[Contribution of processed foods to the energy, macronutrient and fiber intakes of Mexican children aged 1 to 4 years].
OBJECTIVE
To classify the foods consumed by Mexican children 1-4 years in three food categories according to the preparation process and temporality: a) Processed Modern Foods (PMF), b) Processed Traditional Foods (PTF) and c) Non-Processed Foods.


METHODS
Twenty-four-hour dietary recalls were collected from the National Nutrition Survey 1999 in children 1-4 years (n =1070). The contribution of each food category to the total energy, macronutrient and fiber intakes was analyzed.


RESULTS
The contribution of PMF and PTF was as follows, respectively: Energy: 17%, 31%; total protein: 14%, 25%; non-animal protein: 10%, 10%; animal protein: 17%, 34%; carbohydrates: 18%, 26%; fiber: 4%, 5%; total fat 15%, 41%; saturated fat 16%, 52%; and cholesterol 7%, 7%.


CONCLUSIONS
The contribution of PF to the diets of Mexican children accounts for >39% of energy, total protein, animal protein, carbohydrates and fat. The authors recommend the participation of food industry to prevent malnutrition in children.
González-Castell
Dinorah
D
Centro de Investigación en Nutrición y Salud, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México.
González-Cossío
Teresa
T
Barquera
Simón
S
Rivera
Juan A
JA
D002675:Child, Preschool; D015930:Diet Records; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004041:Dietary Fats; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D004044:Dietary Proteins; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D005511:Food Handling; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000517:prevention & control; D008800:Mexico
D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004041:Dietary Fats; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D004044:Dietary Proteins