Comparison of nutrients and food intakes of young children according to lunch places: based on the fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey / 한국영양학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study examined whether there was a difference in the nutrients and food intake of young children depending on their lunch places. METHODS: The dietary survey data of the fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010 ~ 2012) were used. The children were grouped into either a child care center lunch group (n = 728) or home lunch group (n = 592) and their nutrients and food intakes were compared. RESULTS: No differences in the 24-hr energy intake and energy intakes from lunch and dinner according to the lunch places were observed. The percentage of breakfast energy was lower in the child care center lunch group, whereas the percentage of snack energy was higher. In children aged 3 ~ 5 years, the sodium, potassium, and vitamin C intakes were high in the child care center lunch group. The 1 ~ 2 years and 3 ~ 5 year old children's vegetable intake from lunch was significantly higher in the child care center lunch group than in the home lunch group. Children aged 3 ~ 5 years in the child care center lunch group consumed more beans and fish at lunch. The adequacy of nutrients and food diversity of child care center lunch appear better than home lunch. CONCLUSION: Parents and care providers need to make efforts to use diverse foods, such as vegetables and fish, in children's meals to provide balanced diets and promote healthy eating behaviors to their children.