Qualitative and Quantitative Dietary Assessment of Primary School Children in Tehran

Most of our food habits and preferences originate during childhood. Following an adequate and balanced diet from childhood is one of the most important factors in preventing degenerative diseases in adulthood. Thus, determining children’s food consumption patterns is a high health priorities. The present study was initiated to determine meal and snacking patterns of primary school children during 2003-2005 in Tehran. Methods and Materials: A total of 761 male and female primary school children (378 grade 1, 383 grades 2 to 5) from all the 19 Educational Areas in Tehran, selected by multistage cluster sampling, were included in the study. General information was collected in 2 parts, by interviewing (1). the students, and (2). the students’ mothers or caregivers. For collecting information on food consumption during the previous month the 24-h-recall technique and a snack-frequency questionnaire were used. Results are reported as means ± standard deviations and frequency distributions. The mean daily intakes of energy among the first and other grade students were 1910±551 and 2014±539 kcal, respectively. As compared to RDA, energy intake (95% RDA for grade 1 and 91% for other grades) and iron intake (86% for other grades) were inadequate, while the intakes of other nutrients were adequate. The mean intakes of energy, protein and some of the B vitamins among girls were higher than among boys (P<0/05). The largest proportions of daily energy were supplied by lunch (%28) and the afternoon snack (%22). Snacks provided about 40% of the daily total energy intake. Densities of protein and fat (per 1000 Kcal) were higher in the main meals, while those of carbohydrate, calcium and vitamin C were higher in snacks in both boys and girls. The iron density was almost the same in the main meals and snacks. Fruits and confectionary products were consumed as snacks by almost all of the students during the week. Snacks have a significant role in meeting daily energy and nutrients needs of primary school children. In some cases the role of snacks was even more significant in fulfilling energy needs than that of main meals (e.g. breakfast). It is very important to implement appropriate educational programs aiming at improvement of children's food choices.