ABSTRACT
This study has been conducted to provide realistic information about the nutritional status of primary school children in Egypt. A sample of 3000 school children was selected from Cairo, Sharkia [representing Lower Egypt] and Qena [representing Upper Egypt]. Anthropometric measurements were done to assess the nutritional status. The results showed that 6.6% of the total sample were underweight, overweight was detected among 4.1%. Stunting represented 14.5% of the sample. Dietary history using 24-hour recall method was applied to calculate their nutrient intake. The results showed that mineral intake was greatly affected. The percent of mean intake as% of standard was 56.9% for vitamin A and 51.4 for iron. As regard other nutrient consumption, this percentage was 63.2% for zinc, 37.4% for selenium and 36.6% for iodine among school children. Only vitamin C was consumed in appropriate amounts. Therefore, it was recommended to develop an intervention program in the form of nutrition education and a proper school feeding program for supplementation to reduce this micronutrient deficiency among school children. This will improve the growth, work performance, learning ability and intellectual development for this important group