Dietary intakes of children aged between 1–3 years attending a childcare centre in Dublin

  • Walsh M
  • O'Neill J
  • O'Dea J
  • et al.
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Abstract

The period between the ages 1-3 years is one of rapid growth and appropriate dietary intake is therefore required to provide the nutrients to support optimum growth and development(1). The aim of this study was to calculate the nutrient intakes of 40 healthy pre-school children aged 1-3 years and assess whether they met the recommended intakes for energy and key nutrients(2-5). This was done by identifying individuals meeting the recommended targets(2-5) to allow for individual feedback to be generated. Parents/guardians provided written consent for their child to take part in the study. Food and beverage intake was recorded by parents/guardians/staff as appropriate, using a 3-day food diary. Questionnaires were also administered to parents/guardians to provide health, lifestyle and attitudinal information. Dietary intake data was analysed using Dietplan 6 (Forestfield Software Ltd, UK)(6). (Table presented) Although the majority of parents (84%) reported that their child had a healthy diet, a large proportion of toddlers did not meet their recommended intake for energy or key macro- or micronutrients(2-5). This study indicates a lack of understanding about healthy eating and the specific nutritional requirements of children aged 1-3 years.

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APA

Walsh, M. C., O’Neill, J. L., O’Dea, J., Gibney, E. R., Regan, A., & Shannon, E. (2012). Dietary intakes of children aged between 1–3 years attending a childcare centre in Dublin. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 71(OCE2). https://doi.org/10.1017/s0029665112001322

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