Potential risk factors for children in the family diet

Introduction. It has been proven that high-energy diet with predominance of saturated fatty acids, cholesterol, animal proteins and sugar increases disease incidence. The aim of this study was to determine the potential risk factors of family diet of schoolchildren in Subotica. Material and methods. Evaluation of energy and nutrient intake in family diet (n=357 families with schoolchildren) was examined by a Food Consumption Questionnaire during 7 days in February-March 1998. Data were elaboreted using a software 'NUTQ'. The potential nutritive risk factors were determined according to Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) index of dietary adequacy, as well as Population Nutrition Goals. Results. Mean energy intake was 2197 kcal, where proteins made 14.64%, fats 41.39% and carbohydrates 43.97%. Mean intake of dietary saturated fatty acids (S) was 11.17%, of polyunsaturated fatty acids (P) 14.39%, of monounsaturated fatty acids 15.82%, dietary cholesterol 82.68g/1000 kcal, dietary fiber 10.67g daily, while the P/S ratio was 1.28. Analytical questionnare of schoolchildren family diet shows that daily about 7.5% of children take in more than 30% of fats, 7% of them over 300 mg of dietary cholesterol, 65% of them over 10% of refined sugars, 50% of them over 10% of saturated fatty acids and all of them more than 6 g of NaCl and less than 20 g of dietary fiber a day. Discussion. According to WHO recommendations, the average daily energy intake values are appropriate for boys, but exceeding for girls aged ten. Domination of meat, meat products, fats, oils, sugars, as well as mean intake of total fats, saturated fatty acids, potassium and sodium, represent potential nutritive risk factors for developing cardiovasular diseases, which are at the first place of morbidity and the second cause of mortality. In regard to our data from 1998, which have shown that among schoolchildren (n=478) 10.04% boys and 11.47% girls were obese, 8.55% boys and 6.42% girls were overweight, 9.15% had hypercholesterolemia, 14.83% had hypertrigliceridemia and 17.28% had elevated level of LDL-cholesterol, we have to admit that preventive actions regarding healthy nutrition pol­icy is necessary in our society. Conclusion. Nutritional risk factors in diet of average children in Subotica demand prompt preventive actions in order to prevent nutrition disorders.