Chemical assessment of lead, cadmium, nitrate, and nitrite intakes with daily diets of children and adolescents from orphanages in Krakow, Poland.

The aim of this study has been to measure the level of lead, cadmium, nitrates, and nitrites in the daily diets of children and adolescents from orphanages located in Krakow (Poland). Diets were collected over four seasons of 2009. The content of cadmium and lead was measured with flameless atomic absorption spectrometry. Nitrates and nitrites in diets were measured using the Griess colorimetric method. In all orphanages, the average intake of lead with daily diets, regardless of the season, ranged from 1.11 ± 0.15 to 22.59 ± 0.07 µg/kg bw/week. The average cadmium intake by children and adolescents ranged between 3.09 ± 0.21 and 20.36 ± 2.21 µg/kg bw/week and, for all orphanages, exceeded the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) level. Daily intake of nitrates and nitrites ranged respectively from 27 to 289 % and from 9 to 99 % of the acceptable daily intake (ADI). The youngest children, with lower body mass, were particularly sensitive to the excessive intakes of cadmium and nitrates.

Intake of Vitamin C, ß-Carotene, and Polyphenolic Compounds by Children and Adolescents from Orphanages.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was analytical assessment of the concentration of selected antioxidants as well as total antioxidant capacity of daily diets of children and adolescents from orphanages in Krakow (Poland). METHODS: Daily diets of children and adolescents were collected in 4 seasons of the year from 7 orphanages located in Krakow. The concentrations of vitamin C, ß-carotene, polyphenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity were measured. RESULTS: The lowest content of vitamin C in diets of children and adolescents was measured in diets collected in autumn. The estimated average requirement (EAR) was in the range 49.0%-76.4%. In winter the content of this compound was significantly higher in daily diets (113.9%-192.0% coverage of EAR) compared to the level of this nutrient in daily diets from other seasons. The content of ß-carotene, lower than 50% of EAR value, calculated as the vitamin A equivalent, has been demonstrated in 4 orphanages in summer and in one in spring and autumn. The highest mean content of this antioxidant in daily diets was found in winter, when ß-carotene intake met recommendations in the range 131%-368%. The mean concentration of polyphenolic compounds per year was in the range 301.5-537.5 mg/person/day. It has been observed that diets during the winter and autumn generally provide higher amounts of polyphenols than in other seasons. The highest antioxidant activity was measured in diets collected during the winter season. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the diets of children and adolescents should contain more fresh vegetables and fruits, which are good source of natural antioxidants.

Assessment of nutritional habits and preferences of children and adolescents brought up in Krakow's orphanages.

BACKGROUND: Proper nutrition can not only guarantee harmonious child's development, but can also protect against later development of diet-related diseases such as type-2 diabetes, obesity or cardiovascular diseases. Many diseases as well as disorders of intellectual development of a young people may result from the mistakes made in a period of an intense growth and maturing of a child. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess nutritional habits and preferences in subjects brought up in orphanages in terms of subjective evaluation of eating patterns, frequency of the meal consumption, and a concern about healthy life style. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study has been conducted to evaluate nutritional habits and preferences of 181 children aged 9-20, from orphanages in Krakow. Study was performed in 2007-2008 in 5 orphanages, which were under the control of Social Welfare Centre. Evaluation of nutritional habits and preferences was performed on the basis of an anonymous 8-question questionnaire adjusted to the respondent's age, which referred, among other, to questions about subjective assessment of eating patterns, frequency of meal consumption and the concern about healthy lifestyle patterns. RESULTS: About 75% of the examined population responded affirmatively to a question about subjective assessment of proper eating patterns; 80% female and 88% male respondents declared a regular consumption of meals. Daily diets of children in orphanages consisted usually from 5 or 4 meals (respectively 38 and 33% of affirmative responses); although, 5 meals were most often eaten by the youngest children. Furthermore, it has been revealed that milk and dairy products were consumed, on average, by 66% of respondents. On average, 76% of respondents reported everyday consumption of the lean meat, while 72% ate fish at least once per week. CONCLUSIONS: Results obtained in this study, identify the improper nutritional habits and indicate the necessity of intervention, consisting on training courses and workshops for children, adolescents and their teachers.

Chemical analysis of minerals content in daily diets of children and adolescents grown up in Krakow orphanages.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies attest to the role that inappropriate food product groups in the human diet, including children and adolescents diet, leading to abnormal intakes of many important nutrients, such as minerals. OBJECTIVES: These studies were undertaken to assess the coverage of the recommended values for chosen minerals by 205 children and adolescents between the ages of 4 and 20 years, grown up in Krakow orphanages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sodium, magnesium, zinc, iron, copper, calcium and potassium concentrations in 112 diets of children and adolescents from 7 selected orphanages in Krakow in every season of the year were performed using AAS method. Results obtained were compared to recommended standards in Poland. RESULTS: Intakes of calcium and potassium were usually too low whilst adequate levels of dietary magnesium and calcium were seen only for the youngest children. Recommended dietary levels of zinc were met in all cases and mostly also for iron and copper. Sodium intakes were however excessive. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates that regular a monitoring and adjusting of the diet is necessary for the assessed children and adolescents in order to correct dietary abnormalities.

Assessment of the frequency of snack and beverages consumption and stimulants intake in children grown up in orphanages in Krakow.

BACKGROUND: Childhood is a particular period of life, when nutritional habits are emerging, so much attention should be paid to proper dietary habits, which become a nutritional pattern copied in the future. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate selected dietary habits and preferences in a group of children living in Krakow orphanages (supervising by the Social Welfare Centre in Krakow), by assessing the frequency of snacks and beverages consumptions as well as an intake of beverages with caffeine, alcohol and smoking cigarettes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Studies were performed in the years 2007-2008 in five orphanages located in Krakow. 181 children, 9 to 20 yrs of age, participated in this study. Assessment of dietary habits and preferences was performed based on anonymous questionnaire which included questions about snacking frequency, favorite and most frequently drank beverages without or with caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes smoking. RESULTS: The analysis of nutritional habits showed that the most popular high-calorie snacks were eaten by the youngest children. Children and adolescents asked for the most commonly consumed beverages indicated on fizzy drinks and fruits juice. Among the youngest children (9-12 years old), 5% reported drinking alcohol, 10% of boys smoked cigarettes, 10% of girls and 21% of boys drank coffee. Among the oldest respondents, about 35% declared drinking coffee, 39% girls and 65% boys declared smoking cigarettes, whereas drinking alcohol reported 22 and 38% subjects, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Results obtained in this study, indicate the necessity of intervention, consisting on running training courses and workshops of the assessed population, i.e. children, adolescents and instructing their educators.

Anthropometric assessment of the nutritional status of children and adolescents residing in selected Polish orphanages based on their energy intake and physical activity level.

BACKGROUND: Actions to the prevention of overweight and obesity should be first addressed to the youngest population and their parents, guardians as well as teachers. The major objectives of prevention and treatment of overweight and obesity programme should be focused on modification of nutritional habits and promotion of physical activity. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status, intake of energy and macronutrients as well as the physical activity of students from orphanages in Krakow. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Study was performed in 5 orphanages located in Krakow (Poland), which were under control of Social Welfare Centre in Krakow. The study involved 153 students, 67 girls and 86 boys, aged from 7 to 20 years. Nutritional status was assessed by anthropometric measurements. The protein and total fat content in diets was measured by chemical analyses and carbohydrates were calculated by difference. Physical activity level of children and adolescents was assessed by questionnaire. RESULTS: Over 80% of boys and about 90% of girls had a normal body mass. Students have spent their free time on additional physical activity from 1h 34 min/day to 5 h 12 min/day. They also have spent their free time on sedentary activities on average 4 h/day. Daily diets of students did not met recommendations for energy, carbohydrates and fats. Intake of protein was too high and exceeded the estimated average requirement even over three times. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the insufficient intake of fat and carbohydrates, students generally showed a proper BMI value. This suggests that excess intake of protein was used for maturation process and was additional source of energy. Reported additional physical activity was satisfactory.