title: Energy and nutritional value of the meals in kindergartens in Nis (Serbia).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  It is well known that high-energy diet, rich in fat and carbohydrates, increases the risk of obesity. Preschool age is an important period to acquire the eating habits continued later in adulthood. Therefore, evaluation of child nutrition in kindergartens is especially important in the prevention of future obesity.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine the energy value and energy density of meals consumed by children in kindergartens in Nis (Serbia), including the different types of food, in respect to a probable risk of obesity.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study had been conducted in the years 1998-2012. Three-hundred samples of the meals were gathered and analysed, and the amount of selected food groups used to prepare the meals in kindergartens was calculated (weight, protein, fat and carbohydrate content) in the accredited laboratory of the Public Health Institute in Nis according to the ISO 17025 recommendation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean energy value of meals was 978.9 kcal (range: 810 - 1144 kcal). The energy density was low (mean: 1.02 kcal/g, range: 0.92 - 1.42 kcal/g) and decreased over the years, what would imply a reduction in the risk of obesity. The intake of same high-energy food products, such as fats and oils as well as sweets (13.9% and 7.3%, respectively) was higher compared to low-energy foods (fruits - 5.2% and vegetables - 10.8%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of our study indicate that children in kindergarten in Nis, in general, were properly nourished in total energy content. The energy value and energy density of the meals consumed did not pose a risk of developing obesity. However, the distribution of food groups differentiated by the energy density level was unfavourable; the deficit of low-energy foods was observed. Planning the child nutrition in kindergartens, with laboratory control of meals, may be an effective strategy in adequate energy intake and prevention of obesity. Providing the higher amount of low-energy foods (fruits and vegetables) in meals in kindergartens is recommended.
authors.forename: Konstansa
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lazarevic
authors.forename: Dusica
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Stojanovic
authors.forename: Dragan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bogdanović
mesh_terms: D002664:Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D005504:Food Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D062407:Meals; D009753:Nutritive Value; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control; D012574:Schools; D055771:Serbia