title: Food Consumption and Nutrient Intake by Children Aged 10 to 48 Months Attending Day Care in The Netherlands.
abstract: The diet of young children is an important determinant of long-term health effects, such as overweight and obesity. We analyzed two-day food consumption records from 1526 young children (10-48 months old) attending 199 daycare centers across The Netherlands. Data were observed and recorded in diaries by caregivers at the day nursery and by parents at home on days that the children attended the daycare center. According to national and European reference values, the children had an adequate nutrient intake with exception of low intakes of total fat, n-3 fatty acids from fish and possibly iron. Intakes of energy and protein were substantially higher than recommended and part of the population exceeded the tolerable upper intake levels for sodium, zinc and retinol. Consumption of fruit, fats, fish, and fluids was substantially less than recommended. The children used mostly (semi-)skimmed milk products and non-refined bread and cereals, as recommended. Two thirds of the consumed beverages, however, contained sugar and contributed substantially to energy intake. In young children, low intakes of n-3 fatty acids and iron are a potential matter of concern, as are the high intakes of energy, protein, sugared beverages, and milk, since these may increase the risk of becoming overweight.
authors.affiliation: Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research TNO, Schipholweg 77-89, Leiden 2316 ZL, The Netherlands. ra.goldbohm@ziggo.nl.
authors.forename: R Alexandra
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Goldbohm
authors.affiliation: Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research TNO, Utrechtseweg 48, Zeist 3700 AJ, The Netherlands. carina.dejong@tno.nl.
authors.forename: Carina M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Rubingh
authors.affiliation: Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research TNO, Schipholweg 77-89, Leiden 2316 ZL, The Netherlands. caren.lanting@tno.nl.
authors.forename: Caren I
authors.initials: CI
authors.lastname: Lanting
authors.affiliation: Erasmus University Medical Centre, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, Dr. Molewaterplein 60, Rotterdam 3015 GJ, The Netherlands. k.joosten@erasmusmc.nl.
authors.forename: Koen F M
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: Joosten
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D002656:Child Day Care Centers; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004032:Diet / Q000009:adverse effects; D015930:Diet Records; D000072001:Diet, Healthy; D002149:Energy Intake; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D018730:Infant Behavior; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands; D009752:Nutritional Status; D009753:Nutritive Value; D063766:Pediatric Obesity / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D064167:Recommended Dietary Allowances; D012307:Risk Factors
keywords: childcare; dietary habits; nutrition; young children