriptive, observational prospective study, nested within a double-masked, controlled, zinc-supplementation trial during pregnancy. SETTING: Hospital Materno-Infantil 'Cesar Lopez Silva', in Villa El Salvador, an impoverished shantytown in Lima, Peru. SUBJECTS: A subsample of women enrolled in the larger trial. These women all had low-risk singleton pregnancies and were receiving prenatal care at the study hospital. A total of 168 24-h dietary recalls were collected at 10-24 weeks gestation and 120 recalls were collected at 28-30 weeks gestation. RESULTS: Median intakes of protein, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin C and phosphorus met the current US RDA for pregnancy, whereas intakes of thiamin, folate, vitamin A, calcium, iron and zinc were well below the recommendations at both time periods. Dietary intake of energy (mostly from carbohydrates) showed a significant increase from 10-24 to 28-30 weeks gestation, as did intakes of folate and vitamin A. The nutrients with the highest estimated prevalences of inadequacy at both points in pregnancy were iron (93%), zinc (88-80%), folate (87-74%) and calcium (86-82%). CONCLUSION: Usual dietary intakes were found to be relatively adequate in terms of their energy and protein contents. However, high prevalences of inadequate intakes were estimated, particularly for iron, zinc and calcium.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Developmental milestones and self-feeding behaviors in infants and toddlers.

OBJECTIVES: To identify ages at which gross motor developmental milestones and fine motor skills required for self-feeding were reported by primary caregivers and to relate these self-feeding skills to energy and nutrient intakes. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey of households with infants/toddlers, ages 4 to 24 months. SUBJECTS/SETTING: Telephone survey using a national random sample of infants and toddlers (n=3,022). METHODS: Primary caregivers reported their children's food intake (one 24-hour recall), the ages when caregivers reported self-feeding skills were shown, and the number of teeth. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Children's reported ages for gross motor developmental milestones, self-feeding skills, and the number of erupted teeth were summarized. Using t tests, differences in energy and nutrient intake were determined by age groupings and by the absence or presence of each self-feeding skill. RESULTS: Self-feeding skills achieved in the first 2 years and details about age ranges at which developmental readiness to self-feed were evidenced are described. The ages at which children were reported to show gross motor developmental milestones and eruption of teeth occurred within expected age ranges. A majority of the children who were reported to show developmental readiness to self-feed at an earlier age (7 to 14 months) had higher intakes of energy and most nutrients than those who did not. By 15 to 18 months, most of the children were reported to show comparable self-feeding skills regardless of whether they self-fed earlier or later. APPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS: Assuming a variety of nutritious foods are offered to infants and toddlers, caregivers may encourage self-feeding without concern for jeopardizing energy and nutrient adequacy. In the first year, the addition of foods that require chewing should reflect the number of erupted teeth.

Caregivers↗

PubMed2004

Dietary patterns and health outcomes.

A systematic review of the literature on dietary patterns (multiple dietary components operationalized as a single exposure) in relation to nutrient adequacy, lifestyle and demographic variables, and health outcome was conducted. Most of the published reports on the subject have used one of two methods to determine dietary patterns: (a) diet indexes or scores that assess compliance with prevailing dietary guidance as dietary patterns, and (b) data-driven methods that use factor or cluster analysis to derive dietary patterns. Irrespective of the approach used, patterns characterized by fruit/vegetable/whole grain/fish/poultry consumption generally have been reported to relate to micronutrient intake, and to selected biomarkers of dietary exposure and disease risk in the expected direction. Age, income, and education have been reported to be among positive predictors of the so-called more healthful dietary patterns. An inverse association of healthful dietary patterns with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease risk was reported in most studies. However, the magnitude of risk reduction was modest and was attenuated after control for confounders. Few published studies showed an association between risk of most incident cancers and dietary patterns. Both of the currently used approaches for extracting dietary patterns have limitations, are subject to dietary measurement errors, and have not generated new diet and disease hypotheses.

Biomarkers↗

PubMed1991

Trace element deficiencies in cattle.

Deficiency of cobalt, copper, iron, iodine, manganese, selenium, or zinc can cause a reduction in production. Reduced production occurs most commonly when a deficiency corresponds to the phases of growth, reproduction, or lactation. Because of environmental, nutrient, disease, genetic, and drug interactions, deficiencies of single or multiple elements can occur even when the levels recommended by the National Research Council for these nutrients are being fed. Additionally, random supplementation of trace elements above National Research Council recommendations is not justified because of the negative interaction among nutrients and potential toxicosis. Evaluation of trace element status can be difficult because many disease states will alter blood analytes used to evaluate nutrient adequacy. Proper dietary and animal evaluation, as well as response to supplementation, are necessary before diagnosing a trace element deficiency.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Dietary diversity, child nutrition and health in contemporary African communities.

