Food Sources of Energy and Nutrients among Children in the United States: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2006

Background: Recent detailed analyses of data on dietary sources of energy and nutrients in US children are lacking. The objective of this study was to identify food sources of energy and 28 nutrients for children in the United States. Methods: Analyses of food sources were conducted using a single 24-h recall collected from children 2 to 18 years old (n = 7332) in the 2003–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Sources of nutrients contained in foods were determined using nutrient composition databases. Food grouping included ingredients from disaggregated mixtures. Mean energy and nutrient intakes from the total diet and from each food group were adjusted for the sample design using appropriate weights. Percentages of the total dietary intake that food sources contributed were tabulated by rank order. Results: The two top ranked food/food group sources of energy and nutrients were: energy—milk (7% of energy) and cake/cookies/quick bread/pastry/pie (7%); protein—milk (13.2%) and poultry (12.8%); total carbohydrate—soft drinks/soda (10.5%) and yeast bread/rolls (9.1%); total sugars—soft drinks/soda (19.2%) and yeast breads and rolls (12.7%); added sugars—soft drinks/soda (29.7%) and candy/sugar/sugary foods (18.6%); dietary fiber—fruit (10.4%) and yeast bread/rolls (10.3%); total fat—cheese (9.3%) and crackers/popcorn/pretzels/chips (8.4%); saturated fatty acids—cheese (16.3%) and milk (13.3%); cholesterol—eggs (24.2%) and poultry (13.2%); vitamin D—milk (60.4%) and milk drinks (8.3%); calcium—milk (33.2%) and cheese (19.4%); potassium—milk (18.8%) and fruit juice (8.0%); and sodium—salt (18.5%) and yeast bread and rolls (8.4%). Conclusions: Results suggest that many foods/food groupings consumed by children were energy dense, nutrient poor. Awareness of dietary sources of energy and nutrients can help health professionals design effective strategies to reduce energy consumption and increase the nutrient density of children’s diets.     

Nutrition of preschool age children. General considerations and assessment of child nutrition

Results of the study performed between June 1999 and January 2000 on dietary assessment of 822 pre-school children (age 3-7) showed that majority of children regularly consumed the main meals: breakfast, dinner and supper. The habit of snacks eating between the meals was observed in 91% of children. The presence and structure basic products in analysed children diets (milk, fermented milk products, fats, fish, whole grain bread, juices) was different. About 87% reported drinking of milk, 75%--yoghurt or other fermented milk products, 97%--fruit juices including nectar, water--42%. The main fat used to spreading on bread was butter. Fish products recommended as a source of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids were still not eaten by 23% of children. Whole grain bread was consumed daily only in 8% children. The study also showed that the diets included products being the source of unfavourable fatty acids (chips, sweet bars, cookies, hard margarine) and excess of saccharose (sweets, lollipops, chewing gum). The results of the study showed the permanent need of the dissemination of dietary recommendations for children at pre-school age.     

Food Sources of Energy and Nutrients among Adults in the US: NHANES 2003–2006

Identification of current food sources of energy and nutrients among US adults is needed to help with public health efforts to implement feasible and appropriate dietary recommendations. To determine the food sources of energy and 26 nutrients consumed by US adults the 2003–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 24-h recall (Day 1) dietary intake data from a nationally representative sample of adults 19+ years of age (y) (n = 9490) were analyzed. An updated USDA Dietary Source Nutrient Database was developed for NHANES 2003–2006 using current food composition databases. Food grouping included ingredients from disaggregated mixtures. Mean energy and nutrient intakes from food sources were sample-weighted. Percentages of total dietary intake contributed from food sources were ranked. The highest ranked sources of energy and nutrients among adults more than 19 years old were: energy—yeast bread/rolls (7.2%) and cake/cookies/quick bread/pastry/pie (7.2%); protein—poultry (14.4%) and beef (14.0%); total fat—other fats and oils (9.8%); saturated fatty acids—cheese (16.5%) and beef (9.1%); carbohydrate—soft drinks/soda (11.4%) and yeast breads/rolls (10.9%); dietary fiber—yeast breads/rolls (10.9%) and fruit (10.2%); calcium—milk (22.5%) and cheese (21.6%); vitamin D—milk (45.1%) and fish/shellfish (14.4%); and potassium—milk (9.6%) and coffee/tea/other non-alcoholic beverages (8.4%). Knowledge of primary food sources of energy and nutrients can help health professionals design effective strategies to reduce excess energy consumed by US adults and increase the nutrient adequacy of their diets.     

The contribution of school meals and packed lunch to food consumption and nutrient intakes in UK primary school children from a low income population

Background: The Low Income Diet and Nutrition Survey described the food consumption and nutrient intake of UK children in low income households in 2003–2005. Methods: To describe food consumption and nutrient intake associated with school meals and packed lunches, based on a cross‐sectional analysis of 680, 24‐h dietary recalls from 311 school children aged 4–11 years. Results: In children from low income households, pupils who took a packed lunch consumed more white bread, fats and oils, crisps and confectionery and fewer potatoes (cooked with or without fat) at lunchtime compared to other pupils. Many of these differences persisted when diet was assessed over the day. For younger pupils (4–7 years), packed lunches provided the least amount of folate, the highest amount of sodium, and the highest average percentage of food energy from fat and saturated fatty acids (SFA) compared to free school meals (FSMs). Over the whole day, in both younger (4–7 years) and older (8–11 years) children, there were no notable differences in energy or nutrient intake between those eating a packed lunch or a school meal. Older children’s packed lunches contributed a significantly higher proportion of fat, SFA, calcium and sodium to the day’s nutrient intake compared to a FSM. Conclusions: In children from low income households, packed lunches are less likely to contribute towards a ‘healthier’ diet compared to a school meal. The difference was more apparent in younger children. Key differences were the high consumption of sodium, SFA and non‐milk extrinsic sugars by pupils who had packed lunches.     

Milk as a supplement to mixed meals may elevate postprandial insulinaemia

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate the impact of milk added to a high-glycaemic index (GI) white bread meal vs a low-GI spaghetti meal, respectively, on postprandial glucose and insulin responses in healthy subjects. DESIGN: The volunteers were served the bread or spaghetti meals with either milk (200 or 400 ml, respectively) or water (400 ml) following an overnight fast. Capillary blood samples were collected before and during 3 h after the meals. SETTING: The study was performed at the Department of Applied Nutrition and Food Chemistry, Lund University, Sweden. SUBJECTS: Ten healthy volunteers, seven men and three women, aged 22-30 y, with normal body mass indices, were recruited. RESULTS: There was no difference in postprandial glucose area under curve (AUC) with and without added milk in the case of the high-GI bread meals. As could be expected, glucose AUC after the bread meal+water was higher than after the spaghetti meal+water. Milk added at 200 or 400 ml to the spaghetti meal did not affect glucose AUC. However, a significantly higher insulin AUC was seen with the bread meal with 400 ml milk (+65%) and the spaghetti meal with 200 ml or 400 ml milk (+300%), respectively, compared with corresponding test meal with water CONCLUSIONS: The addition of milk to a low-GI spaghetti meal may significantly increase the postprandial insulinaemia. Even an ordinary amount of milk (200 ml) increased the insulin AUC to a low-GI spaghetti meal to the same level as seen with white bread. The mechanism for the insulinotrophic effect of milk is not known, and the potential long-term metabolic consequences need to be elucidated. SPONSORSHIP: Swedish Dairy Association.     

Urinary sodium excretion,dietary sources of sodium intake and knowledge and practices around salt use in a group of healthy Australian women

Objective: Strategies that aim to facilitate reduction of the salt content of foods in Australia are hampered by sparse and outdated data on habitual salt intakes. This study assessed habitual sodium intake through urinary excretion analyses, and identified food sources of dietary sodium, as well as knowledge and practices related to salt use in healthy women. Methods: Cross‐sectional, convenient sample of 76 women aged 20 to 55 years, Wollongong, NSW. Data included a 24 hour urine sample, three‐day food diary and a self‐administered questionnaire. Results: Mean Na excretion equated to a NaCl (salt) intake of 6.41 (SD=2.61) g/day; 43% had values <6 g/day. Food groups contributing to dietary sodium were: bread and cereals (27%); dressings/sauces (20%); meat/egg‐based dishes (18%); snacks/desserts/extras (11%); and milk and dairy products (11%). Approximately half the sample reported using salt in cooking or at the table. Dietary practices reflected a high awareness of salt‐related health issues and a good knowledge of food sources of sodium. Conclusion: These findings from a sample of healthy women in the Illawarra indicate that dietary sodium intakes are lower in this group than previously reported in Australia. However, personal food choices and high levels of awareness of the salt reduction messages are not enough to achieve more stringent dietary targets of <4 g salt per day. Implications: Urinary Na excretion data are required from a larger nationally representative sample to confirm habitual salt intakes. The bread and cereals food group are an obvious target for sodium reduction strategies in manufactured foods.     

Macronutrient Distribution and Dietary Sources in the Spanish Population: Findings from the ANIBES Study

Our aim was to analyze dietary macronutrient intake and its main sources according to sex and age. Results were derived from the ANIBES (“Anthropometry, Intake and Energy Balance in Spain”) cross-sectional study using a nationally-representative sample of the Spanish population (9–75 years old). Mean dietary protein intake was 74.5 ± 22.4 g/day, with meat and meat products as the main sources (33.0%). Mean carbohydrate intake was 185.4 ± 60.9 g/day and was higher in children and adolescents; grains (49%), mainly bread, were the main contributor. Milk and dairy products (23%) ranked first for sugar intake. Mean lipid intake was 78.1 ± 26.1 g/day and was higher in younger age groups; contributions were mainly from oils and fats (32.5%; olive oil 25.6%) and meat and meat products (22.0%). Lipid profiles showed relatively high monounsaturated fatty acid intake, of which olive oil contributed 38.8%. Saturated fatty acids were mainly (>70%) combined from meat and meat products, milk and dairy products and oils and fats. Polyunsaturated fatty acids were mainly from oils and fats (31.5%). The macronutrient intake and distribution in the Spanish population is far from population reference intakes and nutritional goals, especially for children and adolescents.     

Fatty Acid Composition of Commercial Spanish Fast Food and Snack Food

Fatty acid composition, total fat contents and percentages of saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MFA), polyunsaturated (PUFA) and trans isomers of fatty acids (t FA) were analysed in commercial Spanish fast food and snack food by capillary gas chromatography (CGC) using a capillary column. The results obtained show a great variability in the percentages of fatty acids (g/100 g total fatty acids) but generally there is a high proportion of saturated fatty acids (from 12.3 in popcorn to 65.8% in ice creams) and monounsaturated fatty acids (from 23.7 in snacks of cheese to 42.8% in hamburgers with a low proportion of trans isomers (from 0.1 in snacks of cheese to 46.0% in popcorn (microwave)) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (from 1.6 in popcorn (microwave) to 51.4% in popcorn).Our results show that commercial Spanish fast food and snack food have a high proportion of saturated fatty acids especially hamburgers, pizzas, ice creams, cakes with cover, biscuits, donuts, and snacks of cheese. The source of these saturated fatty acids in the fat fraction was basically animal fats, coconut oil, palm kernel oil and palm oil.     

Dietary Intake of Individual (Intrinsic and Added) Sugars and Food Sources from Spanish Children Aged One to <10 Years—Results from the EsNuPI Study

Currently, in Spain there are no studies assessing the intakes and sources of intrinsic and added sugars by both children consuming standard milks and children regularly consuming adapted milk formulas. Our goal was to evaluate current sugar intake levels (intrinsic and added) and their major dietary sources within the EsNuPI study participants by applying two 24-h dietary recalls that were completed by 1448 children (1 to <10 years) divided into two subsamples: One “Spanish Reference Sample” (SRS) of the general population (n = 707) and another sample which included children consuming adapted milks including follow-on milk, toddler’s or growing up milk and fortified and enriched milks, here called “Adapted Milk Consumers Sample” (AMS) (n = 741). Estimates of intrinsic and added sugar intakes from the Spanish EsNuPI population as well as the adherence to recommendations varied notably according to age segment, but no major differences between subsamples were found. Younger children (1 to <3 years) showed the highest added sugar contribution to total energy intake (TEI) (SRS: 12.5% for boys and 11.7% for girls; AMS: 12.2% for boys and 11.3% for girls) and the lowest adherence to recommendations set at <10% TEI (SRS: 27.4% for boys and 37.2% for girls; AMS: 31.3% for boys and 34.7% for girls). Adherence increased with age but remains inadequate, with approximately one in two children from the older age segment (6 to <10 years) exceeding the recommendations. Main food sources of intrinsic sugars for both subsamples were milk and dairy products, fruits, vegetables and cereals, while for added sugars, these were milk and dairy products (mainly yogurts), sugars and sweets (mainly sugary cocoa and nougat), bakery products (mainly cookies) and cereals (mainly bread and wheat flour). However, for the AMS, the groups milk and dairy products and cereals showed a significantly lower contribution to intrinsic sugar intake but a significantly higher contribution to that of added sugars. These results demonstrate that sugar intake and the adherence to recommendations in the studied population varied notably according to age but not to the type of milk consumed. In addition, our results highlight the need to monitor the consumption of added sugars by the infant population, as well as the need to make efforts to facilitate this task, such as harmonizing the recommendations regarding free/added sugars and the inclusion of information on their content on the nutritional labeling of products in order to incorporate them into food composition databases.     

Monounsaturated fatty acid intake by children and adults: temporal trends and demographic differences

Epidemiologic evidence suggests that dietary monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) may have a beneficial health effect. Twenty-four-hour dietary intake data collected on 10-year-olds from 1978 to 1994 and on children and adults (ages 0-30 years) were examined for time, age, gender, ethnic, and geographic location differences in MUFA intake. Children's percent energy from MUFA decreased significantly from 1978 (14.1%) to 1994 (11.9%) with intake of oleic acid decreasing from 33.9 g/day (1973) to 25.7 g/day (1994). In 1994-96, percent energy from MUFA was 13% for children and adults aged 12 to 30 years, with 5% from palmitoleic acid and 93% from oleic acid. Males and blacks had significantly higher MUFA intake across all age groups than females and whites. Intakes of MUFA increased from 0 to 11 years of age to young adulthood (12-19 years), with no further increase at 20 to 30 years of age. Intakes of MUFA were lowest in the Northeast and highest in the Midwest. There were differences in food sources of MUFA by age group. For children 0 to 5 years of age, major sources were whole milk, peanut butter, 2% milk, and French fries; for children 6 to 11 years of age, major sources were whole milk, peanut butter, French fries, and 2% milk; for children 12 to 19 years of age, French fries, salt snacks, whole milk, and meat pizza were the major sources; for adults, French fries, whole milk, potato chips, and ground beef were the most common sources of MUFA. U.S. children and adults displayed temporal trends and demographic differences in intakes and food sources of MUFA. The implications of these changes and differences on biologic risk factors for specific chronic diseases warrant further investigation.     

Evaluation of Nutrient Intake and Food Consumption among Dutch Toddlers

Improving dietary habits at a young age could prevent adverse health outcomes. The aim was to gain insight into the adequacy of the dietary intake of Dutch toddlers, which may provide valuable information for preventive measures. Data obtained from the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey 2012–2016 were used, which included 672 children aged one to three years. Habitual intakes of nutrients were evaluated according to recommendations set by the Dutch Health Council. Specific food groups were evaluated according to the Dutch food-based dietary guidelines. For most nutrients, intakes were estimated to be adequate. High intakes were found for saturated fatty acids, retinol, iodine, copper, zinc, and sodium. No statement could be provided on the adequacy of intakes of alpha-linoleic acids, N-3 fish fatty acids, fiber, and iron. 74% of the toddlers used dietary supplements, and 59% used vitamin D supplements specifically. Total median intakes of vegetables, bread, and milk products were sufficient. Consumption of bread, potatoes and cereals, milk products, fats, and drinks consisted largely of unhealthy products. Consumption of unfavorable products may have been the cause of the observed high and low intakes of several nutrients. Shifting towards a healthier diet that is more in line with the guidelines may positively affect the dietary intake of Dutch toddlers and prevent negative health impacts, also later in life.     

Dietary sources of energy and macronutrient intakes among Flemish preschoolers

This study aims to identify major food sources of energy and macronutrients among Flemish preschoolers as a basis for evaluating dietary guidelines. Three-day estimated diet records were collected from a representative sample of 696 Flemish preschoolers (2.5-6.5 years old; participation response rate: 50%). For 11 dietary constituents, the contribution of 57 food groups was computed by summing the amount provided by the food group for all individuals divided by the total intake of the respective nutrient for all individuals. Bread (12%), sweet snacks (12%), milk (6%), flavoured milk drinks (9%), and meat products (6%) were the top five energy contributors. Sweet snacks were among the top contributors to energy, total fat, all fatty acids, cholesterol, and complex and simple carbohydrates. Fruit juices and flavoured milk drinks are the main contributors to simple carbohydrates (respectively 14% and 18%). All principal food groups like water, bread and cereals, vegetables, fruit, milk and spreadable fats were under-consumed by more than 30% of the population, while the food groups that were over-consumed consisted only of low nutritious and high energy dense foods (sweet snacks, sugared drinks, fried potatoes, sauces and sweet spreads). From the major food sources and gaps in nutrient and food intakes, some recommendations to pursue the nutritional goals could be drawn: the intake of sweet snacks and sugar-rich drinks (incl. fruit juices) should be discouraged, while consumption of fruits, vegetables, water, bread and margarine on bread should be encouraged.     

Calcium from milk or calcium-fortified foods does not inhibit nonheme-iron absorption from a whole diet consumed over a 4-d period

BACKGROUND: Single-meal studies have indicated that calcium inhibits iron absorption in humans. However, numerous dietary factors influence iron absorption, and the effect of calcium may not be as pronounced when calcium is served as part of a whole diet. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effect of 3 sources of calcium served with the 3 main meals on nonheme-iron absorption from a 4-d diet. DESIGN: (59)Fe absorption was estimated from whole-body retention measurements in 14 women aged 21-34 y, each of whom consumed four 4-d diets in a randomized crossover design. The diets differed in the source of calcium as follows: a basic diet (BD) with a low content of calcium (224 mg Ca/d), a BD with a glass of milk served at each meal (826 mg Ca/d), a BD with calcium lactate (802 mg Ca/d), and a BD with a milk mineral isolate containing calcium (801 mg Ca/d). The 2 latter calcium sources were added to selected foods of the BD (rye bread, white bread, chocolate cake, and orange juice), and these foods were consumed with the 3 meals. All diets provided 13.2 mg Fe/d. RESULTS: No significant differences in nonheme-iron absorption were found between the BD and the BD supplemented with milk, calcium lactate, or the milk mineral isolate [7.4% (95% CI: 5.3%, 10.5%), 5.2% (3.5%, 7.9%), 6.7% (5.0%, 8.9%), and 5.1% (3.2%, 7.9%), respectively; P = 0.34]. CONCLUSION: Consumption of a glass of milk with the 3 main meals or of an equivalent amount of calcium from fortified foods does not decrease nonheme-iron absorption from a 4-d diet.     

Nutrition risk in the child and adolescent population of the Basque country: the enKid Study

Cross-sectional population studies provide valuable information for nutrition surveillance and planning intervention strategies. The enKid Study is the largest nutrition survey on the child and adolescent Spanish population to date. In the present paper, nutrition risks in children and young people of the Basque country based on the enKid Study subsample for the Basque region are presented. Dietary assessment was completed by means of a 24 h recall and a food frequency questionnaire completed in an interview with the mother or caregiver for children under 13 years. A second 24 h recall was completed on 25 % of the sample. Body weight, height and circumference were measured on each individual. Overweight and obesity were defined using Cole et al. cut-offs. Fat intake supplied 40 % of energy intake and saturated fats 13.8 %. Overall, 80 % of the sample had intakes of fat above 35 %. Main food sources of fats were added fats (32 %), meat (20 %) and milk products (20 %). Buns, cakes and pastry supplied 11 % of total fat intake. The nutrients showing the highest proportion of people who did not reach one third (33 %) of the Spanish dietary reference intake levels were vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin A and folate. Prevailing food pattern showed a high consumption of meat and meat products, milk, dairy products and cereals. Conversely, consumption of fruit, vegetables and fish was low; in fact, 89 % of the sample had a normal consumption of fruit and vegetables below five portions a day. Prevalence of obesity was estimated at 3.94 %, and 17.85 % of the sample was classified as overweight.     

Dietary patterns and nutrient intakes of 7-year-old children taking part in an atherosclerosis prevention project in Finland

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the dietary patterns of 7-year-old children participating in an atherosclerosis prevention project and the relationship of those dietary patterns to nutrient intakes and serum cholesterol values. DESIGN: In the randomized, prospective Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project (STRIP) 1,062 children were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n=540; low-saturated fat, low-cholesterol diet) or to a control group (n=522; unrestricted diet) at 7 months of age. SUBJECTS/SETTINGS: The intervention families received, at 6-month intervals, individualized counseling that focused on the known environmental atherosclerosis risk factors and aimed at reducing children's saturated fat and cholesterol intake. Nutrition counseling was targeted at the child but, because of the young age of the children, was given to the parents. When children were 7 years old, food and nutrient intakes of 307 intervention and 323 control children were studied using 4-day food records. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: K-means cluster analysis was used to classify children into 4 groups on the basis of similarity of food intake. Differences in nutrient intakes and serum lipid concentrations between children in the 4 food intake clusters were evaluated using Tukey's multiple comparison test. RESULTS: Intervention children dominated the bread, skim milk, and margarine cluster and the cereals, rice, and pasta cluster whereas the 1.5%-fat milk and butter cluster included mainly control children. Saturated fat intake was nearest to the recommendations, that is 11.7% and 11.9% of energy, in the bread, skim milk, and margarine cluster and the cereals, rice, and pasta cluster, respectively. Children in the bread, skim milk, and margarine cluster had 20% to 27% higher fiber intakes (P<.001) whereas children in the sugar and sweets cluster had markedly higher sugar intakes than children in other clusters (P<.001). Serum cholesterol concentrations were lower in those clusters with high dietary ratios of polyunsaturated to saturated fat. CONCLUSION: Detailed and repeated dietary counseling of parents, starting when children are aged 7 months, that aims at decreasing children's exposure to known nutrition risk factors for coronary heart disease modifies children's food patterns and nutrient intakes toward expected values.     

Nutritive content of college meals. II. Lipids.

Two samples, each consisting of two breakfasts, two lunches, and two dinners as offered to college students, were collected for seven consecutive days from each of fifty colleges. Two samples of the composited meals from each college were analyzed for fat and fatty acids. The fat content of the meals averaged 125.58 gm., with a range of 96.96 to 163.74 gm. This provided an average of 42.33 per cent of total calories, (range, 36.68 to 47.67 per cent). No college served meals with as little as 35 per cent of calories derived from fat. The meals contained an average of 46.3 gm. saturated fatty acids; 48.98 gm. mono-unsaturated fatty acids, of which 48.19 gm. were oleic acid; and 18.25 gm. polyunsaturated fatty acids, of which 17.22 gm. were linoleic acid. Four fatty acids--palmitic (C-16); stearic (C-18); oleic (C-18:1); and linoleic (C-18:2)--contributed approximately 92 per cent of the total fatty acids. The average ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids was 0.39 (range, 0.22 to 0.69). Six colleges served meals with a P:S ratio of 0.30 or below; five colleges had a P:S ratio of 0.50 or above.     

