Estimated energy intake, macronutrient intake and meal pattern of Flemish adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the energy and macronutrient intake and the meal patterns of Flemish adolescents, aged 13-18 y.


METHODS
A 7 day estimated food record was administered to the whole sample.


METHODS
Secondary schools in the city of Ghent, Belgium.


METHODS
A total of 341 adolescents (13-18 y) selected by a multistage clustered sampling (participation: 72.7%).


RESULTS
A significant increase with age was observed in total energy intake in adolescent boys (P<0.01), but not in girls. The energy distribution over the macronutrients showed no significant difference between boys and girls. On average, 35.7% (s.d. 4.81%) of energy came from total fat and 15.4% (s.d. 2.46%) from saturated fatty acids; 49.0% (s.d. 5.28%) from total carbohydrates with 25.1% (s.d. 4.49%) from complex carbohydrates and 23.9% (s.d. 5.86%) from free sugars. The energy contribution of alcohol in the 16-18 y-old-group was significantly higher as compared with the 13-15 y-old-group, for both boys and girls. Snacks between meals accounted for almost 20% of the total energy intake. Lunch and dinner were characterized by high total fat content.


CONCLUSIONS
These students consumed a diet high in total fat and in saturated fatty acids and also high in mono- and disaccharides. Observed mean intakes deviate considerably from the Belgian dietary guidelines. A low energy intake at breakfast was observed, while a higher proportion of energy was derived from snacks.
Matthys
C
C
Department of Public Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium. christophe.matthys@rug.ac.be
De Henauw
S
S
Devos
C
C
De Backer
G
G
D000293:Adolescent; D017677:Age Distribution; D001481:Basal Metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D001530:Belgium; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015930:Diet Records; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002149:Energy Intake / Q000502:physiology*; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017678:Sex Distribution
D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004041:Dietary Fats; D004044:Dietary Proteins