Many infants in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) begin to receive cereal-based supplemental feeds well before the age (6 months) recommended for the introduction of 'safe and nutritionally adequate' complementary foods, or in rarer instances, do not receive these until the second year. The diets offered are monotonous and bulky, and rarely cover the shortfall left by breast milk in providing the energy and nutrients required to support rapid growth, build nutrient stores and assure resistance to infection. The pattern of growth and prevalence of malnutrition observed from birth through the first 5 years in SSA are suggestive of the nutrient inadequacies of the diet and the experience of infection. However, it is difficult to link poor growth and specific nutrient deficiencies in epidemiological studies because multiple nutrients are required for growth and deficiencies usually involve several nutrients. Moreover, accurate measurement of nutrient intakes is no small challenge. In this regard, qualitative and easier-to-measure characteristics of diet which are associated with nutrient adequacy could serve as alternative determinant factors in studies looking at causes of malnutrition. Dietary diversity is proposed as a candidate indicator of food security and predictor of nutritional status, but there is need for further research to standardize definitions and methodology before it can be applied widely.

Africa South of the Sahara↗

PubMed1997

Dietary strategies to improve the iron and zinc nutriture of young women following a vegetarian diet.

Dietary strategies to enhance the content and bioavailability of iron and zinc in vegetarian diets were compiled. Strategies included increasing promoters and decreasing antagonists of iron and zinc absorption, adopting food preparation and processing methods which hydrolyze the phytate content of cereals and legumes, and using iron cookware. These strategies were used to devise two vegetarian menus based on food consumption patterns derived from three day weighed food records of 78 Canadian lacto-ovo-vegetarian adolescents. The iron and zinc, as well as calcium, phosphorus, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin A, protein and energy content of the devised menus were all higher than the actual intakes and the corresponding Canadian recommended nutrient intakes. Results show the overall nutrient adequacy of the recommended vegetarian menus and indicate that young lacto-vegetarian women can potentially meet their estimated dietary requirements for absorbed iron and zinc through modest modifications to the diet. Laboratory studies designed to measure the total amount of iron and zinc absorbed from these diets by young vegetarian women are needed to verify the efficacy of the devised menus.

Absorption↗

PubMed2001

The role of added sugars in the diet quality of children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: The associations between added sugars intake and consumption of vitamins, minerals and servings of foods in the USDA Food Guide Pyramid were examined. METHODS: Data from the USDA 1994-96 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals were used in multivariate regression analyses to assess the statistical and practical significance of added sugars intake for diet and nutrient adequacy. RESULTS: The association of added sugars with consumption of vitamins, minerals and servings of foods in the USDA Food Guide Pyramid was usually statistically significant. For the model of all individuals over two years of age, individuals who consume more added sugars are predicted to consume more grains, lean meat and iron and to consume fewer vegetables and fruits and less dairy, vitamin A, calcium and folates. Children who consume more added sugars are predicted to consume more grains, vitamin C, iron and folates and to consume less dairy. Adolescents who consume more added sugars are predicted to consume more grains, vitamin C and iron and less fruit. CONCLUSION: The associations, whether positive or negative, however, were always small from either a practical perspective or in comparison to the associations of other sources of energy.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Evidence for nutritional benefits in prolonging wellness.

Healthy aging involves the interaction between genes, the environment, and lifestyle factors, particularly diet and physical activity. Worldwide, the increase in life span has led to an increase in morbidity and mortality as the result of chronic, lifestyle-influenced diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Nutrient deficiency diseases are giving way to energy imbalances, and links between diet and chronic disease are becoming clearer. The global demographic, epidemiologic, and nutrition transitions are dramatic and point to an urgent need to focus on preventive approaches in health care. Thus, nutrition research has shifted from focusing exclusively on alleviating nutrient deficiencies to also stressing chronic disease prevention. Ongoing initiatives to optimize long-term health and promote healthy aging are based on the concept of functional fitness, ie, the ability to lead an active and healthy life. The Dietary Reference Intakes provide a framework for assessing nutrient adequacy at the population and individual levels. In addition, the Healthy Eating Index provides a single summary measure of diet quality. To effect changes in lifestyles to optimize health as we age, health care providers need to consider all the lifestyle and environmental factors contributing to suboptimal eating and lifestyle patterns.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

n-3 fatty acid dietary recommendations and food sources to achieve essentiality and cardiovascular benefits.

