Micronutrient intakes of pre-adolescent children living in London

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to report on the micronutrient intakes of a sample of pre-adolescent children from a range of socio-economic backgrounds. Eighty-five children aged 7–10 years completed 7-day weighed food diaries, which were used to assess habitual intake of selected micronutrients. Intakes were then compared with the current Department of Health reference values and the findings of the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey for young people. These children failed to meet the reference values set by the Department of Health for zinc (73% of sample) and potassium (68% of sample), and intakes of calcium, potassium, vitamin B₁₂, vitamin D and folate were lower than the findings of the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey. Among this sample, dietary changes are required to ensure that children follow a well-balanced diet for optimum health and development.

Keywords::

• Children
• micronutrients
• dietary guidelines

Acknowledgement

The authors thank all of the children and their parents for generously volunteering to participate in the study and the schools for their contribution. Also Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare for their financial assistance.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Notes