The contribution of ready-to-eat cereals to daily nutrient intake and breakfast quality in a Mediterranean setting.
OBJECTIVE
To examine if and how ready-to-eat cereals (RTEC) contribute to the quality of the diet of children, adolescents and young adults in a Mediterranean setting.


METHODS
A random sample of 3534 subjects aged 2 to 24 years in Spain was studied. Food and nutrient intakes were determined by a 24 hour recall. RTEC consumption was assessed by a quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Additional questions on socioeconomic level and nutritional knowledge were administered. Cereal consumption was classified into non-consumers and daily intakes between 1 and 20g, 21 and 40g, and more than 40g. After excluding the underreporters the final sample consisted of 2852 individuals.


RESULTS
About half of the population (49.8%) reported eating RTEC. Macronutrient profile improved with increasing cereal consumption. Intakes of thiamine, riboflavin and vitamin B6 increased significantly with increasing consumption of RTEC in all age-sex groups, whereas niacin and folate intake improved in almost all groups and calcium, iron and vitamin D in at least half of the groups. Except for magnesium, vitamin B12 and vitamin E in males, consumption of RTEC was significantly associated with increased coverage of the daily nutrient requirements for all micronutrients studied. Higher levels of RTEC consumption was associated with a greater consumption of dairy products, and related to better breakfast quality.


CONCLUSIONS
Level of RTEC consumption is associated with a better nutritional profile in the diets of Spanish children, adolescents and young adults and a lower risk for inadequate micronutrient intakes. RTEC consumers have better quality breakfasts, in terms of both food choices as well as energy and nutrient content.
van den Boom
Anneke
A
Community Nutrition Research Centre, University of Barcelona Science Park, Barcelona, Spain.
Serra-Majem
Lluís
L
Ribas
Lourdes
L
Ngo
Joy
J
Pérez-Rodrigo
Carmen
C
Aranceta
Javier
J
Fletcher
Reginald
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004032:Diet; D015930:Diet Records; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002523:Edible Grain; D004522:Educational Status; D002149:Energy Intake; D005511:Food Handling; D006801:Humans; D019083:Mediterranean Region; D018977:Micronutrients / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013030:Spain; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004041:Dietary Fats; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D018977:Micronutrients