Dietary recommendations have been made for n-3 fatty acids, including alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to achieve nutrient adequacy and to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease. These recommendations are based on a large body of evidence from epidemiologic and controlled clinical studies. The n-3 fatty acid recommendation to achieve nutritional adequacy, defined as the amount necessary to prevent deficiency symptoms, is 0.6-1.2% of energy for ALA; up to 10% of this can be provided by EPA or DHA. To achieve recommended ALA intakes, food sources including flaxseed and flaxseed oil, walnuts and walnut oil, and canola oil are recommended. The evidence base supports a dietary recommendation of approximately 500 mg/d of EPA and DHA for cardiovascular disease risk reduction. For treatment of existing cardiovascular disease, 1 g/d is recommended. These recommendations have been embraced by many health agencies worldwide. A dietary strategy for achieving the 500-mg/d recommendation is to consume 2 fish meals per week (preferably fatty fish). Foods enriched with EPA and DHA or fish oil supplements are a suitable alternate to achieve recommended intakes and may be necessary to achieve intakes of 1 g/d.

Cardiovascular Diseases↗

PubMed2007

Challenges and opportunities in the translation of the science of vitamins.

Some 100 y after the description and naming of the first vitamin, this conference on the state-of-the-science has shown that remarkable and exciting advances have been made in our understanding of the biology, chemistry, and metabolism of vitamins, explaining their essentiality in the diet. A great deal more needs to be done in the translation of this knowledge into an understanding of the benefit of vitamin supplements to disease prevention and to health and well-being. Not only are advances in fundamental science and biology necessary, but more attention must be paid to genomics, epigenetics, behavioral science, and new techniques for evidence analysis of studies. Information relating individual vitamins or small combinations of vitamins to disease prevention is stronger than that for multivitamins, formulations that cry out for greater standardization. This large task of translating emerging science to better policy in the field of vitamin and multivitamin-mineral supplement use should occupy our attention intensively in the years to come. Issues needing more attention include the content and labeling of such products and the effects of the products on nutrient adequacy as well as in chronic degenerative disease prevention. In this quest, the development of more and better surrogate markers will be critical. Dose-response assessments of safety are badly needed for updating Tolerable Upper Intake Levels. At its best, all of these disparate types of research will require a robust interaction between the public and private sectors in a regulatory framework that supports and rewards investment in good science.

Chronic Disease↗

PubMed2005

Using the concept of Food Based Dietary Guidelines to Develop an Optimized Mixed Diet (OMD) for German children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To apply for the first time FAO/WHO standards for Food Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDG) to develop a total diet concept named Optimized Mixed Diet (OMD) for children and adolescents in a European country. METHODS: Exact 7-day menus were composed for sample age groups of children (4-6 years) and adolescents (13-14 years), taking into account the German meal patterns, common non-fortified foods, and sensory preferences of children (practical criteria). Food amounts and food selection within the menus were optimized so far as to achieve a total of reference intakes for 22 nutrients (scientific criteria). Simple food based messages were deduced. RESULTS: Compared to the existing high-fat, low plant food diet reported from the DONALD Study (Dortmund Nutritional and Anthropometric Longitudinally Designed Study), the OMD is lower in fat and saturated fatty acids and contains ample amounts of plant foods. Reference nutrient densities for age groups between 1 and 18 years were achieved or exceeded, except folate. Foods from the optimized menus were summarized into 11 food groups based on nutritional and practical considerations. Proportions of food groups by weight are independent of age and can be used to recalculate food amounts for various age groups or energy requirements, respectively. For simplification, "recommended" foods were distinguished from "tolerated" foods by their nutrient densities; based on food amounts, 3 simple rules for food consumption were deduced, i.e. beverages and plant foods: ample; animal foods: moderate; high-fat, high-sugar foods: sparingly. CONCLUSIONS: Exact menus and food amounts are a prerequisite to ascertain nutrient adequacy of FBDG. The OMD demonstrates that a single diet concept with a core of quantified food groups can be adequate for age groups between 1 and 18 years within a country, such as Germany.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

A summary of results of the Dietary Intervention Study in Children (DISC): lessons learned.

Prevention of cardiovascular disease must begin in childhood, preferably before risk factors develop. Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in children are likely to track over time and become high-risk levels in adults. The Dietary Intervention Study in Children (DISC) was a multicenter, collaborative randomized trial in pre-adolescent children designed to test the efficacy and safety of a dietary intervention to lower saturated fat and cholesterol intake among growing children with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Numerous DISC results, which include findings on lipids-lipoproteins, genetics, and nutrient adequacy, as well as descriptions of the behavioral intervention strategies, have been reported. A summary of practical findings and their potential clinical applications have not previously been published. Highlights of key lessons learned from DISC and translational applications of potential interest to nurses and other health care providers are presented.

