Food intake of children assisted at a nutrition clinic of a secondary health-care unit

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the pattern of food intake of children in outpatient follow-up, verifying the types of food, energy consumption and nutrient distribution. Methods: A documental study was carried out in the period of January, 2005 to December, 2007, in which 75 food recalls, included in medical records of children aged between 2 and 10 years, were evaluated. The studied variables were food habits, energy consumption, distribution of macronutrients, of micronutrients (calcium, iron and vitamins A, C, B1, B2) and fibers. Fisher’s exact test and Chi-square test were used to verify the association between food intake and the studied variables. Results: The most consumed foods consisted of: milk, rice, beans, oil and sugar, and lowest of fruits and vegetables. Regarding energy consumption, the study showed that 8 (10.66%) children consumed the recommend amount, meanwhile 32 (42.66%) consumed a lower value and 35 (46.66%) a superior value than the recommended for his/her age, sex and physical activity. Concerning carbohydrates, proteins and lipids, we observed that 59 (78.7%), 68 (90.7%) and 39 (52%) children were in agreement with the respective DRI (dietary references intake). The intake of iron-rich foods was present, but there was a low consumption of vitamin C sources. Conclusion: The evaluation of food recalls showed a monotonous diet and little diversified, basically lacteal, with a high consumption of sugars and of fat and reduced consumption of fruits and vegetables.