Imbalanced Food Group and Nutrient Intakes by Elementary School Children in an Affluent U.S. Community

Objective: To assess in an affluent community the food group and nutrient intake of elementary school-aged children and compare it with their school menus. Theory, PriorResearch,Rationale:Adequate nutrient status in childhood is critical for optimum health; however, communities with limited access to nutrient-dense foods struggle to provide children with adequate nutrients. The question arose whether access-rich communities struggle with similar problems. Study Design, Setting, Participants, and Intervention: After informing students and parents about the study, Block Kids Food Screeners and blood vitamin D kits were sent to interested parents from public elementary schools in Corvallis, Oregon. Outcome,Measures andAnalysis: Food group and nutrient intakes were calculated from the Block Kids Food Screeners provided by 175 children and from school menus and compared to dietary guidelines. Vitamin D concentrations were quantified from 71 children. Age groups were compared using generalized linear models procedures. Results: Most children reported a diet insufficient in fiber, essential fatty acids, potassium, and vitamin E and excessive in saturated fatty acids and sodium. Similar imbalances were observed in school meals, although school meals offered on average more nutrient-dense foods and beverages. The 9 to 11 year-old children consumed fewer dairy products and more potato and simple-carbohydrate foods and beverages than the 5 to 8 year-old children, contributing to lower blood vitamin D concentrations and fewer older children meeting dietary recommendations for calcium, fiber, linolenic acid, and phosphorus. Conclusions and Implications: Our data indicate opportunities to improve dietary and nutrient intakes in elementary school children through school cafeteria and nutrition programs. Funding: USANA Health Sciences, Inc.