Biomarkers↗

PubMed2006

Identification of nutritionally adequate mixtures of vegetable oils by linear programming.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the types and proportions of vegetable oils to recommend for a healthy diet. METHODS: Optimal vegetable oil combinations were designed, using linear programming and, as decision variables, nine single oils and 29 basic food items. 'Oil models' were run to determine whether reasonable amounts of individuals oils or oil mixtures satisfied a set of constraints on essential fatty acids and vitamin E. 'Meal models' were run to test whether selected mixtures could be used as the sole source of added fat in a meal that met micronutrient and macronutrient recommendations. RESULTS: The cheapest mixture (0.97 euro L(-1)) that solved the oil models contained 81% rapeseed and 19% sunflower oils. About 10-15 g of this mixture, alone or with olive, soya bean, wheat germ or walnut oils, also solved the meal models. Mixtures that contained a high proportion (>or=50%) of the tasty olive and walnut oils also solved the models but were more expensive (4.9 euro L(-1) and 8.5 euro L(-1), respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of a mixture composed of rapeseed and sunflower oils in a 4 : 1 proportion is an inexpensive and simple way to meet current dietary recommendations for essential fatty acids and vitamin E, favouring overall dietary nutrient adequacy.

Cost-Benefit Analysis↗

PubMed1997

Impact of adopting lower-fat food choices on nutrient intake of American children.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the overall nutrient intake of American children (ages 2 to 19) who exclusively use skim milk instead of 1%, 2%, or whole milk; lean meats instead of higher-fat meats; or fat-modified products instead of full-fat products. STUDY DESIGN: A unique sorting procedure was used to categorize respondents to the 1989-1991 Continuing Survey of Food Intake by Individuals according to reported use or nonuse of certain fat-reduction strategies. Differences in intake of 23 macronutrients and micronutrients, as well as energy, by exclusive users, mixed users, and nonusers of each strategy were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance with Scheffe's test. The number of fat-reduction strategies used by the children as well as demographic characteristics also were analyzed. RESULTS: Only a small number of children qualified as exclusive users of skim milk (3%), lean meats (2%), and fat-modified products (1%). Energy intakes for all children were below 100% of the recommended dietary allowance. However, children (n = 85) who used skim milk exclusively in place of higher-fat milks closely approximated the current dietary recommendations (30% energy from fat, less than 10% from saturated fat, and less than 300 mg cholesterol) while maintaining adequate micronutrient intake and without significantly impacting energy. Children (n = 52) who used lean meats in place of higher-fat meats achieved the guideline for total fat; however, energy intake was 70% of the recommended dietary allowance and vitamin E was 63%. Children (n = 20) who use only fat-modified versions of cheese, salad dressing, cake, pudding, and yogurt made no significant impact on their energy, fat, or micronutrient intake. Of the 3299 children in the data set, only 3 qualified as users of two fat-reduction strategies and none qualified as users of all three strategies. Exclusive users of skim milk, lean meat, or fat-modified products were more likely to be female, white, and live in families with higher incomes. Those using skim milk or lean meat exclusively also were more likely to be older, whereas those exclusively using fat-modified products were younger. Furthermore, those using skim milk or fat-modified products exclusively were more likely to live in households where the head had more years of education, whereas those exclusively using lean meats were from households headed by those with slightly less years of education. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the inherent limitations of population-based food surveys (including issues of underreporting, lack of biological markers and accurate anthropometric measures, and limited nutrient databases), these results provide insight into the rate of use of certain lower-fat food choices by children and suggest exclusive use can facilitate achievement of contemporary dietary recommendations. The impact of using these fat-reduction strategies on children's overall nutrient intake differs depending on the strategy used. Use of skim milk is an economical single-food strategy that facilitates achievement of contemporary dietary guidelines while maintaining nutrient adequacy. Professional guidance is recommended for children who exclusively use lean meats to assure adequate intake of energy and vitamin E. The impact of fat-modified products needs to be monitored closely as the number of such products increases in the marketplace. Results of this study can be used by health professionals working with children and their parents to highlight the overall efficacy of dietary recommendations while alerting them to potential pitfalls.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1998

[School meal programs as a mean to meet nutritional requirements for students in the Integrated Public School Centers]

This study evaluates food intake of 244 children between ages 7-13 years using records of ingested foods on three non-consecutive days. The study analyzes energy and nutrient adequacy based on standards for the Brazilian population. Diet was generally found to be energy-deficient: meals consumed at the CIEPs met less than 70% of the requirement. On the other hand, protein was well above recommended levels. Worthy of note was the adequacy of meals in the CIEPs as to vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin, as well as the surprising adequacy of ascorbic acid, resulting from the frequent presence of citrus fruits in school meals. Except for older students, all schoolchildren studied had greater than 90% minimum iron intake. As for calcium, again except for older ones, consumption was 100% or more of minimum required levels. Results showed the need to correct flaws in the nutritional content of school meals, which are central to dietary intake for CIEP students.

Journal Article↗