FOOD INTAKE in children 1-5 years of age in Bulgaria
Journal Title: Българско списание за обществено здраве (Bulgarian Journal of Public Health) - Year 2010, Vol 0, Issue 4
Abstract
Nationally representative study of food intake in children aged 1-5 years is prerequisite for assessment of nutritional status, identification of developmental risk factors and elaboration of food and nutrition policy. Studies conducted up to now on children in this age group revealed imbalanced nutrition and have indicated the necessity of improving young child feeding practices. Aim: To explore the food intake in children aged 1 to 5 years in Bulgaria as a component of a large-scale study on nutrition. Methods: A cross-sectional and retrospective study of nutrition and nutritional status of healthy children aged 1 to 5 years has been conducted at the national level over the period from April to October 2007. The sample of 2127 children is representative for Bulgaria and includes 1059 female and 1068 male children. Data were obtained by active interview with the mother. The dietary intake of children was examined by 24-h dietary recall method, applied for 2 non-consecutive days – 1 working and 1 day off of the week. The quantity of the food consumed was determined by means of photo-album comprising photographs in three dimensions of basic foods/beverages as well as kitchen measures. The processing of quantities of consumed foods and beverages was performed by special computer software program, containing database of Bulgarian and imported foods and beverages available at market, as well as database of commonly adopted recipes of Bulgarian cooked dishes and meals, specific for all age population groups. The computer program also includes yield factors to adjust for weight changes and retention factors for nutrient losses or gains during culinary technological processing. The statistical processing of data was performed by SPSS version 15.0 software. Results: The consumption of food products among children aged 1-2 years was consistent with the recommendations for healthy nutrition with the exception of the early introduction of low fat milk. Milk with reduced fat content consumed 35.5 % of children aged 1 year. The intake of milk and dairy products, fish and whole grains was insufficient in children aged 3-4 years. Frequent and significant intake of soft beverages containing sugar was found among 34.3% of children aged 1 to 5 years. Conclusion: Data about food intake in children aged 1- 5 years revealed unfavorable aspects of the feeding pattern in this age group and the need to promote improvements in the diet of children in order to achieve a sustainable effect not only during childhood but also later in life.
Authors and Affiliations
Stefka Petrova, Lalka Rangelova, Veselka Duleva, Dora Ovcharova
Keywords
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