EVALUATION OF NUTRITION MANNER AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN

Background. The aim of the study was to evaluate the nutritional status and nutrition manner of children attending preschools located in Szczecin. Material and methods. The study was carried out in autumn 2008. The survey covered 105 children at the age 4-6 years. Information on home food intake was collected by parents, on the same days, the authors noted the kind and quantity of food eaten by the child in the preschool. Results. The results revealed that the nutritional status of more than half of the children was appropriate; however, one out of five children exhibited overweight or obesity. The analysed menus revealed that most nutrients were oversupplied in relation to the requirements. The intake of total protein, animal proteins, copper, as well as vitamins A, B-2, and B-6, exceeded the recommended levels more than twice. Other B-group vitamins, vitamin C, phosphorus, magnesium, and sodium were supplied in a considerable surplus too. On the other hand, more than a half of the children received diets with insufficient amounts of calcium, potassium, iron and cholesterol. Conclusions. The dietary shortcomings we found may have a negative impact on the physical and mental development of the children and may increase a risk of diseases in their future adult life.