Abstract

VELASCO, J. et al. Assessment of the diet of school children from Granada and influence of social factors. Nutr. Hosp. [online]. 2009, vol.24, n.2, pp.193-199. ISSN 1699-5198.

Introduction: To perform a balanced diet adapted to the needs of the different life stages is important for a correct peopleís physical and psychological growth, preventing disease, and obtaining an optimal health status. The industrialized society is characterized by unbalanced energy balance due to an increase of energy intake through foods and decreased energy waste with increasedSFA consumption. Objective: To assess average dietary intake and how certain demographical and socio-economic factors have an influence on dietary habits of a sample of schoolchildren from Granada city. Methods: The study population comprises 3,190 children and adolescents schooled at Granada city, with ages comprised between 8 and 15 years. A previously validated specific questionnaire was created including lifestyle habits, dietary habits, 24-hour recall, and frequency of foods consumption. Results and discussion: The average caloric ingestion in this population is higher than the predicted average waste recommended by WHO, with higher energy values being found in males. The caloric profile found in our sample is clearly unbalanced. The main protein sources were meats and dairy products. There were high intakes of SFA, PUFA, and cholesterol, markedly surpassing the recommended values. Vitamin E intake did not reach the daily recommended values. With regards to dietary habits, the study population spends less than 30 minutes for breakfast and about half an hour for lunch and dinner, those spending more time for meals having the highest energy and proteins intake.

Keywords : Diet; Children and adolescents; Lifestyle habits.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )