Energy and nutritional value of the meals in kindergartens in Niš (Serbia)
Journal Title: Roczniki Państwowego Zakładu Higieny - Year 2014, Vol 65, Issue 2
Abstract
Background. It is well known that high-energy diet, rich in fat and carbohydrates, increases the risk of obesity. Preschool age is an important period to acquire the eating habits continued later in adulthood. Therefore, evaluation of child nutrition in kindergartens is especially important in the prevention of future obesity. Objectives. To determine the energy value and energy density of meals consumed by children in kindergartens in Niš (Serbia), including the different types of food, in respect to a probable risk of obesity. Material and methods. The study had been conducted in the years 1998-2012. Three-hundred samples of the meals were gathered and analysed, and the amount of selected food groups used to prepare the meals in kindergartens was calculated (weight, protein, fat and carbohydrate content) in the accredited laboratory of the Public Health Institute in Niš according to the ISO 17025 recommendation. Results. The mean energy value of meals was 978.9 kcal (range: 810 – 1144 kcal). The energy density was low (mean: 1.02 kcal/g, range: 0.92 – 1.42 kcal/g) and decreased over the years, what would imply a reduction in the risk of obesity. The intake of same high-energy food products, such as fats and oils as well as sweets (13,9% and 7,3%, respectively) was higher compared to low-energy foods (fruits – 5.2% and vegetables – 10.8%). Conclusions. The results of our study indicate that children in kindergarten in Niš, in general, were properly nourished in total energy content. The energy value and energy density of the meals consumed did not pose a risk of developing obesity. However, the distribution of food groups differentiated by the energy density level was unfavourable; the deficit of low-energy foods was observed. Planning the child nutrition in kindergartens, with laboratory control of meals, may be an effective strategy in adequate energy intake and prevention of obesity. Providing the higher amount of low-energy foods (fruits and vegetables) in meals in kindergartens is recommended.
Authors and Affiliations
K. Lazarevic, D. Stojanovic
Keywords
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