The variety of food items consumed by different child populations in South Africa

Data on numbers of food items (using a 24‐hour recall) consumed by interracial groups of schoolchildren is given. 666 Black, 322 Coloured. 328 Indian and 285 White pupils aged 8 to 17 years were studied. White pupils ate three times more food items than rural Black, and twice as many as urban Black pupils; urban Blacks ate more than rural Blacks. These differences were significant. Coloured and Indian pupils had intermediate consumption patterns eating significantly fewer items than White pupils.

Judging by their growth curves, the food consumed by pupils was adequate for satisfactory growth. Children consuming far fewer items of food were not prejudiced in health or growth attained at puberty than those consuming far greater varieties. It was concluded that the variety of food items eaten by White pupils was unnecessary when considering high health risks associated with affluent dietaries.

Key words:

• variety
• food items
• school pupils
• eating patterns
• frequency of food consumption
• South Africa
• urban/rural diets
• ethnic dietary differences
• Transvaal