The Nutritional Value of Children's Menus in Chain Restaurants in the United Kingdom and Ireland

ObjectiveObesity in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland is rising, as is the frequency of eating out in restaurants. The aim of this study was to investigate the nutritional quality of children's menus in restaurants.DesignCross-sectional review of menus aimed at children from 20 popular chain restaurants in the United Kingdom and Ireland.Main Outcome MeasuresTotal energy, fat, saturated fat, and salt were collected from every food item on the menu in each restaurant. All potential meal combinations were created. A total of 39,266 meals were analysed.AnalysisMeals were compared with UK nutritional guidelines. Meals from fast food and full-service restaurants and main meals and meal deals were compared.ResultsThe average meal for younger children (aged 2–5 years) contained 609 ±117 kcal, and for older children (6–12 years) 653 ± 136 kcal compared with guidelines of 364 and 550 kcal, respectively. A total of 68% of younger children's and 55% of older children's meals contained more total fat than recommended and more than 4 times the amount of saturated fat. Fast food restaurant meals contained less energy, fat, and salt than did full-service restaurants, and meal deals were less likely to meet dietary guidelines than were main meals alone.Conclusion and ImplicationsEating in chain restaurants, in particular meal deals, does not contribute positively to the diet of children in the United Kingdom and Ireland.     

Added Sugars in School Meals and the Diets of School-Age Children

Research is limited on added sugars in school meals and children’s dietary intakes after the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommended that added sugars be limited to less than 10% of total calories. This analysis uses data from the School Nutrition and Meal Cost Study (SNMCS) to examine levels of added sugars in: (1) school meals and (2) children’s dietary intakes at breakfast, lunch, and over 24 h on school days. SNMCS data were collected in the 2014–2015 school year after updated nutrition standards for school meals were implemented. Most schools exceeded the DGA limit for added sugars at breakfast (92%), while 69% exceeded the limit at lunch. The leading source of added sugars in school meals (both breakfasts and lunches) was flavored skim milk. More than 62% of children consumed breakfasts that exceeded the DGA limit, and almost half (47%) consumed lunches that exceeded the limit. Leading sources of added sugars in the breakfasts consumed by children were sweetened cold cereals and condiments and toppings; leading sources of added sugars in children’s lunches were flavored skim milk and cake. Over 24 h, 63% of children exceeded the DGA limit. These findings show that school meals and children’s dietary intakes are high in added sugars relative to the DGA limit and provide insights into the types of foods that should be targeted in order to decrease levels of added sugars.     

Dietary sources of fats and cholesterol in US children aged 2 through 5 years.

OBJECTIVES. This study of lipid intakes among preschool children (1) analyzed the contributions of 38 food groups to fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol intakes; (2) estimated the effects of food substitutions on intakes; and (3) examined demographic differences in food group intake and food group sources of these lipids. METHODS. The sample consisted of 547 children, aged 2 to 5 years, from the US Department of Agriculture''s 1985 and 1986 Continuing Surveys of Food Intakes by Individuals. Dietary information for 4 nonconsecutive days throughout a year was used. All foods were classified into groups and the lipids contributed from each group were computed. RESULTS. Over 80% of the children consumed more total fat, saturated fats, and cholesterol than is recommended. The major source of total fat and saturated fats was whole milk; the major sources of dietary cholesterol were eggs and whole milk. Children''s food consumption patterns differed by region of the country and race/ethnicity, providing opportunities to refine nutrition education interventions and evaluations. CONCLUSIONS. By substituting lower-fat foods for the major sources of saturated fats, significant reductions in preschool children''s intakes of saturated fats, fat, and dietary cholesterol could be achieved.     

Fries or a fruit bag? Investigating the nutritional composition of fast food children's meals

The impact of children’s fast food meals on their daily nutritional requirements has not been assessed in Australia. Analysis of the nutritional composition of children’s meals from six fast food chains was conducted. The energy, saturated fat, sugar and sodium content of all children’s meals from the chains were assessed against the fast food industry-defined nutrient criteria for healthy meals and children’s recommended daily nutritional requirements, as defined by the Nutrient Reference Values and the Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents in Australia. Overall children’s fast food meals are high in saturated fat, sugar and sodium. Only 16% and 22% of meals met the industry’s nutrient criteria for children aged 4-8 and 9-13 years, respectively. Seventy-two percent of fast food meals exceeded 30% of the daily energy recommendations for 4 year old children, and 90% of meals exceeded 30% of the upper limit for sodium for children aged 4-8. Some meals also exceeded the upper limit for sodium and daily saturated fat recommendations for children aged 4-8 years. Reformulation of children’s meals to improve their nutritional composition and revision of the industry’s nutrient criteria to align with children’s dietary requirements are urgently needed.