The “5 a day” game: a nutritional intervention utilising innovative methodologies with primary school children

Abstract

The aim of this study was observing and improving children’s eating habits through an edutainment technological platform. A single-group education intervention was carried out in primary schools in Parma and Milano, Italy. A total of 76 children (32 females and 44 males, 8–10 years old) were involved in a 3-month nutritional program including lessons and educational videogames. Intakes of fruits, vegetables, juices and dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured using 3-day food diaries before and after the intervention. The daily total consumption of fruit and vegetables increased from 421.8 (320.3) to 484.3 (337.2) g/day (p = 0.016). Consequently, daily dietary TAC increased by 26%, rising from 1.4 (1.3) to 1.6 (1.3) mmol of Trolox equivalents (p = 0.006). The methods and, particularly, the use of technological tools proved to be effective in conducting an educational intervention in children aged 8–10 years old.

• Edutainment
• fruit and vegetables
• nutrition education
• TAC

Declaration of interest

The authors declare no competing interests. Funding was partially provided in the context of the PIPS (Personalised Information Platform for Life and Health Services) project, EU Sixth Framework Programme Priority IST 2.3.1.11 – eHEALTH, contract number 507019.