Dietary intakes at child-care centers in central Texas fail to meet Food Guide Pyramid recommendations.
The purpose of this study was to compare the dietary intakes of children who attend child-care centers with the recommendations of the Food Guide Pyramid for Young Children. Three-day dietary records were obtained for 50 children ages 3 to 5 years old who attended nine child-care centers in central Texas. Dietary intakes during child care were measured by a researcher, and dietary intakes at home were recorded by a parent. During child care, the 3-year-old children consumed sufficient fruits and meat/alternates, but not sufficient grains, vegetables, or dairy to meet two thirds of Food Guide Pyramid for Young Children recommendations. The 4- and 5-year-old children only consumed sufficient dairy. Ninety-one percent (20 of 22) of the 3-year-old children met two thirds of their estimated energy requirements during child care, compared with 5% (1 of 20) of 4-year-old children and 25% (2 of 8) of 5-year-old children. Intakes at home did not compensate for lack of grain and vegetable consumption during child care.
Padget
Alison
A
Nutritional Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA. alison_padget@hotmail.com
Briley
Margaret E
ME
D002656:Child Day Care Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003611:Dairy Products; D004032:Diet / Q000592:standards*; D015930:Diet Records; D004034:Diet Surveys; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002523:Edible Grain; D002149:Energy Intake / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D009753:Nutritive Value; D013781:Texas; D014675:Vegetables
D004044:Dietary Proteins